Wisconsin Professional Engineer Licensing Law

Wisconsin Code · 24 sections

The following is the full text of Wisconsin’s professional engineer licensing law statutes as published in the Wisconsin Code. For the official version, see the Wisconsin Legislature.

Wis. Stat. 145.01

145.01 Definitions. In this chapter: (1) Automatic fire sprinkler contractor. “Automatic fire sprinkler contractor” means any individual, firm or corporation who has paid the annual license fee and obtained a license to conduct a business in the design, installation, maintenance or repair of automatic fire sprinkler systems. (2) Automatic fire sprinkler system. “Automatic fire sprinkler system”, for fire protection purposes, means an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply, such as a gravity tank, fire pump, reservoir or pressure tank or connection beginning at the supply side of an approved gate valve located at or near the property line where the pipe or piping system provides water used exclusively for fire protection and related appurtenances and to standpipes connected to automatic sprinkler systems. The portion of the sprinkler system above ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure or area, generally overhead, and to which sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system includes a controlling valve and a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area. (3) Automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice. “Automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice” means any person other than an automatic fire sprinkler system contractor or a journeyman automatic fire sprinkler system fitter who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and who is employed under an apprentice contract under s. 106.01. (3m) Cross-connection control device. “Cross-connection control device” means any mechanical device that automatically prevents backflow from a contaminated source in or into a water supply system. (3s) Cross-connection control tester. “Cross-connection control tester” means a person who conducts a performance test of an installed cross-connection control device. (4) Department. “Department” means the department of safety and professional services. (4m) Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system. “Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system” means a private on-site wastewater treatment system that meets the criteria established by the department for determining if a private on-site wastewater treatment system is failing. A failing private on-site wastewater treatment system is one that causes or results in any of the following conditions: (a) The discharge of sewage into surface water or groundwater. (b) The introduction of sewage into zones of saturation that adversely affects the operation of a private on-site wastewater treatment system. (c) The discharge of sewage to a drain tile or into zones of bedrock. (d) The discharge of sewage to the surface of the ground. (e) The failure to accept sewage discharges and back up of sewage into the structure served by the private on-site wastewater treatment system. (5) Governmental unit responsible for regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems. “Governmental unit responsible for the regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems” or “governmental unit”, unless otherwise qualified, means the county except that in a county with a population of 750,000 or more these terms mean the city, village or town where the private on-site wastewater treatment system is located. (6) Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter. “Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter” means any person other than an automatic fire sprinkler contractor who is engaged in the practical installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. (7) Journeyman plumber. “Journeyman plumber” means any person other than a master plumber, who is engaged in the practical installation of plumbing. (8) Master plumber. “Master plumber” means any person skilled in the planning, superintending and the practical installation of plumbing and familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing the same. (9) Pipelayer. “Pipelayer” means a person registered under s. 145.07 (11). (10) Plumbing. (a) “Plumbing” means: 1. All piping, fixtures, appliances, equipment, devices, and appurtenances in connection with water supply systems, water distribution systems, wastewater drainage systems, reclaimed water systems, and stormwater use systems, including hot water storage tanks, water treatment devices, and water heaters connected with these systems and also includes the installation thereof. 2. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of any drain or wastewater piping system that connects to the mains or other terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes, including private on-site wastewater treatment systems and stormwater treatment and dispersal systems, and the alteration of any such systems, drains or wastewater piping. 3. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of water service piping that connects to the main or other water utility service terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes and its connections. 4. The water pressure system other than municipal systems as provided in ch. 281. 5. A plumbing and drainage system so designed and vent piping so installed as to keep the air within the system in free circulation and movement; to prevent with a margin of safety unequal air pressures of such force as might blow, siphon or affect trap seals, or retard the discharge from plumbing fixtures, or permit sewer air to escape into the building; to prohibit cross-connection, contamination or pollution of the water supply and distribution systems; and to provide an adequate supply of water to properly serve, cleanse and operate all fixtures, equipment, appurtenances and appliances served by the plumbing system. (br) “Plumbing” does not include any of the following: 1. A rainwater gutter or downspout down to the point that it discharges into a plumbing system, a subsoil drain, or a foundation drain. 2g. A process water reuse system if the process water reuse system is not connected to any plumbing fixture or appliance. 2m. A stormwater culvert under a roadway or walkway that is placed there only to equalize the water level from one end of the culvert to the other end. 3. The practical installation of process piping within a sewage disposal plant. (11) Plumbing apprentice. “Plumbing apprentice” means any person other than a journeyman or master plumber who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing and drainage. (12) Private on-site wastewater treatment system. “Private on-site wastewater treatment system” means a sewage treatment and disposal system serving a single structure with a septic tank and soil absorption field located on the same parcel as the structure. This term also means an alternative sewage system approved by the department including a substitute for the septic tank or soil absorption field, a holding tank, a system serving more than one structure or a system located on a different parcel than the structure. A private on-site wastewater treatment system may be owned by the property owner or by a special purpose district. (13) Registered learner. “Registered learner” means a person, other than a restricted plumber licensee, who is learning a limited type of plumbing and is engaged in assisting a restricted plumber licensee. (14) Restricted plumber licensee. “Restricted plumber licensee” means any person licensed as a master plumber (restricted) or a journeyman plumber (restricted) under s. 145.14. (15) Utility contractor. “Utility contractor” means a person licensed under s. 145.07 (10). (17) Waters of the state. “Waters of the state” has the meaning specified under s. 281.01 (18). History: 1971 c. 255; 1977 c. 314; 1979 c. 34, 221; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 189, 410, 538; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 213, 322; 1995 a. 27 ss. 4355 and 9116 (5); 1995 a. 227; 2009 a. 200, 291; 2011 a. 32, 146; 2013 a. 124; 2013 a. 173 s. 33; 2017 a. 59; 2021 a. 67 s. 2; 2023 a. 19 s. 472g.

Wis. Stat. § 231.01

231.01

 

Definitions.

In this chapter:

231.01(1m)

(1m)

 

“Affiliate” means an entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another entity.

231.01(1t)

(1t)

 

“Authority” means the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority.

231.01(2)

(2)

 

“Bond resolution” means the resolution authorizing the issuance of, or providing terms and conditions related to, bonds issued under this chapter and includes, where appropriate, any trust agreement, trust indenture, indenture of mortgage or deed of trust providing terms and conditions for such bonds.

231.01(3)

(3)

 

“Bonds” means any bond, note or other obligation of the authority issued under this chapter, including any refunding bond.

231.01(4)

(4)

 

231.01(4)(a)

(a)

“Cost” means the sum of all costs incurred by a participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution, as approved by the authority, as are reasonable and necessary to accomplish the project, exclusive of any private or federal, state, or local financial assistance received by the participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution for the payment of the project cost.

231.01(4)(b)

(b)

“Cost” includes, without limitation because of enumeration:

231.01(4)(b)1.

1.

The cost incurred by or on behalf of the participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution of all necessary developmental, planning, and feasibility studies, surveys, plans, and specifications, architectural, engineering, legal, or other special services, the cost of acquisition of land and any buildings and improvements on the land, site preparation, and development including demolition or removal of existing structures, construction, reconstruction, and equipment, including machinery, fixed equipment, and personal property.

231.01(4)(b)2.

2.

The reasonable cost of financing incurred by a participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution in the course of the development of the project to the occupancy date.

231.01(4)(b)3.

3.

Carrying charges during construction to the occupancy date.

231.01(4)(b)4.

4.

Interest on bonds issued to finance the project to a date 6 months subsequent to the estimated date of completion.

231.01(4)(b)5.

5.

Working capital not exceeding the amounts permitted under 26 CFR 1.148-6 (d) (3) .

231.01(4)(b)6.

6.

The fees and charges imposed by the authority or by others.

231.01(4)(b)7.

7.

Necessary expenses incurred in connection with the initial occupancy of the project and the cost of other items the authority determines to be reasonable.

231.01(4)(b)8.

8.

A reserve for payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds.

231.01(4)(c)

(c)

All rents and other net revenues from the operation of the real property, improvements, or personal property on the project site by a participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution on and after the date on which the contract between a participating health institution, participating educational institution, participating nonprofit institution, or participating research institution and the authority was entered into, but prior to the occupancy date, shall reduce the sum of all costs in this subsection.

