Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Wisconsin
Contractor, WI
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Wisconsin
What Are the Requirements of a Wisconsin Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Wisconsin Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Wisconsin?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wisconsin employs 4,880 managers and 19,280 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Wisconsin, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is more than double the national number at 17%, and 17% for managers too. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
The state of Wisconsin establishes minimum standards for the qualifications and responsibilities of people and businesses in specific professions to protect public and employee health, safety, and welfare.
Wisconsin requires residential general contractors to obtain two types of professional licenses in order to obtain a building permit for one- and two-family dwellings. Contractors must have a Dwelling Contractor certification, and the contractor, or an employee, needs to hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license.
The state does not require licenses for commercial general contractors who are not performing work on one- to two-family homes or do not need to pull a building permit, according to the Wisconsin Builders Association.
Those performing commercial construction work on commercial, industrial, and other public buildings 25,000 cubic feet or larger must follow a plan review process with the Division of Industry Services. Contractors also must follow the process for any size of school, high-hazard occupancy, and a residential building of three units or larger.
In addition, many cities in Wisconsin require additional licensing for construction businesses. You’ll need to check with the localities where you plan to work to obtain the necessary licenses.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees the state’s contractor license requirements.
To get a contractor license in Wisconsin, you need to have a Social Security number and your business needs a Federal Employer Identification Number.
For a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, you or an employee will need to complete 12 hours in an approved training course. The course educates contractors on the state’s construction laws, Uniform Dwelling Code, and best construction business practices.
Contracting businesses also must meet several insurance and financial requirements. This includes:
Workers’ compensation insurance
Unemployment compensation
A bond or liability insurance
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, contractors who seek building permits for one- and two-family dwellings must have a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor certification as well as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, either for themselves or an employee. This licensure allows them to legally perform residential contracting work that requires a building permit in any jurisdiction in the state. The state offers three licenses:
Dwelling Contractor certification
Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification: For contractors who use a bond of less than $25,000. The estimated cost of completion of the work they perform must be under the bond amount.
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is you need to be licensed in Wisconsin to perform any residential construction or remodeling that requires a building permit. Here’s how you go about getting licensed.
Dwelling Contractor or Dwelling Contractor Restricted certifications
APPLY FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSE: The Department accepts license applications through the state’s online, self-guided LicensE platform. It provides this document for Dwelling Contractor license information. It also provides a user guide showing step-by-step how to apply for a license.
APPOINT BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE: The applicant must be the contracting business owner, a partner in the business partnership, or a chairman of the board or chief executive officer applying on behalf of the corporation.
PAY FEES: Fees are calculated online when the applicant submits the application. State administrative code lists a $15 application fee and $25 credential fee for the certifications.
MEET INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: When submitting the application, the applicant attests the business is in compliance with state workers’ compensation insurance requirements. The state requires workers’ compensation insurance for businesses with one or more full- or part-time employees who receive combined gross wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter, or for businesses with three or more full- or part-time employees. The applicant also attests the business is in compliance with unemployment compensation requirements.
PROVIDE PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Dwelling Contractor applicants must submit one proof of financial responsibility, either in the form of a bond or liability insurance. If the contractor chooses to upload a copy of a surety bond, it must be a minimum of $25,000 and conditioned upon the business complying with all applicable provisions of the one- and two-family dwelling code and any ordinance enacted under state statute, and as indemnity for any loss sustained by any person.
If showing proof of liability insurance, the business must show a policy of at least $250,000 per occurrence due to bodily injury or death of others, or because of damage to the property of others.
Those applying for a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification upload a copy of a bond less than $25,000 but at least $5,000, conditioned upon the business complying with all applicable provisions of the one- and two-family dwelling code and any ordinance under state statute, and as indemnity for any loss sustained by any person because of any violation by the business of that dwelling code or ordinance.
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification
To get a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, follow these steps.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: The Department accepts applications online through the state’s online, self-guided LicensE platform. It provides this document for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier application information. It also provides a user guide showing step-by-step how to apply for a license.
PAY FEES: Fees are calculated online when the applicant submits the application. State administrative code lists a $15 application fee and $30 credential fee.
SHOW PROOF OF EDUCATION: Applicants must complete a minimum of 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction within one year of applying for the certification. The approved courses include in-person and online course options.
