Wisconsin Utility Contractor
Practice Exam
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
2026/2027 Academic Year
150 Practice Questions
Comprehensive Review Examination
DSPS Regulations & Licensing Excavation & Trenching Safety
Wisconsin Administrative Code OSHA Standards Compliance
Underground Utility Systems Soil Classification & Rock Excavation
Water & Sewer Main Installation Dewatering & Groundwater Control
Pipe Materials & Joints Confined Space Entry Procedures
Trenchless Technology (HDD) Manholes, Tunnels & Pipelines
Backfilling & Compaction Erosion & Stormwater BMPs
Site Restoration & Paving Traffic Control & MUTCD
PPE & Fall Protection Equipment Safety & Operations
Hoisting, Rigging & Load Charts Permits, Bonds & Insurance
Contract Documents & Specs Blueprint Reading & Surveying
Testing & Disinfection Inspection & Quality Assurance
,Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
Q1: Under Wisconsin Administrative Code, which entity is responsible for administering the utility
contractor licensing program?
A. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
B. Wisconsin Department of Transportation
C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services [CORRECT]
D. Wisconsin Public Service Commission
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is the statutory
authority responsible for administering utility contractor licensing under Wis. Admin. Code.
Q2: A utility crew is excavating a trench 8 feet deep in Type B soil. Which protective system must be used?
A. Sloping at 1:1 ratio is sufficient
B. Benching alone meets OSHA requirements
C. Shoring, shielding, or sloping per OSHA 1926.652 is required [CORRECT]
D. No protective system is needed if work will last less than 4 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.652 requires excavations 5 feet or deeper in Type B soil to have a protective
system such as shoring, shielding, or adequate sloping.
Q3: A soil sample from a trench in southeastern Wisconsin has a plasticity index of 8, an unconfined
compressive strength of 1,200 psf, and is classified as a silty sand. Which OSHA soil type does this most
closely match?
A. Type A
B. Type B [CORRECT]
C. Type C
D. Rock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches Type B soil classification because the unconfined compressive strength falls between 0.5 and
1.5 tsf and the plasticity index is consistent with cohesive soils of moderate stability.
Q4: Which pipe material is most commonly used for municipal water main distribution lines in Wisconsin
due to its durability and resistance to internal pressure?
A. PVC
B. HDPE
C. Ductile iron [CORRECT]
D. Copper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because ductile iron pipe is the predominant material for municipal water main distribution due to
its high tensile strength, impact resistance, and proven long-term performance under high internal pressures.
Q5: A utility crew is setting up a work zone on a two-lane urban street with a posted speed of 35 mph.
According to the MUTCD, what is the minimum advance warning sign distance required?
A. 100 feet
B. 200 feet
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,Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
C. 350 feet [CORRECT]
D. 500 feet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the MUTCD Table 6C-1 specifies a minimum advance warning distance of 350 feet for 35
mph speed zones on urban streets.
Q6: According to OSHA 1926.650, what is the minimum width required for a means of egress from a trench
excavation?
A. 18 inches
B. 24 inches [CORRECT]
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.650(b)(3) requires that a means of egress from trench excavations be at least
24 inches wide.
Q7: A worker must enter a manhole to perform a sewer connection inspection. The atmospheric monitor
reads 19.5% oxygen. What action is required before entry?
A. Proceed with entry; oxygen level is acceptable [CORRECT]
B. Ventilate the space until oxygen reaches 20.9% and retest
C. Provide supplemental oxygen to the worker
D. Allow entry with a half-face respirator only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1910.146 defines acceptable atmospheric oxygen levels as 19.5% to 23.5%, and a
reading of 19.5% falls within the permissible range for safe entry.
Q8: A project specifies fusible PVC pipe for a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) water main installation.
Which joint method is most appropriate for this pipe material and installation technique?
A. Gasketed push-on joints
B. Mechanical joint with retainer glands
C. Thermal butt fusion [CORRECT]
D. Flanged connections with bolts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because thermal butt fusion creates a monolithic, leak-free joint capable of withstanding the
pulling forces and bending stresses encountered during HDD installation of fusible PVC pipe.
Q9: Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter 145 primarily addresses which of the following?
A. Electrical licensing requirements
B. Uniform plumbing code adoption
C. Utility contractor registration and bond requirements [CORRECT]
D. Commercial building energy standards
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Chapter 145 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code establishes the registration, bonding,
and insurance requirements for utility contractors performing public work in Wisconsin.