231.01(4m)

(4m)

 

“Educational facility” means a facility used for education by a private institution that is described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in s.

Wis. Stat. § 285.37

285.37 (1) , beginning on August 1, 2004, from containing more than 0.5 percent, by volume, of methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

168.04(2)(b)

(b)

The rules required under sub. (1) shall not prohibit racing fuel used at racing events or in preparation for racing events from containing any amount of methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

168.04(3)

(3)

 

Except as otherwise provided in this section, rules promulgated under this section shall be in conformity with nationally recognized standards, specifications, and classifications, such as those published by ASTM International, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The department may not promulgate or enforce a rule prohibiting the placement of additional information on the dispensing device.

168.04(4)

(4)

 

168.04(4)(a)

(a)

In this subsection, “gasoline-ethanol fuel blend” includes such a fuel blend for both automotive and nonautomotive uses.

168.04(4)(b)

(b)

Except as provided under par. (c) , compliance with the requirements, established by the department by rule under sub. (1) , of ASTM D4814-17 or the most current version of testing methods adopted by the department may be demonstrated by testing a gasoline-ethanol fuel blend or testing the gasoline base stock from which the gasoline-ethanol fuel blend is produced.

168.04(4)(c)

(c)

The department may promulgate rules that require that a gasoline-ethanol fuel blend and the gasoline base stock from which the gasoline-ethanol fuel blend is produced meet the requirements of ASTM D4814-17, or the most current version of testing methods adopted by the department. A rule promulgated under this paragraph may not take effect sooner than July 1, 2019.

Wis. Stat. § 295.41

295.41 (31) .

292.01(1s)

(1s)

 

“Contaminated sediment” means sediment that contains a hazardous substance.

292.01(2)

(2)

 

“Department” means the department of natural resources.

292.01(3)

(3)

 

“Discharge” means, but is not limited to, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying or dumping.

292.01(3m)

(3m)

 

“Engineering control” means an object or action designed and implemented to contain contamination or to minimize the spread of contamination, including a cap, soil cover, or in-place stabilization, but not including a sediment cover.

292.01(4)

(4)

 

“Environmental pollution” means the contaminating or rendering unclean or impure the air, land or waters of the state, or making the same injurious to public health, harmful for commercial or recreational use, or deleterious to fish, bird, animal or plant life.

292.01(5)

(5)

 

“Hazardous substance” means any substance or combination of substances including any waste of a solid, semisolid, liquid or gaseous form which may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness or which may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics. This term includes, but is not limited to, substances which are toxic, corrosive, flammable, irritants, strong sensitizers or explosives as determined by the department.

292.01(6)

(6)

 

“Hazardous waste” means any solid waste identified by the department as hazardous under s.

Wis. Stat. 443.01

443.01 Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context provides otherwise: (1) “Architect” means a person who is legally qualified to practice architecture. (1m) “Construction surveying” means surveying or mapping that is performed in support of infrastructure design, in support of improvements related to private and public boundary lines, or in support of construction layout or historic preservation, and establishing any postconstruction documentation related to that surveying or mapping. (2) “Engineer-in-training” means a person who is a graduate in an engineering curriculum of 4 years or more from a school or college approved by the professional engineer section of the examining board as of satisfactory standing, or a person who has had 4 years or more of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the professional engineer section; and who, in addition, has successfully passed the examination in the fundamental engineering subjects prior to the completion of the requisite years in engineering work, as provided in s. 443.05, and who has been granted a certificate of record by the professional engineer section stating that the person has successfully passed this portion of the professional examinations. (3) “Examining board” means the examining board of architects, landscape architects, professional engineers, designers, professional land surveyors, and registered interior designers. (3b) “Geodetic surveying” means surveying to determine the size and shape of the earth or the precise positions of points on the surface of the earth. (3c) “Interior alteration or interior construction project” means a project for an interior space or area within a proposed or existing building or structure, including construction, modification, renovation, rehabilitation, or historic preservation, that involves changing or altering any of the following: (a) The design function or layout of rooms. (b) The state of permanent fixtures or equipment. (c) The interior space or area if the change or alteration requires verification of the compliance of the interior space or area with a building code, fire code, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, or state or local regulations. (d) Interior furnishings. (e) Nonstructural elements of the interior space or area. (3e) “Interior technical submission” means a design, drawing, specification, study, or other technical report or calculation that establishes the scope of an interior design project, including a description of standards of quality for materials, skilled labor, equipment, and construction systems, and that may be signed and sealed by a Wisconsin registered interior designer in compliance with this chapter. (3g) “Landscape architect” means a person who practices landscape architecture. (3r) “Landscape architecture” means the performance of a professional service involving conceptual land planning and conceptual design for integrated land development based on the analysis of environmental characteristics, operational requirements, land use or commensurate land values. “Landscape architecture” includes the investigation, selection or allocation of land or water resources for appropriate uses; the formulation of graphic or written criteria for a land planning or land construction program; the preparation, review or analysis of a master plan for land use or development; the production of a graphic land area, grading, drainage, planting or land construction plan; and the planning of a road, bridge or other structure with respect to the aesthetic requirements of the area on which it will be constructed, except that “landscape architecture” does not include any of the following: (a) Professional services performed by a registered architect or by a person who has in effect a permit under s. 443.10 (1) (d). (b) Professional services performed by a professional engineer or by a person who has in effect a permit under s. 443.10 (1) (d). (c) Professional services performed by a professional land surveyor. (d) The practice of planning as is customarily done by a regional, park, or urban planner, or by a person participating on a planning board or commission, within the scope of that practice. (e) The practice of a natural resource professional, including a biologist, professional geologist, as defined in s. 470.01 (5), or professional soil scientist, as defined in s. 470.01 (7). (f) The actions of a person who is under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect or an employee of a licensed landscape architect, unless the person assumes responsible charge, design, or supervision. (g) Work performed on property by an individual who owns or has control over the property, or work performed by a person hired by an individual who owns or has control of the property. (h) Making plans or drawings for the selection, placement, or use of plants or site features. (5) “Practice of architecture” includes any professional service, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, architectural and structural design, or responsible supervision of construction, in connection with the construction of any private or public buildings, structures, projects, or the equipment thereof, or addition to or alterations thereof, in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health or property is concerned or involved. (5m) (a) “Practice of interior design” means the design of interior spaces as a part of an interior alteration or interior construction project in conformity with public health, safety, and welfare requirements, including the preparation of documents relating to building code descriptions, project egress plans that require no increase in the number of exits in the space affected, space planning, finish materials, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment and the preparation of documents and interior technical submissions relating to interior construction. (b) “Practice of interior design” does not include any of the following: 1. Services that constitute the practice of architecture or the practice of professional engineering. 2. Altering or affecting the structural system of a building, including changing the building’s live or dead load on the structural system. 3. Changes to the building envelope, including exterior walls, exterior wall coverings, exterior wall openings, exterior windows and doors, architectural trim, balconies and similar projections, bay and oriel windows, roof assemblies and rooftop structures, and glass and glazing for exterior use in both vertical and sloped applications in buildings and structures. 4. Altering or affecting the mechanical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, electrical, vertical transportation, fire sprinkler, or fire alarm systems. 5. Changes beyond the exit access component of a means of egress system. 6. Construction that materially affects life safety systems pertaining to fire safety or the fire protection of structural elements, or alterations to smoke evacuation and compartmentalization systems or to fire-rated vertical shafts in multistory structures. 7. Changes of use to an occupancy of greater hazard as determined by the International Building Code. 8. Changes to the construction classification of the building or structure according to the International Building Code. (6) “Practice of professional engineering” includes any professional service requiring the application of engineering principles and data, in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health or property is concerned and involved, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, or responsible supervision of construction, alteration, or operation, in connection with any public or private utilities, structures, projects, bridges, plants and buildings, machines, equipment, processes and works. A person offers to practice professional engineering if the person by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way represents himself or herself to be a professional engineer; or who through the use of some other title implies that he or she is a professional engineer; or who holds himself or herself out as able to practice professional engineering. (6s) “Practice of professional land surveying” means any of the following: (a) Any service comprising the establishment or reestablishment of the boundaries of one or more tracts of land or the boundaries of any of the following interests in real property: 1. The rights-of-way of roads or streets. 2. Air or subsurface property rights. 3. Public or private easements. (b) Designing or coordinating designs for the purpose of platting or subdividing land into smaller tracts. (c) Placing, replacing, restoring, or perpetuating monuments in or on the ground to evidence the location of a point that is necessary to establish boundaries of one or more tracts of land or the subdivision or consolidation of one or more tracts of land or to describe the boundaries of any interest in real property identified in par. (a). (d) Preparing maps that depict any interest in real property identified in par. (a) for the purpose of establishing the boundaries of any such interest in real property. (e) Preparing any of the following: 1. An official map established or amended under s. 62.23 (6), established or amended under the authority of s. 61.35, or adopted under s. 60.61. 2. An assessor’s plat under s. 70.27. 3. A map or plat of cemetery lands under s. 157.07. 4. A subdivision plat, certified survey map, or correction instrument under ch. 236. 5. A condominium plat or correction instrument under ch. 703. 6. A project and time-share property plat under s. 707.215. (f) Performing construction surveying or geodetic surveying in connection with any of the practices specified in pars. (a) to (e). (7) “Professional engineer” means a person who by reason of his or her knowledge of mathematics, the physical sciences and the principles of engineering, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is qualified to engage in engineering practice as defined in sub. (6). (7m) “Professional land surveyor” means a person who, by reason of his or her knowledge of law, mathematics, physical sciences, and measurement techniques, acquired by education and practical experience, is granted a license under this chapter to engage in the practice of professional land surveying. (8) “Responsible supervision of construction” means a professional service, as distinguished from superintending of construction, and means the performance, or the supervision thereof, of reasonable and ordinary on-site observations to determine that the construction is in substantial compliance with the approved drawings, plans and specifications. (9) “Wisconsin registered interior designer” means a person registered as a Wisconsin registered interior designer under this chapter. History: 1971 c. 42, 215, 307; 1975 c. 9, 39, 199, 200, 334, 421; 1977 c. 29, 125, 418; 1979 c. 34, 98; 1979 c. 162 s. 38 (7); 1979 c. 167; 1979 c. 221 s. 780; 1979 c. 355; 1983 a. 189 ss. 274, 329 (18); 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 300; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146; 2013 a. 358; 2021 a. 195. Discussing the duties of county surveyors and other land surveyors and minimum standards for property surveys. 69 Atty. Gen. 160.