Getting a residential or specialty license
Wisconsin licenses residential builders who need to obtain a building permit and other professions, but does not provide specialty licenses for contractors or subcontractors within the construction field. Other state-regulated professional services in the trades include HVAC contractors, electricians, and plumbers.
Some cities in Wisconsin may require professionals in the trades to obtain licensing. For instance, in Milwaukee, home improvement, electrical, plumbing, and concrete contractors must be licensed by the city, and follow any state licensing requirements, to perform work.
For more information, you can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Wisconsin.
What Are the Requirements of a Wisconsin Contractor License?
The requirements for licensure as a contractor in California are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. To that end there are experience, business, and financial prerequisites.
You must have a Social Security number, or for a business, a Federal Employer Identification number.
You must be the contracting business owner, a partner in the business partnership, or a chairman of the board or chief executive officer applying on behalf of the corporation.
For a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, you need to complete 12 hours in an approved initial training course.
Apply for a contractor license.
Pay application and license fees.
Meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
Meet unemployment compensation requirements.
Submit proof of financial responsibility. For the Dwelling Contractor certification, you’ll need to submit proof of a $25,000 bond minimum or liability insurance. For a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification, you’ll need to submit proof of a $5,000 bond minimum.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Applicants are notified of license approval or denial within 21 days of submitting their online application. It will take a little longer to get a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, because you’ll need to complete a 12-hour educational course before applying.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Getting a Dwelling Contractor certification in Wisconsin costs a total of $40. The application fee costs $15, and the license fee is $25.
To get a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification, the total cost is $45. The application fee costs $15 and the license fee is $30. For this certification, you’ll also need to pay for a 12-hour initial training course. The cost varies by course provider, but generally costs about $100.
Some cities in Wisconsin may require contracting businesses to obtain additional licenses, which may come with additional costs.
Wisconsin Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While there aren’t any specific educational requirements to get a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor certification, the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification requires applicants to take an initial training course and complete continuing education.
If you’re looking for additional training, many programs throughout the state can help you prepare for a career in construction.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Badger State that offer these types of programs.
The following schools offer a Construction Management or Construction Engineering Bachelor of Science degree.
There are also many colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System throughout the state that offer certificates, technical diplomas, and Associate degrees in the areas of construction and the trades.
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Find registered apprenticeships in the construction field through Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Wisconsin Apprenticeship program.
Other resources for finding Wisconsin apprenticeships in the skilled trades include:
Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade. For a construction craft laborer, an apprenticeship accumulating 4,000 hours of on-the-job time and 400 hours of instruction time takes about three years, according to the Wisconsin DWD.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Does Wisconsin Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
No, Wisconsin does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for dwelling contractor licenses. This means you’ll need to apply for the appropriate state and local licenses before you begin work as a contractor in the state.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Wisconsin?
Yes, all contractor licenses require renewal in Wisconsin. The renewal timeframe and fee depends on the type of license. For a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license, you also need to complete 12 hours in an approved continuing education course before renewal.
Dwelling Contractor certification: Expires one year from date of issuance. Renewal fee: $25.
Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification: Expires one year from date of issuance. Renewal fee: $25.
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification: Expires two years from date of issuance. Renewal fee: $30. The renewal also requires 12 hours of continuing education, detailed below.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Wisconsin?
If you are not a licensed contractor, you cannot pull building permits for one- to two-family dwellings in Wisconsin. The Department of Safety and Professional Services may deny, suspend, or revoke a license for many reasons, including if license holders fail to meet certification qualifications or obtain a license through fraud or deceit, according to state law. The penalties for license violations are assessed depending on the certification or activity involved.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
Wisconsin requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years for those renewing their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certification.
According to state law, continuing education may be obtained through the following means, if it meets the state’s standards:
Attending in-person or remote seminars, corporate in-house courses, workshops, or professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences.
Teaching a continuing education program, with credit only for the initial offering or presentation.
Interactive short courses or tutorials through the Internet, CDs, or correspondence courses.
Attending technical or professional society meetings, for a maximum of six hours per renewal cycle.
State law sets out specific standards and subjects for continuing education. Continuing education topics may include:
Construction laws and codes
Residential construction safety
Business management, estimating, and job costing
Project management
Design and building science
Specific work, such as excavation, carpentry, and concrete
Accounting and finance
Mold, lead, asbestos, or other hazardous-material mitigation
Energy codes and conservation methods applicable to residences
Contractors will also want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards, and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option to stay in the know is through continuing education courses with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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