Page 3
, Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
Q10: A new 12-inch ductile iron water main has been installed. The project specifications require hydrostatic
testing at 150 psi for 2 hours. During the test, the pressure drops from 150 psi to 142 psi. What does this
indicate?
A. The test passes; less than 5 psi drop per hour is acceptable
B. The test fails; any pressure drop indicates a leak [CORRECT]
C. The test passes; up to 10 psi total drop is permitted under AWWA standards
D. The test is inconclusive; the duration must be extended to 4 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because AWWA C600 and standard water main testing protocols typically require that the test
pressure hold without measurable loss; an 8 psi drop over 2 hours indicates a leak that must be located and repaired
before retesting.
Q11: Which type of personal protective equipment is required for all workers within the right-of-way of an
active utility construction site in Wisconsin?
A. Hard hat, safety vest, and steel-toed boots [CORRECT]
B. Full-face respirator and chemical suit
C. Welding helmet and leather gloves
D. Hearing protection and safety glasses only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.100 and 1926.28 require head protection, high-visibility safety vests, and
protective footwear for all workers on active construction sites within the right-of-way.
Q12: A municipality needs to install a 10-inch sewer force main beneath a four-lane state highway and a creek
crossing without open-cut excavation. Which trenchless method is most appropriate?
A. Pipe bursting
B. Horizontal directional drilling [CORRECT]
C. Auger boring
D. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the preferred method for installing new pipe
beneath major obstacles such as highways and waterways, providing precise steering control and minimal surface
disruption.
Q13: An excavation 14 feet deep in Type A soil is being shored with hydraulic aluminum shores. The
manufacturer data shows a maximum spacing of 8 feet for this depth and soil type. The contractor installs the
shores at 10-foot spacing to save time. What is the result?
A. Acceptable if the excavation is backfilled within 8 hours
B. Acceptable if a competent person inspects and approves the spacing
C. Violation of OSHA 1926.652; shores must follow manufacturer tabulated data [CORRECT]
D. Acceptable because Type A soil has higher stability and allows wider spacing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.652(d)(3) requires that protective systems be installed and used in strict
accordance with the manufacturer tabulated data, and exceeding the maximum spacing constitutes a violation.
Q14: What is the primary purpose of placing bedding material beneath a newly installed sewer pipe?
Page 4
Practice Exam
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
2026/2027 Academic Year
150 Practice Questions
Comprehensive Review Examination
DSPS Regulations & Licensing Excavation & Trenching Safety
Wisconsin Administrative Code OSHA Standards Compliance
Underground Utility Systems Soil Classification & Rock Excavation
Water & Sewer Main Installation Dewatering & Groundwater Control
Pipe Materials & Joints Confined Space Entry Procedures
Trenchless Technology (HDD) Manholes, Tunnels & Pipelines
Backfilling & Compaction Erosion & Stormwater BMPs
Site Restoration & Paving Traffic Control & MUTCD
PPE & Fall Protection Equipment Safety & Operations
Hoisting, Rigging & Load Charts Permits, Bonds & Insurance
Contract Documents & Specs Blueprint Reading & Surveying
Testing & Disinfection Inspection & Quality Assurance
,Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
Q1: Under Wisconsin Administrative Code, which entity is responsible for administering the utility
contractor licensing program?
A. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
B. Wisconsin Department of Transportation
C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services [CORRECT]
D. Wisconsin Public Service Commission
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is the statutory
authority responsible for administering utility contractor licensing under Wis. Admin. Code.
Q2: A utility crew is excavating a trench 8 feet deep in Type B soil. Which protective system must be used?
A. Sloping at 1:1 ratio is sufficient
B. Benching alone meets OSHA requirements
C. Shoring, shielding, or sloping per OSHA 1926.652 is required [CORRECT]
D. No protective system is needed if work will last less than 4 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.652 requires excavations 5 feet or deeper in Type B soil to have a protective
system such as shoring, shielding, or adequate sloping.
Q3: A soil sample from a trench in southeastern Wisconsin has a plasticity index of 8, an unconfined
compressive strength of 1,200 psf, and is classified as a silty sand. Which OSHA soil type does this most
closely match?
A. Type A
B. Type B [CORRECT]
C. Type C
D. Rock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches Type B soil classification because the unconfined compressive strength falls between 0.5 and
1.5 tsf and the plasticity index is consistent with cohesive soils of moderate stability.
Q4: Which pipe material is most commonly used for municipal water main distribution lines in Wisconsin
due to its durability and resistance to internal pressure?
