Chapter 443

443.01 History 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.

443.01 Annotation Discussing the duties of county surveyors and other land surveyors and minimum standards for property surveys. 69 Atty. Gen. 160.

443.015 443.015 Examining board to establish continuing education requirements; promulgate rules.

443.015(1) (1) Each section of the examining board may establish continuing education requirements for renewal of a credential issued by that section under this chapter.

443.015(1e) (1e) The rules promulgated under sub. (1) by the registered interior designer section of the examining board shall require a Wisconsin registered interior designer to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal date specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a). At least 10 of the 15 hours shall be in subjects related to the practice of interior design that safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

443.015(1m) (1m) 

443.015(1m)(a) (a)

443.015(1m)(a)1. 1. Each section of the examining board shall promulgate rules to do all of the following:

443.015(1m)(a)1.a. a. Allow the holder of a credential under this chapter who is at least 65 years of age or has actively maintained that credential for at least 20 years, which need not be consecutive, and who certifies that he or she has retired from and no longer engages in the practice for which he or she holds the credential to apply to the board to classify that credential as retired status.

443.015(1m)(a)1.b. b. Allow an individual who previously held a credential under this chapter, and failed to renew that credential prior to the renewal date, to apply to the board to renew the credential with retired status if the individual is at least 65 years of age or had actively maintained that credential for at least 20 years, which need not be consecutive, certifies that he or she has retired from and no longer engages in the practice for which he or she previously held the credential, and pays the fee under par. (d). Section 440.08 (3) (a) and (b) does not apply to the renewal of such a credential.

443.015(1m)(a)1.c. c. Allow the holder of a credential classified as retired status as described under subd. 1. a. or b. to apply to the appropriate section of the examining board to remove the retired status classification if he or she satisfies reinstatement requirements established by the appropriate section of the examining board by rule.

443.015(1m)(a)2. 2. Rules promulgated under subd. 1. may not require a certification to be notarized.

443.015(1m)(b) (b) Any rules a section of the examining board promulgates under sub. (1) shall exempt a credential holder whose credential is classified as retired status under par. (a) from continuing education requirements.

443.015(1m)(c) (c)

443.015(1m)(c)1. 1. A credential holder whose credential is classified as retired status under par. (a) may not engage in the practice for which he or she holds that credential.

443.015(1m)(c)2. 2. A credential holder whose credential is classified as retired status under par. (a) may continue to use a title in connection with that credential if he or she clearly indicates to the public that he or she is retired, including by placing the abbreviation “Ret.” or similar appellation after his or her title.

443.015(1m)(d) (d) The renewal fee for a credential holder whose credential is classified as retired status under par. (a) shall be one-half of the usual renewal fee that otherwise applies.

443.015(2) (2) Each section of the examining board may promulgate rules governing the professional conduct of individuals, firms, partnerships, and corporations registered, permitted, certified, or granted a certificate of authorization by that section.

443.015 History History: 2007 a. 47; 2011 a. 146; 2019 a. 94; 2021 a. 195; s. 35.17 correction in (1e).

443.015 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. A-E 10, 13, Wis. adm. code.

443.02 443.02 Practice requirements and registration: general provisions.

443.02(1) (1) Any person practicing or offering to practice architecture or professional engineering in this state shall comply with this chapter.

443.02(2) (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).

443.02(3) (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).

443.02(4) (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.

443.02(5) (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.

443.02 History 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.

443.02 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also A-E, Wis. adm. code.

443.03 443.03 Registration requirements for architects.

443.03(1) (1) An applicant for registration as an architect shall submit as satisfactory evidence to the architect section of the examining board all of the following:

443.03(1)(a) (a) That he or she has acquired a thorough knowledge of sound construction, building hygiene, architectural design and mathematics.

443.03(1)(b) (b) One of the following:

443.03(1)(b)1m. 1m. A diploma of graduation, or a certificate, from an architectural school or college approved by the architect section as of satisfactory standing, together with at least 2 years’ practical experience of a character satisfactory to the architect section in the design and construction of buildings.

