WISCONSIN UTILITY CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM – 80+ COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES BASED ON WISCONSIN DSPS REQUIREMENTS
Core Domains
1. Licensing, Statutes, and Administrative Code
2. Examination Administration and Permitted References
3. Utility Contractor Scope and Professional Responsibilities
4. Excavation Safety and Trenching (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)
5. One-Call System and Underground Utility Location (Wis. Stat. § 182.0175)
6. Utility Installation Methods, Materials, and Testing
7. Environmental Compliance, Erosion Control, and Site Restoration
8. Project Management, Contract Documents, and Quality Assurance
Introduction
The Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Examination is designed to prepare candidates for the
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Utility Contractor license examination.
This comprehensive assessment evaluates knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 145, Wisconsin
Administrative Code Chapters SPS 302, SPS 305, and SPS 381–387, as well as OSHA excavation
standards and the Wisconsin one-call system requirements. The exam is an open-book, multiple-choice
and true/false assessment requiring a 70% passing score. Core knowledge areas include state-specific
plumbing codes, installation and repair practices for utility lines, trench safety, cross-connection control,
and regulatory compliance. This practice exam ensures candidates are prepared to demonstrate the
professional competence required to plan, superintend, and practically install water service piping,
sanitary building sewers, storm building sewers, and private interceptor main sewers in compliance with
all Wisconsin regulatory requirements.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–85
1. Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.97, how may a person obtain a license as a utility contractor in
Wisconsin?
A. By completing a registered apprenticeship only
B. By taking and passing the utility contractor license examination
C. By submitting a resume of experience to the Department
D. By holding a valid master plumber's license from any state
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Under Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.97(1), a person may obtain a license as a utility
contractor by taking and passing the utility contractor license examination. This is the primary pathway
to licensure, demonstrating the necessary knowledge and competency to perform utility contracting
work.
2. Who is the ultimate authority for issuing a Utility Contractor license in Wisconsin?
A. The local municipal building inspector
B. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
C. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
D. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
,🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: DSPS is the governing authority responsible for issuing Utility Contractor licenses in
Wisconsin. DSPS administers the licensing examination, processes applications, and enforces
regulations through the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Per Wis. Stat. § 145.07(10), the Department
shall issue a Utility Contractor license to qualified individuals.
3. Which Wisconsin statutes and administrative codes establish the legal framework for utility
contractor licensing?
A. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 101 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
B. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
C. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 201 and Administrative Code Chapter DNR 500
D. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 401 and Administrative Code Chapter COMM 20
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
establish the legal framework for utility contractor licensing, responsibilities, and enforcement in
Wisconsin. SPS 305 specifically addresses utility contractor qualifications, examination, and renewal
requirements.
4. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for the Utility Contractor examination?
A. 16 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 25 years old
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305.97(3) explicitly requires applicants to be at
least 18 years old to apply for the utility contractor license examination. This is a foundational
qualification for all candidates seeking licensure.
5. How many hours of Continuing Education (CE) are required to renew a Utility Contractor license
in Wisconsin?
A. 0 hours (no CE required)
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 12 hours
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin requires 6 hours of Continuing Education to renew a Utility Contractor
license. This ensures licensees stay current with code updates and industry practices.
6. What is the minimum passing score for the Wisconsin Utility Contractor exam?
A. 60%
B. 70%
, C. 75%
D. 80%
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The DSPS mandates a minimum score of 70% to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of
state codes and technical standards. The exam is open-book, multiple-choice and true/false.
7. Under Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 302, what are fees primarily related to?
A. Licensing renewal
B. Safety and professional services
C. Building permits
D. Property taxes
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: SPS 302 specifically establishes the fee schedule for services provided by the
Department of Safety and Professional Services, including licenses and plan reviews.
8. According to Wisconsin SPS 305, what must a Utility Contractor obtain before legally operating?
A. A municipal business license only
B. A certificate of insurance only
C. A license, certification, or registration from DSPS
D. An OSHA 30-hour card
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: SPS 305 governs the credentialing process, requiring individuals to hold the proper
DSPS-issued license to perform regulated utility contracting work.
9. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 primarily addresses regulations related to what?
A. Electrical wiring
B. General plumbing and wells
C. Building structural codes
D. Road construction
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Chapter 145 is the state statute that provides the legal framework for plumbing,
including well construction and pump installation, enforced by DSPS.
10. What does Wis. Stat. § 145.06 generally require before a person may engage in or work at
plumbing in Wisconsin?