Wis. Stat. 443.02

443.02 Practice requirements and registration: general provisions. (1) Any person practicing or offering to practice architecture or professional engineering in this state shall comply with this chapter. (2) No person may practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering in this state unless the person has been duly registered, is exempt under s. 443.14 or has in effect a permit under s. 443.10 (1) (d). (3) Except as provided under s. 443.015 (1m) (c), no person may offer to practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering or use in connection with the person’s name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he or she is an architect, landscape architect, or professional engineer or advertise to furnish architectural, landscape architectural, or professional engineering services unless the person has been duly registered or has in effect a permit under s. 443.10 (1) (d). (4) Except as provided under s. 443.015 (1m) (c), no person may engage in or offer to engage in the practice of professional land surveying in this state or use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a professional land surveyor unless the person has been granted a license under this chapter to engage in the practice of professional land surveying. (5) No person may use the title “Wisconsin registered interior designer,” use any title or description that implies that he or she is a Wisconsin registered interior designer, or represent himself or herself to be a Wisconsin registered interior designer unless the person is registered as a Wisconsin registered interior designer under this chapter. History: 1971 c. 164 s. 88; 1971 c. 215; 1975 c. 39; 1977 c. 29, 418; 1979 c. 34, 167, 355; 1993 a. 463, 465; 1997 a. 300; 1999 a. 85; 2009 a. 123; 2013 a. 358; 2019 a. 94; 2021 a. 195.

Wis. Stat. 443.04

443.04 Registration requirements for professional engineers. An applicant for registration as a professional engineer shall submit satisfactory evidence to the professional engineer section of the examining board of all of the following: (1m) A diploma of graduation, or a certificate, from an engineering school or college approved by the professional engineer section as of satisfactory standing in an engineering course of not less than 4 years or a diploma of graduation or degree from a technical college approved by the professional engineer section as of satisfactory standing in an engineering-related course of study of not less than 2 years. (2m) (a) For an applicant possessing a diploma or certificate from a course of study of not less than 4 years as specified in sub. (1m), a specific record of 4 or more years of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the professional engineer section and indicating that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of engineering work. (b) For an applicant possessing a diploma or degree from a course of study of not less than 2 years as specified in sub. (1m), a specific record of 6 or more years of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the professional engineer section and indicating that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of engineering work. History: 1979 c. 167; 1983 a. 328; 1999 a. 85; 2009 a. 350; 2011 a. 146. Discussing the authority of the examining board. 70 Atty. Gen. 156.

Wis. Stat. § 443.05

443.05 , and who has been granted a certificate of record by the professional engineer section stating that the person has successfully passed this portion of the professional examinations.

443.01(3)

(3)

 

“Examining board” means the examining board of architects, landscape architects, professional engineers, designers, professional land surveyors, and registered interior designers.

443.01(3b)

(3b)

 

“Geodetic surveying” means surveying to determine the size and shape of the earth or the precise positions of points on the surface of the earth.

443.01(3c)

(3c)

 

“Interior alteration or interior construction project” means a project for an interior space or area within a proposed or existing building or structure, including construction, modification, renovation, rehabilitation, or historic preservation, that involves changing or altering any of the following:

443.01(3c)(a)

(a)

The design function or layout of rooms.

443.01(3c)(b)

(b)

The state of permanent fixtures or equipment.

443.01(3c)(c)

(c)

The interior space or area if the change or alteration requires verification of the compliance of the interior space or area with a building code, fire code, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, or state or local regulations.

443.01(3c)(d)

(d)

Interior furnishings.

443.01(3c)(e)

(e)

Nonstructural elements of the interior space or area.

443.01(3e)

(3e)

 

“Interior technical submission” means a design, drawing, specification, study, or other technical report or calculation that establishes the scope of an interior design project, including a description of standards of quality for materials, skilled labor, equipment, and construction systems, and that may be signed and sealed by a Wisconsin registered interior designer in compliance with this chapter.

443.01(3g)

(3g)

 

“Landscape architect” means a person who practices landscape architecture.

443.01(3r)

(3r)

 

“Landscape architecture” means the performance of a professional service involving conceptual land planning and conceptual design for integrated land development based on the analysis of environmental characteristics, operational requirements, land use or commensurate land values. “Landscape architecture” includes the investigation, selection or allocation of land or water resources for appropriate uses; the formulation of graphic or written criteria for a land planning or land construction program; the preparation, review or analysis of a master plan for land use or development; the production of a graphic land area, grading, drainage, planting or land construction plan; and the planning of a road, bridge or other structure with respect to the aesthetic requirements of the area on which it will be constructed, except that “landscape architecture” does not include any of the following:

443.01(3r)(a)

(a)

Professional services performed by a registered architect or by a person who has in effect a permit under s.