443.03(1)(b)2. 2. A specific record of 7 or more years of experience in architectural work of a character satisfactory to the architect section in the design and construction of buildings.

443.03(2) (2) Graduation in architecture from a school or college approved by the architect section as of satisfactory standing shall be considered as equivalent to 5 years of experience, and the completion satisfactory to the architect section of each year of work in architecture in such school or college without graduation shall be considered equivalent to one year of experience. Graduation in a course other than architecture from a school or college approved by the architect section as of satisfactory standing shall be considered as equivalent to not more than 4 years of experience.

443.03 History History: 1979 c. 167; 2011 a. 146.

443.03 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 3, Wis. adm. code.

443.035 443.035 Registration requirements for landscape architects. The landscape architect section of the examining board shall register as a landscape architect an individual who does all of the following:

443.035(1) (1) Submits to the department evidence satisfactory to the landscape architect section of any of the following:

443.035(1)(a) (a) That he or she has a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, or a master’s degree in landscape architecture, from a curriculum approved by the landscape architect section and has at least 2 years of practical experience in landscape architecture of a character satisfactory to the landscape architect section.

443.035(1)(b) (b) That he or she has a specific record of at least 7 years of training and experience in the practice of landscape architecture including at least 2 years of courses in landscape architecture approved by the landscape architect section, and 4 years of practical experience in landscape architecture of a character satisfactory to the landscape architect section.

443.035(2) (2) Satisfies the applicable requirements under s. 443.09.

443.035 History History: 1993 a. 465; 2011 a. 146.

443.035 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 9, Wis. adm. code.

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:

443.04(1m) (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.

443.04(2m) (2m) 

443.04(2m)(a) (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.

443.04(2m)(b) (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.

443.04 History History: 1979 c. 167; 1983 a. 328; 1999 a. 85; 2009 a. 350; 2011 a. 146.

443.04 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 4, Wis. adm. code.

443.04 Annotation Discussing the authority of the examining board. 70 Atty. Gen. 156.

443.05 443.05 Certification of engineers-in-training.

443.05(1) (1) An applicant for certification as an engineer-in-training shall submit as satisfactory evidence to the professional engineer section of the examining board one of the following:

443.05(1)(a) (a) A diploma of graduation in engineering or a certificate in engineering from a school or college approved by the professional engineer section as of satisfactory standing.

443.05(1)(b) (b) A specific record of 4 years or more of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the professional engineer section.

443.05(2) (2) Graduation in engineering from a school or college approved by the professional engineer section as of satisfactory standing shall be considered as equivalent to 4 years of experience and the completion satisfactory to the professional engineer section of each year of work in engineering in such school or college without graduation shall be considered as equivalent to one year of experience. Graduation in a course other than engineering from a school or college approved by the professional engineer section as of satisfactory standing shall be considered as equivalent to 2 years of experience. No applicant may receive credit for more than 4 years of experience under this subsection.

443.05 History History: 1979 c. 167; 2011 a. 146.

443.05 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 4, Wis. adm. code.

443.06 443.06 Licensure requirements for professional land surveyors.

443.06(1) (1) Licensure, application, qualifying experience.

443.06(1)(a) (a) Application for a license to engage in the practice of professional land surveying shall be made to the professional land surveyor section of the examining board under oath, on forms provided by the department, which shall require the applicant to submit such information as the professional land surveyor section deems necessary. The professional land surveyor section may require applicants to pass written or oral examinations or both. Applicants who do not have an arrest or conviction record, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, shall be entitled to be granted a license to engage in the practice of professional land surveying when satisfactory evidence is submitted that the applicant has met one or more of the requirements of sub. (2).

