One exam, 50 questions
You need 70%. Wisconsin does not publish how many questions come from each area, so the counts below are our blueprint: weighted by NEC chapter, with a share for the Wisconsin rules (SPS 316 and SPS 305) you may bring into the exam.
Master Electrician exam
50 scored · 240 min- General Knowledge and Definitions3
- Services and Feeders6
- Branch Circuits and Load Calculations8
- Grounding and Bonding5
- Overcurrent Protection3
- Conductors3
- Wiring Methods, Raceways, and Boxes5
- Equipment for General Use3
- Motors, Controls, and Transformers5
- Special Occupancies3
- Special Equipment and Systems3
- Wisconsin Electrical Code (SPS 316)2
- Wisconsin Credential Rules (SPS 305)1
On the 2023 NEC since October 1, 2026
Wisconsin exams tested the 2017 NEC until October 1, 2026. Study material written for older editions numbers these rules differently. Every question here is grounded in the 2023 NEC as Wisconsin adopts it.
| Topic | 2020 NEC | 2023 NEC |
|---|---|---|
| Non-dwelling general lighting unit loads220.42 | Table 220.12 | Table 220.42(A) |
| Lighting load demand factors220.45 | Table 220.42 | Table 220.45 |
| Non-dwelling receptacle demand factors220.47 | Table 220.44 | Table 220.47 |
| EV charging load in a load calculation220.57 | No rule | 7,200 VA or the nameplate, whichever is larger |
| Class 1 remote-control and signaling circuitsArticles 722, 724 | Article 725 | Article 724 (general rules in Article 722) |
What's Included
Every plan gets the same full-access study library.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Wisconsin Master Electrician exam structured?+
One exam of 50 questions in 4 hours, open book, and you need 70%. That is almost five minutes a question, so expect fewer, harder items than the journeyman exam. DSPS does not publish a content outline; our practice exams follow our own blueprint, weighted toward load calculations, services and motors.
Which code edition is the exam on?+
The 2023 NEC, as Wisconsin adopts it in SPS 316. The new code took effect September 1, 2026, and DSPS exam questions reflect it from October 1, 2026. Before that the exams tested the 2017 NEC, so older study material numbers many rules differently.
Is it open book? What can I bring?+
Yes. You may bring one binder holding SPS 305, SPS 316 and your own printed notes; the 2023 NEC or the NEC Handbook; and up to two bound reference books such as Ugly's, Ferm's, Tom Henry or Mike Holt. Practice or previous exams are not allowed as notes, and tabs are allowed only if they came with the book.
Who gives the exam, and what does it cost?+
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). You apply through LicensE, then test at a DSPS paper-exam site or a Pearson VUE computer-based center in Wisconsin. The fees are $95 to Pearson and $30 to DSPS. You need 70% to pass.
How often do I renew?+
Wisconsin electrician licenses run four-year terms and expire June 30. Journeyman and master electricians need 24 hours of continuing education each term.
What do I need before I can sit the exam?+
Either a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, or 60 months and 10,000 hours of electrical experience.
Ready to pass your exam?
Practice the full exam on the current code, with every calculation worked out.
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