A. A local building permit only
B. A department-issued license unless an exception applies
C. A federal contractor registration only
D. A one-call ticket only
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES BASED ON WISCONSIN DSPS REQUIREMENTS
Core Domains
1. Licensing, Statutes, and Administrative Code
2. Examination Administration and Permitted References
3. Utility Contractor Scope and Professional Responsibilities
4. Excavation Safety and Trenching (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)
5. One-Call System and Underground Utility Location (Wis. Stat. § 182.0175)
6. Utility Installation Methods, Materials, and Testing
7. Environmental Compliance, Erosion Control, and Site Restoration
8. Project Management, Contract Documents, and Quality Assurance
Introduction
The Wisconsin Utility Contractor Practice Examination is designed to prepare candidates for the
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Utility Contractor license examination.
This comprehensive assessment evaluates knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 145, Wisconsin
Administrative Code Chapters SPS 302, SPS 305, and SPS 381–387, as well as OSHA excavation
standards and the Wisconsin one-call system requirements. The exam is an open-book, multiple-choice
and true/false assessment requiring a 70% passing score. Core knowledge areas include state-specific
plumbing codes, installation and repair practices for utility lines, trench safety, cross-connection control,
and regulatory compliance. This practice exam ensures candidates are prepared to demonstrate the
professional competence required to plan, superintend, and practically install water service piping,
sanitary building sewers, storm building sewers, and private interceptor main sewers in compliance with
all Wisconsin regulatory requirements.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–85
1. Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.97, how may a person obtain a license as a utility contractor in
Wisconsin?
A. By completing a registered apprenticeship only
B. By taking and passing the utility contractor license examination
C. By submitting a resume of experience to the Department
D. By holding a valid master plumber's license from any state
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Under Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.97(1), a person may obtain a license as a utility
contractor by taking and passing the utility contractor license examination. This is the primary pathway
to licensure, demonstrating the necessary knowledge and competency to perform utility contracting
work.
2. Who is the ultimate authority for issuing a Utility Contractor license in Wisconsin?
A. The local municipal building inspector
B. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
C. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
D. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
,🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: DSPS is the governing authority responsible for issuing Utility Contractor licenses in
Wisconsin. DSPS administers the licensing examination, processes applications, and enforces
regulations through the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Per Wis. Stat. § 145.07(10), the Department
shall issue a Utility Contractor license to qualified individuals.
3. Which Wisconsin statutes and administrative codes establish the legal framework for utility
contractor licensing?
A. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 101 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
B. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
C. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 201 and Administrative Code Chapter DNR 500
D. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 401 and Administrative Code Chapter COMM 20
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
establish the legal framework for utility contractor licensing, responsibilities, and enforcement in
Wisconsin. SPS 305 specifically addresses utility contractor qualifications, examination, and renewal
requirements.
4. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for the Utility Contractor examination?
A. 16 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 25 years old
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305.97(3) explicitly requires applicants to be at
least 18 years old to apply for the utility contractor license examination. This is a foundational
qualification for all candidates seeking licensure.
5. How many hours of Continuing Education (CE) are required to renew a Utility Contractor license
in Wisconsin?
A. 0 hours (no CE required)
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 12 hours
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Wisconsin requires 6 hours of Continuing Education to renew a Utility Contractor
license. This ensures licensees stay current with code updates and industry practices.
6. What is the minimum passing score for the Wisconsin Utility Contractor exam?
A. 60%
B. 70%
, C. 75%
D. 80%
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The DSPS mandates a minimum score of 70% to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of
state codes and technical standards. The exam is open-book, multiple-choice and true/false.
7. Under Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 302, what are fees primarily related to?
A. Licensing renewal
B. Safety and professional services
C. Building permits
D. Property taxes
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: SPS 302 specifically establishes the fee schedule for services provided by the
Department of Safety and Professional Services, including licenses and plan reviews.
8. According to Wisconsin SPS 305, what must a Utility Contractor obtain before legally operating?
A. A municipal business license only
B. A certificate of insurance only
C. A license, certification, or registration from DSPS
D. An OSHA 30-hour card
🟢 Correct Answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: SPS 305 governs the credentialing process, requiring individuals to hold the proper
DSPS-issued license to perform regulated utility contracting work.
9. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 145 primarily addresses regulations related to what?
A. Electrical wiring
B. General plumbing and wells
C. Building structural codes
D. Road construction
🟢 Correct Answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Chapter 145 is the state statute that provides the legal framework for plumbing,
including well construction and pump installation, enforced by DSPS.
10. What does Wis. Stat. § 145.06 generally require before a person may engage in or work at
plumbing in Wisconsin?
A. A local building permit only
B. A department-issued license unless an exception applies
C. A federal contractor registration only
D. A one-call ticket only