443.06(1)(b) (b) Each year, but not more than 4 years, of work or training completed in a curriculum in the practice of professional land surveying approved by the professional land surveyor section, or of responsible charge of teaching the practice of professional land surveying may be considered as equivalent to one year of qualifying experience in the practice of professional land surveying, and each year, but not more than 4 years, completed in a curriculum other than the practice of professional land surveying approved by the professional land surveyor section, may be considered as equivalent to one-half year of qualifying experience.

443.06(2) (2) Requirements; license. The professional land surveyor section may grant a license to engage in the practice of professional land surveying to any person who has submitted to it an application, the required fees, and one or more of the following:

443.06(2)(am) (am) Evidence satisfactory to the professional land surveyor section that he or she has received a bachelor’s degree in a course in the practice of professional land surveying or a related field that has a duration of not less than 4 years and is approved by the professional land surveyor section, and that he or she has engaged in the practice of professional land surveying for at least 2 years and has demonstrated practice of satisfactory character that indicates that the applicant is competent to engage in the practice of professional land surveying, if the applicant has passed an oral and written or written examination administered by the professional land surveyor section.

443.06(2)(bm) (bm) Evidence satisfactory to the professional land surveyor section that he or she has received an associate degree in a course in the practice of professional land surveying or a related field that has a duration of not less than 2 years and is approved by the professional land surveyor section, and that he or she has engaged in the practice of professional land surveying for at least 4 years and has demonstrated practice of satisfactory character that indicates that the applicant is competent to engage in the practice of professional land surveying, if the applicant has passed an oral and written or written examination administered by the professional land surveyor section.

443.06(2)(cm) (cm) Evidence satisfactory to the professional land surveyor section that he or she has engaged in the practice of professional land surveying for at least 10 years and has demonstrated practice of satisfactory character that indicates that the applicant is competent to engage in the practice of professional land surveying, if the applicant has passed an oral and written or written examination administered by the professional land surveyor section. This paragraph applies to applications for licenses to engage in the practice of professional land surveying that are submitted to the professional land surveyor section after June 30, 2000 and before July 1, 2019.

443.06(2)(d) (d) An unexpired certificate of registration, certificate of certification, or license as a land surveyor or to engage in the practice of professional land surveying issued to the applicant by the proper authority in any state or territory or possession of the United States or in any other country whose requirements meet or exceed the requirement for licensure in this subsection, if the applicant has passed an oral and written or written examination administered by the professional land surveyor section.

443.06 History History: 1979 c. 167; 1981 c. 380; 1981 c. 391 s. 211; 1987 a. 27; 1993 a. 462; 1995 a. 27 s. 9130 (4); 1997 a. 3, 27; 2011 a. 146; 2013 a. 358.

443.06 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 6, Wis. adm. code.

443.07 443.07 Permit requirements: designers of engineering systems.

443.07(1) (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:

443.07(1)(a) (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.

443.07(1)(b) (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.

443.07(2) (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.

443.07(3) (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.

443.07(4) (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.

443.07(5) (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.

443.07(6) (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).

443.07 History History: 1979 c. 167; 1991 a. 39; 2007 a. 20; 2011 a. 146.

443.07 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. A-E 5, Wis. adm. code.

443.07 Annotation 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.

443.075 443.075 Registration requirements for interior designers. The registered interior designer section of the examining board shall register as a Wisconsin registered interior designer an individual who submits an application to the registered interior designer section on a form provided by the registered interior designer section and who satisfies one of the following requirements:

443.075(1) (1) The individual does all of the following:

443.075(1)(a) (a) Passes an interior design examination approved by the registered interior designer section that is administered by an organization approved by the registered interior designer section.

443.075(1)(b) (b) Meets any other requirements established by the registered interior designer section by rule.

443.075(2) (2) The individual is registered as an architect under s. 443.03 and submits evidence satisfactory to the registered interior designer section of all of the following:

443.075(2)(a) (a) That he or she is a graduate of a 4-year architecture program.

443.075(2)(b) (b) That he or she has at least 6 years of demonstrated practical experience in interior design of a character satisfactory to the registered interior designer section.