Wis. Stat. 443.07

443.07 Permit requirements: designers of engineering systems. (1) An applicant for a permit as a designer shall submit as evidence satisfactory to the designer section of the examining board one of the following to indicate that he or she is competent to be in charge of such work: (a) A specific record of 8 years or more of experience in specialized engineering design work and the satisfactory completion of a written examination in the field or branch, as determined by the designer section, in which certification is sought. (b) A specific record of 12 years of experience by any person at least 35 years of age who was actively engaged in this state in the preparation of plans, specifications, designs and layouts in specific fields or branches as designated under sub. (3). Such a person may be granted a permit to offer and perform services in the designated field or branch. (2) Completion of technological academic training or apprenticeship program approved by the board may be considered equivalent to experience, but should not exceed a total of 4 years. The successful completion of each year of academic work without graduation shall be equivalent to one year of experience. Graduation from a course other than engineering technology shall be equivalent to 2 years of experience under this subsection. (3) Permits shall be granted, designated, and limited to the fields and subfields of technology as are determined by the designer section and recognized in engineering design practice. Any person holding a permit may prepare plans and specifications and perform consultation, investigation, and evaluation in connection with the making of plans and specifications, within the scope of the permit, notwithstanding that such activity constitutes the practice of architecture or professional engineering under this chapter. (4) A master plumber’s license under ch. 145 shall be considered equivalent to the work experience and satisfactory completion of a written examination in the field of plumbing systems, and the holder of a master plumber’s license shall be issued a permit as a designer of plumbing systems upon the making of an application and the payment of the permit fee. (5) The permit shall, on its face, restrict the holder thereof to the specific field and subfields of designing in which the permittee acquired his or her experience in designing. If qualified in more than one type of designing, persons may receive permits for more than one field or subfield of designing as may be determined by the designer section. (6) The renewal date for permits under this section is specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a), and the fee for renewal of such permits is determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). History: 1979 c. 167; 1991 a. 39; 2007 a. 20; 2011 a. 146. Although designer of plumbing systems permits must be issued to applicants who are licensed master plumbers, the examining board has wide discretion to establish design of engineering systems classifications in fields and subfields of technology recognized in engineering design practice and to determine the competence of applicants who hold restricted or temporary master plumber’s licenses. 60 Atty. Gen. 37.

Wis. Stat. 443.08

443.08 Registration requirement: firms, partnerships and corporations. (1) (a) The practice of architecture pertaining to the internal operations of a firm, partnership, or corporation may be performed by employees if the architectural services are performed by or under the direct supervision of architects registered under this chapter, or persons exempt from registration under s. 443.14. Registered or exempt architectural employees may provide architectural data with respect to the manufacture, sale, and utilization of the products of the firm, partnership, or corporation to other registered or exempt architects. (b) The practice of professional engineering pertaining to the internal operations of a firm, partnership, or corporation may be performed by employees if the professional engineering services are performed by or under the direct supervision of professional engineers registered under this chapter, or persons exempt from registration under s. 443.14. Registered or exempt professional engineering employees may provide professional engineering data with respect to the manufacture, sale, and utilization of the products of the firm, partnership, or corporation to other registered or exempt professional engineers. (2) (a) No individual architect registered under this chapter may practice or offer to practice architecture, as a principal, officer, employee, or agent of a firm, partnership, or corporation unless all of the following are satisfied: 1. All personnel who practice or offer to practice in its behalf as architects are registered under this chapter. 2. The firm, partnership, or corporation has been issued a certificate of authorization under sub. (3) (a) 1. (b) No individual professional engineer registered under this chapter may practice or offer to practice professional engineering as a principal, officer, employee, or agent of a firm, partnership, or corporation unless all of the following are satisfied: 1. All personnel who practice or offer to practice in its behalf as professional engineers are registered under this chapter. 2. The firm, partnership, or corporation has been issued a certificate of authorization under sub. (3) (a) 2. (c) No individual designer granted a permit under this chapter may practice or offer to practice designing as a principal, officer, employee, or agent of a firm, partnership, or corporation unless all of the following are satisfied: 1. All personnel who practice or offer to practice in its behalf as designers are granted a permit under this chapter. 2. The firm, partnership, or corporation has been issued a certificate of authorization under sub. (3) (a) 3. (d) No individual Wisconsin registered interior designer registered under this chapter may practice or offer to practice interior design as a principal, officer, employee, or agent of a firm, partnership, or corporation unless all of the following are satisfied: 1. All personnel who practice or offer to practice in its behalf as Wisconsin registered interior designers are registered under this chapter. 2. The firm, partnership, or corporation has been issued a certificate of authorization under sub. (3) (a) 4. (3) (a) 1. A firm, partnership, or corporation desiring a certificate of authorization shall submit an application to the department on forms provided by the department, listing the names and addresses of all officers and directors, and all individuals in its employment registered to practice architecture in this state who will be in responsible charge of architecture being practiced in this state through the firm, partnership, or corporation and other relevant information required by the architect section of the examining board. A similar type of form shall also accompany the renewal fee. If there is a change in any of these persons, the change shall be reported on the same type of form, and filed with the department within 30 days after the effective date of the change. The architect section shall grant a certificate of authorization to a firm, partnership, or corporation complying with this subsection upon payment of the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). This subsection does not apply to firms, partnerships, or corporations exempt under s. 443.14 (3) or (5). 2. A firm, partnership, or corporation desiring a certificate of authorization shall submit an application to the department on forms provided by the department, listing the names and addresses of all officers and directors, and all individuals in its employment registered to practice professional engineering in this state who will be in responsible charge of professional engineering being practiced in this state through the firm, partnership, or corporation and other relevant information required by the professional engineer section of the examining board. A similar type of form shall also accompany the renewal fee. If there is a change in any of these persons, the change shall be reported on the same type of form, and filed with the department within 30 days after the effective date of the change. The professional engineer section shall grant a certificate of authorization to a firm, partnership, or corporation complying with this subsection upon payment of the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). This subsection does not apply to firms, partnerships, or corporations exempt under s. 443.14 (3) or (5). 3. A firm, partnership, or corporation desiring a certificate of authorization shall submit an application to the department on forms provided by the department, listing the names and addresses of all officers and directors, and all individuals in its employment granted a permit to practice designing in this state who will be in responsible charge of designing being practiced in this state through the firm, partnership, or corporation and other relevant information required by the designer section of the examining board. A similar type of form shall also accompany the renewal fee. If there is a change in any of these persons, the change shall be reported on the same type of form, and filed with the department within 30 days after the effective date of the change. The designer section shall grant a certificate of authorization to a firm, partnership, or corporation complying with this subsection upon payment of the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). This subsection does not apply to firms, partnerships, or corporations exempt under s. 443.14 (3) or (5). 4. A firm, partnership, or corporation desiring a certificate of authorization shall submit an application to the department on forms provided by the department, listing the names and addresses of all officers and directors and all individuals in its employment registered to practice interior design in this state who will be in responsible charge of interior design being practiced in this state through the firm, partnership, or corporation and other relevant information required by the registered interior designer section of the examining board. A similar type of form shall also accompany the renewal fee. If there is a change in any of these persons, the change shall be reported on the same type of form, and filed with the department within 30 days after the effective date of the change. The registered interior designer section shall grant a certificate of authorization to a firm, partnership, or corporation complying with this subsection upon payment of the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). This subdivision does not apply to firms, partnerships, or corporations exempt under s. 443.14 (3) or (5). (b) The renewal date for certificates of authorization under this section is specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a), and the fee for renewal of such certificates is determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). (4) (a) 1. No firm, partnership, or corporation may be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this chapter, nor may any individual practicing architecture be relieved of responsibility for architectural services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with the firm, partnership, or corporation. 2. No firm, partnership, or corporation may be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this chapter, nor may any individual practicing landscape architecture be relieved of responsibility for landscape architectural services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with the firm, partnership, or corporation. 3. No firm, partnership, or corporation may be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this chapter, nor may any individual practicing professional engineering be relieved of responsibility for professional engineering services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with the firm, partnership, or corporation. 4. No firm, partnership, or corporation may be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this chapter, nor may any individual practicing designing be relieved of responsibility for designing services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with the firm, partnership, or corporation. 5. No firm, partnership, or corporation may be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this chapter, nor may any individual practicing interior design be relieved of responsibility for interior design services performed by reason of his or her employment or relationship with the firm, partnership, or corporation. (b) 1. All final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other architectural papers or documents involving the practice of architecture, prepared for the use of a firm, partnership, or corporation, for delivery by it to any person, or for public record within the state shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the architect who was in responsible charge of their preparation. This paragraph does not apply to persons exempt under s. 443.14 (3), (4), or (5). 2. All final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other landscape architectural papers or documents prepared by a landscape architect registered under this chapter, prepared for the use of a firm, partnership, or corporation, for delivery by it to any person, or for public record within the state shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the landscape architect who was in responsible charge of their preparation. This paragraph does not apply to persons exempt under s. 443.14 (3), (4), or (5). 3. All final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other engineering papers or documents involving the practice of professional engineering, prepared for the use of a firm, partnership, or corporation, for delivery by it to any person, or for public record within the state shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the professional engineer who was in responsible charge of their preparation. This paragraph does not apply to persons exempt under s. 443.14 (3), (4), or (5). 4. All final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other designing papers or documents involving the practice of designing, prepared for the use of a firm, partnership, or corporation, for delivery by it to any person, or for public record within the state shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the designer who was in responsible charge of their preparation. This paragraph does not apply to persons exempt under s. 443.14 (3), (4), or (5). 5. All final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other interior design papers or documents involving the practice of interior design, prepared for the use of a firm, partnership, or corporation, for delivery by it to any person, or for public record within the state shall be dated and bear the signature and seal of the Wisconsin registered interior designer who was in responsible charge of their preparation. This subdivision does not apply to persons exempt under s. 443.14 (3), (4), or (5). (5) (a) No firm, partnership, or corporation may engage in the practice of or offer to practice architecture in this state, or use in connection with its name, or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that it is engaged in the practice of architecture, nor may it advertise or offer to furnish an architectural service, unless the firm, partnership, or corporation has complied with this chapter. (b) No firm, partnership, or corporation may engage in the practice of or offer to practice professional engineering in this state, or use in connection with its name, or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that it is engaged in the practice of professional engineering, nor may it advertise or offer to furnish a professional engineering service, unless the firm, partnership, or corporation has complied with this chapter. (c) No firm, partnership, or corporation may engage in the practice of or offer to practice designing in this state, or use in connection with its name, or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that it is engaged in the practice of designing, nor may it advertise or offer to furnish a designing service, unless the firm, partnership, or corporation has complied with this chapter. (d) No firm, partnership, or corporation may engage in the practice of or offer to practice interior design in this state, or use in connection with its name, or otherwise assume, use, or advertise, any title or description tending to convey the impression that it is engaged in the practice of interior design, nor may it advertise or offer to furnish an interior design service, unless the firm, partnership, or corporation has complied with this chapter. (6) Any firm, partnership or corporation using the word “engineering” or any of its derivatives in its name prior to April 24, 1964, shall be permitted to continue to do so and shall be permitted to use such word in any new firm, partnership or corporation formed as a result of a reorganization of the firm, partnership or corporation, if the firm, partnership or corporation does not practice or offer to practice architecture, professional engineering or designing unless it complies with all other applicable provisions of this chapter. History: 1979 c. 167; 1983 a. 129; 1987 a. 27; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 300; 2007 a. 20; 2011 a. 146; 2021 a. 195. Whether the use of “engineer” or “engineering” in a business title violates this chapter requires a case-by-case analysis. 70 Atty. Gen. 131.