A. PVC
B. HDPE
C. Ductile iron [CORRECT]
D. Copper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because ductile iron pipe is the predominant material for municipal water main distribution due to
its high tensile strength, impact resistance, and proven long-term performance under high internal pressures.
Q5: A utility crew is setting up a work zone on a two-lane urban street with a posted speed of 35 mph.
According to the MUTCD, what is the minimum advance warning sign distance required?
A. 100 feet
B. 200 feet
Page 2
,Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
C. 350 feet [CORRECT]
D. 500 feet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the MUTCD Table 6C-1 specifies a minimum advance warning distance of 350 feet for 35
mph speed zones on urban streets.
Q6: According to OSHA 1926.650, what is the minimum width required for a means of egress from a trench
excavation?
A. 18 inches
B. 24 inches [CORRECT]
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.650(b)(3) requires that a means of egress from trench excavations be at least
24 inches wide.
Q7: A worker must enter a manhole to perform a sewer connection inspection. The atmospheric monitor
reads 19.5% oxygen. What action is required before entry?
A. Proceed with entry; oxygen level is acceptable [CORRECT]
B. Ventilate the space until oxygen reaches 20.9% and retest
C. Provide supplemental oxygen to the worker
D. Allow entry with a half-face respirator only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1910.146 defines acceptable atmospheric oxygen levels as 19.5% to 23.5%, and a
reading of 19.5% falls within the permissible range for safe entry.
Q8: A project specifies fusible PVC pipe for a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) water main installation.
Which joint method is most appropriate for this pipe material and installation technique?
A. Gasketed push-on joints
B. Mechanical joint with retainer glands
C. Thermal butt fusion [CORRECT]
D. Flanged connections with bolts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because thermal butt fusion creates a monolithic, leak-free joint capable of withstanding the
pulling forces and bending stresses encountered during HDD installation of fusible PVC pipe.
Q9: Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter 145 primarily addresses which of the following?
A. Electrical licensing requirements
B. Uniform plumbing code adoption
C. Utility contractor registration and bond requirements [CORRECT]
D. Commercial building energy standards
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Chapter 145 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code establishes the registration, bonding,
and insurance requirements for utility contractors performing public work in Wisconsin.
Page 3
, Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Exam DSPS Review
Q10: A new 12-inch ductile iron water main has been installed. The project specifications require hydrostatic
testing at 150 psi for 2 hours. During the test, the pressure drops from 150 psi to 142 psi. What does this
indicate?
A. The test passes; less than 5 psi drop per hour is acceptable
B. The test fails; any pressure drop indicates a leak [CORRECT]
C. The test passes; up to 10 psi total drop is permitted under AWWA standards
D. The test is inconclusive; the duration must be extended to 4 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because AWWA C600 and standard water main testing protocols typically require that the test
pressure hold without measurable loss; an 8 psi drop over 2 hours indicates a leak that must be located and repaired
before retesting.
Q11: Which type of personal protective equipment is required for all workers within the right-of-way of an
active utility construction site in Wisconsin?
A. Hard hat, safety vest, and steel-toed boots [CORRECT]
B. Full-face respirator and chemical suit
C. Welding helmet and leather gloves
D. Hearing protection and safety glasses only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.100 and 1926.28 require head protection, high-visibility safety vests, and
protective footwear for all workers on active construction sites within the right-of-way.
Q12: A municipality needs to install a 10-inch sewer force main beneath a four-lane state highway and a creek
crossing without open-cut excavation. Which trenchless method is most appropriate?
A. Pipe bursting
B. Horizontal directional drilling [CORRECT]
C. Auger boring
D. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the preferred method for installing new pipe
beneath major obstacles such as highways and waterways, providing precise steering control and minimal surface
disruption.
Q13: An excavation 14 feet deep in Type A soil is being shored with hydraulic aluminum shores. The
manufacturer data shows a maximum spacing of 8 feet for this depth and soil type. The contractor installs the
shores at 10-foot spacing to save time. What is the result?
A. Acceptable if the excavation is backfilled within 8 hours
B. Acceptable if a competent person inspects and approves the spacing
C. Violation of OSHA 1926.652; shores must follow manufacturer tabulated data [CORRECT]
D. Acceptable because Type A soil has higher stability and allows wider spacing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because OSHA 1926.652(d)(3) requires that protective systems be installed and used in strict
accordance with the manufacturer tabulated data, and exceeding the maximum spacing constitutes a violation.
Q14: What is the primary purpose of placing bedding material beneath a newly installed sewer pipe?
Page 4
