WISCONSIN UTILITY CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 | COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE & PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES |
LICENSE EXAM PREPARATION RESOURCE
• This 200-question practice exam mirrors the Wisconsin Utility Contractor License
Exam format, featuring bolded questions, bolded correct answers, and detailed
EXPERT RATIONALE to reinforce understanding of every tested concept.
• Study each question carefully, review the EXPERT RATIONALE even when you
answer correctly, and revisit any topic area where you miss two or more questions
in a row.
1. Under Wisconsin law, which agency primarily regulates utility contractor
licensing?
A. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture
B. Wisconsin Department of Revenue
C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
D. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
E. Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Correct Answer: C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
(DSPS)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The DSPS is the primary state agency responsible for issuing
and regulating utility contractor licenses in Wisconsin, overseeing examinations,
renewals, and disciplinary actions.
2. A utility contractor license in Wisconsin must be renewed every:
A. Six months
B. One year
,C. Two years
D. Three years
E. Five years
Correct Answer: C. Two years
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin utility contractor licenses are issued on a two-year
cycle. Contractors must complete any required continuing education and submit
renewal fees before the expiration date to maintain active status.
3. Which of the following best describes the scope of work covered under a
Wisconsin utility contractor license?
A. Only residential plumbing repairs
B. Installation and maintenance of electrical panels only
C. Installation, repair, and maintenance of underground utility systems including
water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications
D. Above-ground electrical work exclusively
E. HVAC installation and repair only
Correct Answer: C. Installation, repair, and maintenance of underground
utility systems including water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications
EXPERT RATIONALE: A utility contractor license in Wisconsin authorizes work on
underground utility infrastructure, which includes water mains, sanitary sewer,
storm sewer, gas lines, and telecommunications conduit systems.
4. Before beginning any excavation work in Wisconsin, a contractor is
required to contact Digger's Hotline at least:
A. 12 hours in advance
B. 24 hours in advance
,C. 3 business days in advance
D. 5 business days in advance
E. 7 calendar days in advance
Correct Answer: C. 3 business days in advance
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin law requires notification to Digger's Hotline (811) at
least three business days before excavation begins. This allows all underground
utility owners to locate and mark their facilities, protecting workers and
infrastructure.
5. The Wisconsin One-Call law that governs excavation notification is found in:
A. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305
B. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 182.0175
C. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 101.65
D. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 110
E. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 285
Correct Answer: B. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 182.0175
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin Statutes § 182.0175 establishes the Digger's
Hotline notification requirements and penalties for failure to comply before
excavation near underground utilities.
6. A utility contractor who fails to notify Digger's Hotline before excavation
may face:
A. A verbal warning only
B. License suspension only
C. Civil forfeiture, liability for damages, and potential license disciplinary action
D. Mandatory retraining with no financial penalty
, E. Criminal misdemeanor charges automatically
Correct Answer: C. Civil forfeiture, liability for damages, and potential license
disciplinary action
EXPERT RATIONALE: Violations of the one-call notification law expose contractors
to civil forfeitures, full liability for any utility damage caused, and DSPS disciplinary
proceedings that may affect licensure.
7. Which soil classification under OSHA standards is considered the most
stable for trenching operations?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Type D
E. Type E
Correct Answer: A. Class A
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA classifies soils from most to least stable as Type A, B,
and C. Type A is cohesive, undisturbed soil with an unconfined compressive
strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater, making it the safest for trenching.
8. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, a protective system is required
for any trench deeper than:
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 6 feet
E. 8 feet
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 | COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE & PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES |
LICENSE EXAM PREPARATION RESOURCE
• This 200-question practice exam mirrors the Wisconsin Utility Contractor License
Exam format, featuring bolded questions, bolded correct answers, and detailed
EXPERT RATIONALE to reinforce understanding of every tested concept.
• Study each question carefully, review the EXPERT RATIONALE even when you
answer correctly, and revisit any topic area where you miss two or more questions
in a row.
1. Under Wisconsin law, which agency primarily regulates utility contractor
licensing?
A. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture
B. Wisconsin Department of Revenue
C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
D. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
E. Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Correct Answer: C. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
(DSPS)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The DSPS is the primary state agency responsible for issuing
and regulating utility contractor licenses in Wisconsin, overseeing examinations,
renewals, and disciplinary actions.
2. A utility contractor license in Wisconsin must be renewed every:
A. Six months
B. One year
,C. Two years
D. Three years
E. Five years
Correct Answer: C. Two years
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin utility contractor licenses are issued on a two-year
cycle. Contractors must complete any required continuing education and submit
renewal fees before the expiration date to maintain active status.
3. Which of the following best describes the scope of work covered under a
Wisconsin utility contractor license?
A. Only residential plumbing repairs
B. Installation and maintenance of electrical panels only
C. Installation, repair, and maintenance of underground utility systems including
water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications
D. Above-ground electrical work exclusively
E. HVAC installation and repair only
Correct Answer: C. Installation, repair, and maintenance of underground
utility systems including water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications
EXPERT RATIONALE: A utility contractor license in Wisconsin authorizes work on
underground utility infrastructure, which includes water mains, sanitary sewer,
storm sewer, gas lines, and telecommunications conduit systems.
4. Before beginning any excavation work in Wisconsin, a contractor is
required to contact Digger's Hotline at least:
A. 12 hours in advance
B. 24 hours in advance
,C. 3 business days in advance
D. 5 business days in advance
E. 7 calendar days in advance
Correct Answer: C. 3 business days in advance
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin law requires notification to Digger's Hotline (811) at
least three business days before excavation begins. This allows all underground
utility owners to locate and mark their facilities, protecting workers and
infrastructure.
5. The Wisconsin One-Call law that governs excavation notification is found in:
A. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305
B. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 182.0175
C. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 101.65
D. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 110
E. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 285
Correct Answer: B. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 182.0175
EXPERT RATIONALE: Wisconsin Statutes § 182.0175 establishes the Digger's
Hotline notification requirements and penalties for failure to comply before
excavation near underground utilities.
6. A utility contractor who fails to notify Digger's Hotline before excavation
may face:
A. A verbal warning only
B. License suspension only
C. Civil forfeiture, liability for damages, and potential license disciplinary action
D. Mandatory retraining with no financial penalty
, E. Criminal misdemeanor charges automatically
Correct Answer: C. Civil forfeiture, liability for damages, and potential license
disciplinary action
EXPERT RATIONALE: Violations of the one-call notification law expose contractors
to civil forfeitures, full liability for any utility damage caused, and DSPS disciplinary
proceedings that may affect licensure.
7. Which soil classification under OSHA standards is considered the most
stable for trenching operations?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Type D
E. Type E
Correct Answer: A. Class A
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA classifies soils from most to least stable as Type A, B,
and C. Type A is cohesive, undisturbed soil with an unconfined compressive
strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater, making it the safest for trenching.
8. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, a protective system is required
for any trench deeper than:
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 6 feet
E. 8 feet