Wis. Stat. 443.09

443.09 Examinations and experience requirements for architect, landscape architect and engineer applicants. (1) In considering the qualifications of an applicant as an architect, landscape architect or professional engineer, responsible charge of architectural, landscape architectural or engineering teaching may be construed as experience. (2) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, no person who has an arrest or conviction record is eligible for registration as an architect, a landscape architect or a professional engineer, or certification as an engineer-in-training. (3) Written examinations shall be required of every applicant for certification as engineer-in-training. (4) Written or written and oral examinations shall be required of every applicant for registration as an architect or a professional engineer. Only one form of examination may be required for all applicants. The examination shall be reasonably related to the skills likely to be needed by an applicant practicing the profession at the time of examination and seek to determine the applicant’s preparedness to exercise such skills. (4m) No person may be registered as a landscape architect under this chapter unless he or she passes a written examination or written and oral examinations conducted or approved by the landscape architect section of the examining board under sub. (5). (5) Written or written and oral examinations shall be held at such time and place as the landscape architect section of the examining board determines. The scope of the examinations and the methods of procedure shall be prescribed by the landscape architect section with special reference to the applicant’s ability to design and supervise architectural, landscape architectural, or engineering work, which shall promote the public welfare and ensure the safety of life, health, and property. A candidate failing an examination may, upon application and payment of the required reexamination fee, be examined again by the landscape architect section. No restrictions may be placed on the number of times an unsuccessful candidate may be reexamined, except that after failure of 3 reexaminations, the landscape architect section may require a one-year waiting period before further reexamination. History: 1979 c. 167; 1981 c. 380; 1981 c. 391 s. 211; 1983 a. 328; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1995 a. 27 ss. 6606, 9116 (5); 1997 a. 300; 2009 a. 350; 2011 a. 146.

Wis. Stat. 443.10

443.10 Applications, certificates, licenses, rules, and roster. (1) Certificate of registration or record; permit; reciprocity provisions. (a) The appropriate section of the examining board may, upon application and the payment of the required fee, grant a certificate of registration as an architect, as a landscape architect, or as a professional engineer to any person who holds an unexpired certificate of similar registration issued to the person by the proper authority in any state or territory or possession of the United States or in any country in which the requirements for the registration of architects, landscape architects, or professional engineers are of a standard not lower than specified in this chapter. (b) The appropriate section of the examining board may, upon application and payment of the required fee, grant a certificate of registration as an architect, as a landscape architect, or as a professional engineer to any person who holds an unrevoked card or certificate of national reciprocal registration, issued by any state, territory, or possession of the United States or by any country, which is in conformity with the regulations of the national council of state board of architectural, or engineering examiners, or council of landscape architectural registration boards, and who complies with the regulations of the appropriate section, except as to qualifications and registration fee. (c) The professional engineer section of the examining board may, upon application therefor, and the payment of the required fee, grant a certificate-of-record as engineer-in-training to any person who holds an unexpired certificate of similar certification issued to the person by the proper authority in any state or territory or possession of the United States or in any country in which the requirements for the certification of engineers-in-training are of a standard not lower than specified in this chapter. (d) The appropriate section of the examining board may, upon application and payment of the required fee, grant a permit to practice or to offer to practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering to a person who is not a resident of and has no established place of business in this state, or who has recently become a resident of this state, if the person holds an unexpired certificate of similar registration issued to the person by the proper authority in any state or territory or possession of the United States or in any country in which the requirements for the registration of architects, landscape architects, or professional engineers are of a standard not lower than specified in this chapter. (e) The registered interior designer section may, upon application and payment of the required fee, grant a certificate of registration to use the title “Wisconsin registered interior designer” to a person who is not a resident of and has no established place of business in this state, or who has recently become a resident of this state, if the person holds an unexpired certificate of similar registration issued to the person by the proper authority in any state or territory or possession of the United States or in any country in which the requirements for the registration of interior designers are of a standard not lower than specified in this chapter. (2) Applications for registration, fees, contents of certification, expiration. (a) Applications for registration or for a certificate of record shall be on forms provided by the department and shall contain statements made under oath showing the applicant’s education and detail summary of the applicant’s technical work and not less than 5 references, of whom 3 or more shall have personal knowledge of the applicant’s architectural, landscape architectural or engineering experience in the case of an application for registration or of the applicant’s technical education or engineering work in the case of an application for a certificate of record. This paragraph does not apply to an application for registration as a Wisconsin registered interior designer. (b) The fees for examinations and credentials, as defined in s. 440.01 (2) (a), granted under this chapter are specified in s. 440.05, and the fee for renewal of such credentials is determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). (c) The appropriate section of the examining board shall grant a certificate of registration upon payment of the registration fee to any applicant who, in the opinion of the appropriate section, has satisfactorily met all the applicable requirements of this chapter. The certificate shall authorize the practice of architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering, as appropriate. (d) The granting of a certificate of registration by the appropriate section of the examining board shall be evidence that the person named in the certificate is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a registered architect, a registered landscape architect, or a registered professional engineer under the classification stated on the certificate, while the certificate remains unrevoked or unexpired. (e) The renewal date for certificates of registration for architects, landscape architects, professional engineers, and Wisconsin registered interior designers is specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a), and the fee for renewal of such certificates is determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). (f) The professional engineer section of the examining board shall grant a certificate of record as engineer-in-training to any applicant who, in the opinion of the professional engineer section, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this section pertaining to engineers-in-training. (g) A certificate of record as engineer-in-training is evidence that the engineer-in-training to whom it is issued has successfully passed the portion of the examinations in the fundamental engineering subjects required of an applicant for registration as a professional engineer. (h) Certificates of record as engineers-in-training shall expire on July 31st of the 10th year after their issuance unless extended by the professional engineer section of the examining board. An application for extension shall contain evidence satisfactory to the professional engineer section that the applicant’s professional experience has been delayed. (3) Emergency rules; limitation. No section of the examining board may adopt or change, by emergency rule, any requirement for the registration of or issuance of a permit to any applicant under this chapter. (4) Roster; records. (a) A list, showing the names and addresses of all engineers-in-training certified by the professional engineer section of the examining board during the period from July 1 to June 30, shall be prepared each year by the professional engineer section. The list shall be obtainable by purchase at cost. (am) The registered interior designer section of the examining board shall prepare each year a list showing the names and business addresses of all persons registered as a Wisconsin registered interior designer under this chapter. Upon request, the registered interior designer section shall provide a list prepared under this paragraph to any person at cost. (b) Each section of the examining board shall keep a record of its proceedings together with a record of all other information pertaining to its proceedings as may be deemed necessary by that section of the examining board. The records of each section of the examining board shall be prima facie evidence of the proceedings of that section of the examining board set forth in the records, and a transcript thereof, duly certified by the secretary of that section of the examining board under seal, shall be admissible in evidence with the same effect as if the original were produced. (5) Fees; renewals. The professional land surveyor section shall grant a license to engage in the practice of professional land surveying to any applicant who has met the applicable requirements of this chapter. The renewal date for the license is specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a), and the renewal fee for the license is determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). (6) Roster. A roster showing the names and mailing addresses of all registered surveyors shall be prepared annually by the secretary and made available for purchase at cost, and a copy shall be placed on file with the department of financial institutions. History: 1979 c. 167 ss. 9, 10, 23, 24, 41, 42, 53; 1979 c. 221 s. 780; 1979 c. 355; 1981 c. 3; 1987 a. 27; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 27, 300; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146; 2013 a. 358; 2021 a. 195. The Examining Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors lacks the power to adopt a rule prohibiting competitive bidding on projects by architects, engineers, designers, or surveyors. 61 Atty. Gen. 369.

