Wisconsin Contractor License Courses, Classes & Exam Prep

A license is a must-have to practice as a contractor in the state of Wisconsin. You may already have lofty dreams of great projects in the works, but that needs to come to a halt until you have the certification and licensure required to practice.

While some states offer an all-encompassing general contracting license, Wisconsin breaks it down more specifically. It requires budding professionals to seek tailored licensure relevant to the unique fields in which they intend to work. There will be different fee structures, required education, examinations, and licenses for different focus areas.

Today, we’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty details of obtaining a contractor's license in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, so you’ll know what to expect at every turn.

The Benefits of Having a Contractor's License in Wisconsin

While having a contracting license to work on construction projects in Wisconsin is the law of the land, there are also many benefits that can put you ahead of the competitors. Here are a few:

Credibility

An active license adds immense value to the validity of your business. When you have a license, it is a signal to prospective customers that you take your craft seriously and have gone through the required steps to make it happen. Licensing can help build trust with clients. Additionally, having valid licensure shows that you have proper insurance and protections in place that can put to bed any anxieties a client may have about the safety of a project.

Education

As we will discuss more in-depth, licensing proves that you have attained a certain level of education in your field and passed relevant examinations. It is a great way to build client confidence in your abilities, but the educational requirement also allows you to refresh your skills and industry knowledge! The better you know the ins and outs of your work, the more satisfied your customer base will be.

Higher Earning Potential

A bonus of the licensing requirement in Wisconsin? You can bid on higher-level projects, and people will be willing to pay your higher rates. When customers can trust that their construction company is certified and highly skilled, they will be happy to pay a higher price for that higher level of expertise. Over time, your earning potential will skyrocket. You’ll have greater freedom and financial flexibility to engage in projects you believe in and make the most of your time.

At Contractor Training Center, we believe that everyone should have access to knowledge and support that can empower them to achieve their career goals. We offer application assistance so that you can go through the process confidently with a dedicated license specialist. 

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When you’re ready to get started, here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to get your contracting license in Wisconsin.

Step 1: Decide What Type Of License Your Business Needs 

There is a myriad of licenses that you can obtain for different types of construction projects. For the sake of this article, we're going to focus on one- and two-family dwellings.

Dwelling Contractors License

The standard Dwelling Contractor’s License in Wisconsin is as close to a General Contractor’s license as you can get in the state. It allows your business to work on one- and two-family dwelling projects of any size and cost, without limitations. Because of the freedom this licensure allows, you will need to show proof of insurance and have a bond of at least $25,000.

Dwelling Contractors Restricted License

This restricted version of a Dwelling Contractor’s License gives businesses the ability to work on smaller-scale projects that come in at or under $25,000. Because of the limitations, there is no general liability insurance requirement for this type of licensure, and businesses must secure a bond somewhere between $5,000 and $25,000.

Dwelling Contractors Qualifiers License 

No matter which route you go for your business license, an individual from your business will need to obtain a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License. This licensure goes to an individual for completion of the necessary education and examinations. You'll need to obtain it for your business to qualify for a license!

Which Exam Should You Take? 

While these licenses are different, there is not one that is innately better than the other. It would be best if you made the calculation based on the goals of your business and the scale of projects you hope to land.

Step 2: Complete 12-Hour Qualifier Course

To get your Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License, you will need to take an initial 12-hour course. This course teaches the necessary information about building standards and safety, local laws and regulations, best practices, and more. Here is a list of qualified courses.

Upon completion of the course, you will successfully earn your certificate. This certificate is a required component of your licensure application, so you must study and prepare!

Besides the initial 12-hour course, you will need to seek continued education in future years to ensure the continued validity of your license. The state of Wisconsin requires that you engage in 12 hours of continued education curriculum every two years. Many of the qualified course providers for the initial 12-hour course also offer continued education opportunities. 

The educational side is crucial for maintaining good standing for your business, so be sure that the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier maintains certification through continued education.

Step 3: Complete Your License Application

To successfully apply for a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor’s license for your business, you’ll need to compile all the required components of the application. While it can feel like a lot of moving parts, don’t stress! Contractor Training Center has services to walk you through the process from start to finish. 

The business representative who applies must be the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier who completed the 12-hour course. Here is a rundown of the items you will need to submit with your application.

Completed Application Form and Fee

The breakdown of the fee is a $15.00 application fee and a $25.00 credential fee.

Worker's Compensation Insurance

You will have to sign guaranteeing that your company has secured the correct level of worker’s comp insurance.

Unemployment Compensation Insurance

Similarly, you will have to sign guaranteeing that your company has secured the correct level of unemployment comp insurance.

Proof of Financial Responsibility

You'll need to furnish evidence that you have acquired either 1) a bond of at least $25,000 or 2) liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence of harm.

Step 4: Submit The Application

You can submit applications through this online platform or mail paper applications to: 

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 

4822 Madison Yards Way

Madison, WI 53705