Wis. Stat. 443.11

443.11 Disciplinary proceedings against architects, landscape architects, engineers, and registered interior designers. (1) The appropriate section of the examining board may reprimand an architect, landscape architect, professional engineer, or Wisconsin registered interior designer or limit, suspend, or revoke the certificate of registration of any registrant, and the certificate of record of any engineer-in-training, who is found guilty of: (a) Fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration or a certificate of record. (b) Signing or impressing his or her seal or stamp upon documents not prepared by him or her or under his or her control or knowingly permitting his or her seal or stamp to be used by any other person. (c) Knowingly aiding or abetting the unauthorized practice of architecture or professional engineering by persons not registered under this chapter. (d) Any gross negligence, incompetency or misconduct in the practice of architecture as a registered architect, of landscape architecture as a registered landscape architect or of professional engineering as a registered professional engineer, or in the professional activity of a holder of a certificate of record as engineer-in-training. (dm) Any gross negligence or misconduct, or any gross incompetence, in the practice of interior design as a Wisconsin registered interior designer. (e) Any violation of the rules of professional conduct adopted and promulgated by that section of the examining board. (f) Conviction of a felony, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, or adjudication of mental incompetency by a court of competent jurisdiction, a certified copy of the record of conviction or adjudication of incompetency to be conclusive evidence of such conviction or incompetency. (2) The appropriate section of the examining board may reprimand a firm, partnership, or corporation holding a certificate of authorization issued under this chapter or may limit, suspend, or revoke such a certificate if any of the agents, employees, or officers of the firm, partnership, or corporation has committed any act or has been guilty of any conduct which would authorize a reprimand or a limitation, suspension, or revocation of the certificate of registration of a registrant or the certificate of record of an engineer-in-training under this chapter, unless the firm, partnership, or corporation submits evidence satisfactory to the appropriate section of the examining board that the agent, employee, or officer is not now practicing or offering to practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering in its behalf. (3) Any person may make charges that any registrant, holder of a certificate of record as engineer-in-training or corporate holder of a certificate of authorization has committed an act for which a reprimand or limitation, suspension, or revocation of registration is authorized under sub. (1). Such charges shall be in writing, shall be sworn to by the person making them and shall be submitted to the appropriate section of the examining board. The appropriate section of the examining board may, on its own motion, make such charges. All charges, unless dismissed by the appropriate section of the examining board as unfounded or trivial, shall be heard by the appropriate section of the examining board, subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1). (4) If after a hearing under sub. (3), 3 members of a section of the examining board vote in favor of sustaining charges specified in sub. (3), the appropriate section of the examining board shall reprimand or limit, suspend, or revoke the certificate of registration of the registered architect, registered landscape architect, or registered professional engineer, the certificate of record of the holder of a certificate as engineer-in-training, or the certificate of authorization of a firm, partnership, or corporation. (5) The actions of each section of the examining board under this section shall be subject to review in the manner provided in ch. 227. (6) The appropriate section of the examining board, for reasons it considers sufficient, may reissue a certificate of registration or a certificate of record to any person, or a certificate of authorization to any firm, partnership, or corporation, whose certificate has been revoked under this section if 3 members of the section of the examining board vote in favor of such reissuance. Subject to the rules of the examining board, the appropriate section of the examining board may, upon payment of the required fee, issue a new certificate of registration, certificate of record or certificate of authorization, to replace any certificate that is revoked, lost, destroyed or mutilated. History: 1979 c. 167; 1981 c. 334 s. 25 (1); 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 237, 300; 1999 a. 32, 186; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146; 2021 a. 195. Discussing gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct. The failure of an engineer to properly design a roof truss would not show incompetence, but the board might find gross negligence. Vivian v. Examining Board of Architects, 61 Wis. 2d 627, 213 N.W.2d 359 (1974).

Wis. Stat. 443.13

443.13 Disciplinary proceedings against designers of engineering systems. (1) The designers’ section of the examining board may limit, suspend, or revoke a permit or reprimand the permittee if the permittee is guilty of any of the following: (a) Fraud or deceit in obtaining the permit. (b) Gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in practice. (c) Signing documents not prepared by the permittee or under the permittee’s control. (d) Knowingly aiding or abetting unauthorized designing of engineering systems as stated in s. 443.07 (3) by persons not granted permits under this chapter. (e) Conviction of a felony, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, or adjudication of mental incompetency by a court of competent jurisdiction. (2) If, after a hearing conducted under the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1) before the designers’ section of the examining board, two-thirds of the members of the section vote in favor of sustaining the charges, the designers’ section of the examining board shall reprimand the permittee or limit, suspend, or revoke the permit. The action of the designers’ section of the examining board under this section is subject to review under ch. 227.

Wis. Stat. 443.14

443.14 Exempt persons. The following persons, while practicing within the scope of their respective exemptions, shall be exempt from this chapter: (1) (a) An employee of a person holding a certificate of registration in architecture under s. 443.10 who is engaged in the practice of architecture and an employee of a person temporarily exempted from registration in architecture under this section, if the practice of the employee does not include responsible charge of architecture practice. (b) An employee of a person holding a certificate of registration in professional engineering under s. 443.10 who is engaged in the practice of professional engineering and an employee of a person temporarily exempted from registration in professional engineering under this section, if the practice of the employee does not include responsible charge of professional engineering practice. (2) Officers and employees of the federal government while engaged within this state in the practice of architecture, landscape architecture or professional engineering for the federal government. (3) A public service company and its regular employees acting in its behalf where the professional engineering services rendered are in connection with its facilities which are subject to regulation, supervision and control by a commission of this state or of the federal government. (4) (a) Any person who practices architecture, exclusively as a regular employee of a private company or corporation, by rendering to the company or corporation architectural services in connection with its operations, so long as the person is thus actually and exclusively employed and no longer, if the company or corporation has at least one architect who is registered under this chapter in responsible charge of the company’s or corporation’s architectural work in this state. (b) Any person who practices professional engineering, exclusively as a regular employee of a private company or corporation, by rendering to the company or corporation professional engineering services in connection with its operations, so long as the person is thus actually and exclusively employed and no longer, if the company or corporation has at least one professional engineer who is registered under this chapter in responsible charge of the company’s or corporation’s professional engineering work in this state. (5) A person engaged in the manufacture of a product or unit, including laboratory research affiliates of the person, where the services performed are the design, assembly, manufacture, sale or installation of that product or unit. “Product or unit” does not include any building. (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, contractors, subcontractors or construction material or equipment suppliers are not required to register under this chapter to perform or undertake those activities which historically and customarily have been performed by them in their respective trades and specialties, including, but not limited to, the preparation and use of drawings, specifications or layouts within a construction firm or in construction operations, superintending of construction, installation and alteration of equipment, cost estimating, consultation with architects, professional engineers or owners concerning materials, equipment, methods and techniques, and investigations or consultation with respect to construction sites, provided all such activities are performed solely with respect to the performance of their work on buildings or with respect to supplies or materials furnished by them for buildings or structures or their appurtenances which are, or which are to be, erected, enlarged or materially altered in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by architects or professional engineers, or by persons exempt under subs. (1) to (5) while practicing within the scope of their exemption. (7) This chapter does not require manufacturers or their material or equipment suppliers to register under this chapter in order to enable them to perform engineering in the design, assembly, manufacture, sale or installation of their respective products. (8) An employee of a professional land surveyor, while doing surveying work under the supervision of the employer, if the employee is not in responsible charge of the practice of professional land surveying. (8m) (a) Subject to par. (b), an employee or contractor of any of the following while engaged in land surveying is exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. The provider of a broadcast service, as defined in s. 196.01 (1m). 2. The provider of a cable service, as defined in s. 196.01 (1p). 3. A commercial mobile radio service provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (2g). 4. A public utility, as defined in s. 196.01 (5). 5. A telecommunications provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (8p). 6. A video service provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (12r). 7. A cooperative association organized under ch. 185 for the purpose of producing or furnishing heat, light, power, or water to its members only. (b) The exemption under par. (a) applies only if the employee or contractor is engaged in services described in s. 443.01 (6s) (a) 3., (c), (d), or (f) for or on behalf of the provider or cooperative. (9) A license shall not be required for an owner to survey his or her own land for purposes other than for sale. (10) Any person employed by a county or this state who is engaged in the planning, design, installation or regulation of land and water conservation activities under ch. 92 or s. 281.65 and who is certified under s. 92.18. (11) Any professional land surveyor licensed under s. 443.06 who is engaged in the planning, design, installation, or regulation of land and water conservation activities under ch. 92 or s. 281.65. (12m) A driller who is licensed under s. 280.15 (2m), or an employee of a drilling business that is registered under s. 280.15 (1), who is engaged in well drilling, as defined in s. 280.01 (8), or heat exchange drilling, as defined in s. 280.01 (2c). (13) A professional engineer who, while engaged in the practice of professional engineering in accordance with this chapter, collects, investigates, interprets or evaluates data relating to soil, rock, groundwater, surface water, gases or other earth conditions, or uses that data for analysis, consultation, planning, design or construction. (14) A person who, while engaged in the practice of professional geology, hydrology or soil science as defined in s. 470.01 (2), (3) or (4), practices professional engineering, if the acts that involve the practice of professional engineering are also part of the practice of professional geology, hydrology or soil science. (15) A person employed by the federal government who is engaged in this state in the practice of landscape architecture for the federal government. (16) A person who performs services related to natural resources management if any map that is prepared as a part of those services contains the following statement: “This map is not a survey of the actual boundary of any property this map depicts.” In this subsection, “natural resources management” includes all of the following: (a) The management of state lands under ss. 23.09, 23.11, 27.01, and 28.04. (b) The control of invasive species, as defined in s. 23.22 (1) (c). (c) The cultivation or harvesting of raw forest products, as defined in s. 26.05 (1). (d) The management of county forests under s. 28.11. (e) The practice of forestry, as defined in s. 77.81 (2), including sustainable forestry, as defined in s. 28.04 (1) (e); any services provided in connection with an order, or the preparation of an application for an order, under subch. I or VI of ch. 77; and any forestry operation, as defined in s. 823.075 (1) (c). (17) A person who prepares a map that depicts temporary trails, easements, or other uses of lands if the map contains the following statement: “This map is not a survey of the actual boundary of any property this map depicts.” (18) An employee or agent of the department of natural resources, department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection, department of transportation, public service commission, board of commissioners of public lands, or department of military affairs who creates a geographic information systems map if done within the scope of his or her employment or agency. History: 1979 c. 167 ss. 5, 21, 40, 48; 1979 c. 355; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (18); 1991 a. 309; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1995 a. 227; 1997 a. 27, 300; 2005 a. 360; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146, 150; 2013 a. 358.

Wis. Stat. 443.16

443.16 Change of name. No person may practice architecture, landscape architecture, professional engineering, or interior design in this state under any other given name or any other surname than that under which the person was originally licensed or registered to practice in this or any other state, in any instance in which the examining board, after a hearing, finds that practicing under the changed name operates to unfairly compete with another practitioner or to mislead the public as to identity or to otherwise result in detriment to the profession or the public. This section does not apply to a change of name resulting from marriage or divorce. History: 1979 c. 98 s. 1; 1979 c. 167 s. 20; 1979 c. 337 s. 15; 1979 c. 355; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 300; 2009 a. 123; 2021 a. 195.

Wis. Stat. 443.17

443.17 Seal or stamp; aiding unauthorized practice. (1) No person who is registered under this chapter to practice architecture, landscape architecture or professional engineering may impress his or her seal or stamp upon documents which have not been prepared by the person or under his or her direction and control, knowingly permit his or her seal or stamp to be used by any other person or in any other manner knowingly aid or abet the unauthorized practice of architecture or professional engineering or the unauthorized use of the title “landscape architect” by persons not authorized under this chapter. (2) (a) The registered interior designer section of the examining board shall promulgate rules establishing specifications for seals and stamps used by Wisconsin registered interior designers. (b) No Wisconsin registered interior designer may impress his or her seal or stamp upon a document unless the seal or stamp satisfies the specifications established by rule under par. (a). (3) A Wisconsin registered interior designer who is responsible for preparing an interior technical submission for delivery to any person or for a public record shall date, sign, and impress his or her seal or stamp upon the interior technical submission and any other related documents prepared by the Wisconsin registered interior designer. (4) No Wisconsin registered interior designer may impress his or her seal or stamp upon a document that has not been prepared by the Wisconsin registered interior designer or knowingly permit his or her seal or stamp to be used by any other person. History: 1979 c. 167; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 300; 2021 a. 195.

Wis. Stat. 443.18

443.18 Penalties; law enforcement. (1) Unauthorized practice; penalty. (a) Any person who practices or offers to practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering in this state, or who uses the term “architect,” “landscape architect,” or “professional engineer” as part of the person’s business name or title, except as provided in s. 443.08 (6), or in any way represents himself or herself as an architect, landscape architect, or a professional engineer unless the person is registered or exempted in accordance with this chapter, or unless the person is the holder of an unexpired permit issued under s. 443.10 (1) (d), or any person presenting or attempting to use as his or her own the certificate of registration of another, or any person who gives any false or forged evidence of any kind to the examining board or to any section of the examining board or to any member of the examining board or to any member of any section of the examining board in obtaining a certificate of registration, or any person who falsely impersonates any other registrant of like or different name, or any person who attempts to use an expired or revoked certificate of registration, or violates any of the provisions of this section, may be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 3 months or both. (b) All duly constituted officers of the law of this state or any political subdivision shall enforce this chapter and prosecute any persons violating this chapter. (2) Injunction. (a) If it appears upon complaint to the examining board or to any section of the examining board by any person, or is known to the examining board or to any section of the examining board that any person who is neither registered nor exempt under this chapter nor the holder of an unexpired permit under s. 443.10 (1) (d) is practicing or offering to practice, or is about to practice or to offer to practice, architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering in this state, the appropriate section of the examining board or the attorney general or the district attorney of the proper county may investigate and may, in addition to any other remedies, bring action in the name and on behalf of this state against any such person to enjoin the person from practicing or offering to practice architecture, landscape architecture, or professional engineering. (b) If it appears upon complaint to the examining board by any person, or is known to the examining board that any person who does not have a license to engage in the practice of professional land surveying in this state, or who is not exempt or excepted from the licensure requirements under this chapter, is engaging in or offering to engage in the practice of professional land surveying in this state, the professional land surveyor section, the examining board, the department, the department of justice, or the district attorney of the proper county may investigate and may, in addition to any other remedies, bring action in the name and on behalf of the state to enjoin the person from engaging in or offering to engage in the practice of professional land surveying. (3) Penalties; law enforcement. Any person who violates this chapter shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 3 months or both. History: 1979 c. 167 ss. 27, 28, 45, 46; 1981 c. 20; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1997 a. 300; 1995 a. 85; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146; 2013 a. 358.

Wis. Stat. 443.20

443.20 Indemnification in civil contracts. (1) In this section: (a) “Civil contract” means any contractual agreement between the state or a political subdivision and a private entity. (b) “Design professional” means any of the following: 1. Architect. 2. Engineer-in-training. 3. Landscape architect. 4. Professional engineer. 5. Professional land surveyor. 6. Wisconsin registered interior designer. (c) “Design professional services” means any service performed by a design professional and services performed by others that arise out of or are related to services performed by a design professional, including the following: 1. Studies. 2. Planning. 3. Surveys. 4. Project management. 5. Traffic management. 6. Preparatory work. (2) Notwithstanding s. 895.447, any provision of a civil contract containing any of the following, explicitly or in effect, is void and unenforceable: (a) A provision requiring a private entity performing design professional services to indemnify the state or any political subdivision, except as provided in sub. (3) (a). (b) A provision requiring a private entity performing design professional services to defend the state or any political subdivision in any legal action. (3) The limitations under sub. (2) (a) do not apply to any of the following: (a) Indemnification provisions in any civil contract in which a private entity’s indemnification obligation is limited to losses proximately caused by the negligent performance of design professional services by the private entity and does not exceed the proportion of a loss caused by the negligent performance. (b) Provisions required to be included in the state’s or a political subdivision’s contracts with the federal government to the extent the provisions conflict with sub. (2). (c) A provision in a civil design contract that requires a private entity to indemnify the state or any political subdivision for damages caused by the private entity’s acts or omissions if the acts or omissions involve reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct. (4) Nothing in this section may be construed as a waiver of any immunity or other limitation of liability described in this chapter or ch. 893 or 895. (5) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the state or any political subdivision from requiring a private entity to provide proof of liability insurance as a condition of contract. History: 2023 a. 211.

Wis. Stat. § 470.01

470.01 (7) .

443.01(3r)(f)

(f)

The actions of a person who is under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect or an employee of a licensed landscape architect, unless the person assumes responsible charge, design, or supervision.

443.01(3r)(g)

(g)

Work performed on property by an individual who owns or has control over the property, or work performed by a person hired by an individual who owns or has control of the property.

443.01(3r)(h)

(h)

Making plans or drawings for the selection, placement, or use of plants or site features.

443.01(5)

(5)

 

“Practice of architecture” includes any professional service, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, architectural and structural design, or responsible supervision of construction, in connection with the construction of any private or public buildings, structures, projects, or the equipment thereof, or addition to or alterations thereof, in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health or property is concerned or involved.

443.01(5m)

(5m)

 

443.01(5m)(a)

(a)

“Practice of interior design” means the design of interior spaces as a part of an interior alteration or interior construction project in conformity with public health, safety, and welfare requirements, including the preparation of documents relating to building code descriptions, project egress plans that require no increase in the number of exits in the space affected, space planning, finish materials, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment and the preparation of documents and interior technical submissions relating to interior construction.

443.01(5m)(b)

(b)

“Practice of interior design” does not include any of the following:

443.01(5m)(b)1.

1.

Services that constitute the practice of architecture or the practice of professional engineering.

443.01(5m)(b)2.

2.

Altering or affecting the structural system of a building, including changing the building’s live or dead load on the structural system.

443.01(5m)(b)3.

3.

Changes to the building envelope, including exterior walls, exterior wall coverings, exterior wall openings, exterior windows and doors, architectural trim, balconies and similar projections, bay and oriel windows, roof assemblies and rooftop structures, and glass and glazing for exterior use in both vertical and sloped applications in buildings and structures.

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2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated

through 2025 Wis. Act 103 and through all Supreme Court Orders and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on April 3, 2026.

Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after April 3, 2026, are designated by NOTES.

(Published 4-3-26)

Wis. Stat. § 645.675

645.675 (1) (h) , or an annuity contract.

629.01(5)(c)

(c)

An individual employed solely for the purpose of obtaining facts surrounding a loss or furnishing technical assistance to a public adjuster, including a photographer, estimator, private investigator, engineer, or handwriting expert.

629.01(5)(d)

(d)

An individual who settles subrogation claims between insurers.

629.01(5)(e)

(e)

An individual who is licensed as an intermediary under s.

Wis. Stat. § 83.015

83.015 (2) (b) , the county highway commissioner shall perform all duties required by the county board and by the county highway committee and shall do or cause to be done all necessary engineering and make all necessary examinations for the establishment, construction, improvement and maintenance of highways. The county highway commissioner shall establish such grades and make such surveys and maps or cause the same to be made as the commissioner considers proper, and examine the highways and report as to the condition of roads, bridges and culverts, and make estimates of the cost of the improvement thereof, and of the cost of any relocation when required to do so or when the commissioner considers the same reasonably necessary.

83.01(7)(c)

(c)

The county highway commissioner shall have charge of all county road machinery and tools, and shall be responsible to the county board for their proper maintenance, repair and storage, and shall in the annual report required under par. (d) make a complete inventory of the same, which inventory shall show the date of purchase, the location and condition of such machinery and tools, and the cost and present value thereof.

83.01(7)(d)

(d)

The county highway commissioner shall make an annual report to the department and to the county board at its annual meeting containing an itemized statement of all expenditures made from the county road and bridge fund during the year ending November 1. The commissioner shall include in the report an itemized estimate of the amount needed to properly maintain the county trunk highways in the county for the succeeding year and shall make such recommendations as deemed advisable.

83.01(7)(e)

(e)

The county highway commissioner and the commissioner’s employees may enter private lands for the purpose of making surveys or inspections.

83.01(7)(f)

(f)

Whenever any fence encroaches upon any highway on the county trunk or state trunk system, the county highway commissioner may issue an order requiring the owner or occupant of the land to which such fence is appurtenant to remove the fence from the highway within 30 days. The order shall be served personally or by registered mail. If the fence is not sooner removed the commissioner shall, after the expiration of 30 days, remove the fence. The commissioner shall keep an accurate account of the expense thereof which shall be paid by the county. The expense shall be charged to the town in which such lands are situated and shall be added to its tax roll as a special tax against such lands, and shall be collected and accounted for as other county taxes are. If the claim of encroachment is disputed, the dispute shall be decided in the manner prescribed by s.

Wis. Stat. § 87.04

87.04 shall be confined to the question whether the improvement prayed for in the petition is required by the public health, safety, convenience or welfare. Any person interested may appear at such hearing in person or by attorney and be heard upon said question without the filing of any formal pleading. In considering and deciding this question the department may consider investigations and reports made by the engineering staff and by the U.S. government or an officer or agency thereof, provided such reports are made a part of the record of the hearing. If at the close of such hearing the department determines that the public health, safety, convenience or welfare require the abatement or substantial diminution of the flood conditions referred to in the petition, it shall make written findings to that effect and shall direct the hearing upon the petition to proceed; but if its finding is to the contrary, it shall enter an order dismissing the petition.

Wis. Stat. § 87.05

87.05 , shall direct the hearing to proceed, the department shall at the same time direct its engineering department to make a survey in the form of a preliminary investigation and to file a report:

87.07(1)(a)

(a)

Determining and showing upon a map the lands, whether contiguous or not, which will be benefited by the abatement or substantial diminution of the flood conditions referred to in the petition; defining by legal description each parcel of such lands, other than those owned by public corporations or public service corporations; stating the most recent equalized assessed value of each such parcel of land, and stating the amount of benefit estimated to be derived by each such parcel from the abatement or substantial diminution of such flood conditions;

87.07(1)(b)

(b)

Giving a general description of the real property of any public corporation and the real and personal property of any public service corporation which will be benefited by the abatement or substantial diminution of the flood conditions referred to in the petition; stating the fair value of each parcel of real estate and piece of personal property so described, and determining the amount of benefit estimated to be derived by each of such parcels of real estate and pieces of personal property from the abatement or substantial diminution of such flood conditions; for the purposes of ss.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)