Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier 12-Hour Initial Course

Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier 12-Hour Initial Course — Course Outline

9 modules · 63 lessons · 12 hours

1. Module 1Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Foundations & Sitework7 lessons

   1. Excavation, Slope Stability, and Site Preparation Under SPS 321
   2. Footing Design: Sizing, Depth, and Bearing Capacity
   3. Foundation Wall Construction: Concrete, Masonry, and Lateral Support
   4. Slab-on-Ground and Basement Floor Slabs: Base, Vapor Retarder, and Reinforcement
   5. Damp-proofing, Waterproofing, and Foundation Drainage Systems
   6. Site Grading, Swales, and Drainage Discharge
   7. Backfill, Soils, and Foundation Protection
   8. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Foundations & Sitework — Section CheckpointQuiz
2. Module 2Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Framing & Building Envelope8 lessons

   1. Floor Framing: Joist Sizing, Spans, and Bearing Under UDC
   2. Wall Framing: Stud Layout, Headers, and Top Plate Connections
   3. Roof Framing: Rafters, Ceiling Joists, and Collar Ties
   4. Structural Sheathing: Nailing Schedules and Panel Requirements
   5. Weather-Resistant Barriers: Housewrap, Felt, and Flashing Integration
   6. Window and Door Installation: UDC Flashing and Egress Requirements
   7. SPS 322 Compliance Paths, Fenestration and Envelope Verification (Part 1)
   8. SPS 322 Compliance Paths, Fenestration and Envelope Verification (Part 2)
   9. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Framing & Building Envelope — Section CheckpointQuiz
3. Module 3Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical6 lessons

   1. SPS 323 HVAC Clearances & Combustion Air
   2. SPS 325 Minimum Fixture Counts and Water Distribution
   3. SPS 324 Branch-Circuit and Feeder Calculations for Dwellings
   4. SPS 324 Panelboard Clearances, GFCI and AFCI Protection
   5. SPS 323 Delivery Systems, Venting and the Licensed-Trade Boundary (Part 1)
   6. SPS 323 Delivery Systems, Venting and the Licensed-Trade Boundary (Part 2)
   7. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code: Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical — Section CheckpointQuiz
4. Module 4Dwelling Contractor Laws & Qualifier Credential7 lessons

   1. Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Statutes & SPS 305 Scope
   2. Certification Triggers: Who Must Hold a Dwelling Contractor Credential
   3. Qualifier Eligibility & Application Requirements
   4. Firm Registration: Business Entities & Application Procedures
   5. Continuing Education for Qualifiers: Credits & Compliance
   6. Disciplinary Grounds & Penalties under SPS 305
   7. Contractor Duties: Recordkeeping, Insurance & Consumer Protection
   8. Dwelling Contractor Laws & Qualifier Credential — Section CheckpointQuiz
5. Module 5Construction Laws, Contracts & Liability7 lessons

   1. Perfecting and Enforcing a Wisconsin Lien: Deadlines, Filing, and Foreclosure
   2. Mandatory Contract Provisions for Dwelling Contractors Under ATCP 110 and Wis. Stat. § 779.02
   3. Liability Insurance Coverage for Dwelling Contractors: CGL Policy Essentials
   4. Trust Funds, Waivers and Payment Bonds: Wis. Stat. ch. 779 Rule by Rule (Part 1)
   5. Trust Funds, Waivers and Payment Bonds: Wis. Stat. ch. 779 Rule by Rule (Part 2)
   6. ATCP 110 Home Improvement Practices: Contracts, Deposits, Delay and Cancellation (Part 1)
   7. ATCP 110 Home Improvement Practices: Contracts, Deposits, Delay and Cancellation (Part 2)
   8. Construction Laws, Contracts & Liability — Section CheckpointQuiz
6. Module 6Worker Safety & OSHA Compliance2 lessons

   1. OSHA 1926 Overview and Employer Duties
   2. Fall Protection in Residential Construction
   3. Worker Safety & OSHA Compliance — Section CheckpointQuiz
7. Module 7Business Management & Risk11 lessons

   1. Estimating Methods & Material Takeoff
   2. Job Cost Tracking & Variance Analysis
   3. Cash Flow Forecasting & Management
   4. Construction Scheduling & Resource Planning
   5. Bonding, Insurance & Risk Management
   6. Contractor Books and the Certificate of Financial Responsibility (Part 1)
   7. Contractor Books and the Certificate of Financial Responsibility (Part 2)
   8. Payroll, Worker Classification and Contractor Taxes in Wisconsin (Part 1)
   9. Payroll, Worker Classification and Contractor Taxes in Wisconsin (Part 2)
   10. Ethics as Wisconsin Writes It: The Standard Behind the Credential
   11. Running the Business So the Rules Can Be Checked: A Best-Practices System
   12. Business Management & Risk — Section CheckpointQuiz
8. Module 8Permits, Inspections & Code Navigation9 lessons

   1. The Permit Application Packet: Forms, Fees & Required Submittals
   2. The Foundation Inspection: Sizing Footings and Drainage Code Checks
   3. Rough-In Inspection Navigator: Frame, Mechanical & Electrical Checkpoints
   4. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy Triggers
   5. UDC Book Structure: Chapter, Table and Appendix Indexing Under 90 Seconds
   6. Code Navigation Sprint: Timed Multi-Chapter Drill on Footing Rejection Scenarios
   7. SPS 320 and Wis. Stat. 101.65 Rule by Rule: Jurisdiction, Permits, Inspections and Enforcement (Part 1)
   8. SPS 320 and Wis. Stat. 101.65 Rule by Rule: Jurisdiction, Permits, Inspections and Enforcement (Part 2)
   9. SPS 320 and Wis. Stat. 101.65 Rule by Rule: Jurisdiction, Permits, Inspections and Enforcement (Part 3)
   10. Permits, Inspections & Code Navigation — Section CheckpointQuiz
9. Module 9Calculation Workshop & Practice Exam6 lessons

   1. Concrete Volume & Yardage: Footings, Slabs & Waste Factor
   2. Vent Sizing: Attic, Crawlspace & Combustion Air Calculations
   3. Mock Exam Review: Detailed Solutions & Code-Snippet Drills
   4. Estimating Workshop: Takeoff, Pricing, Change Orders and Reconciliation for One Dwelling (Part 1)
   5. Estimating Workshop: Takeoff, Pricing, Change Orders and Reconciliation for One Dwelling (Part 2)
   6. Estimating Workshop: Takeoff, Pricing, Change Orders and Reconciliation for One Dwelling (Part 3)
   7. Calculation Workshop & Practice Exam — Section CheckpointQuiz

Your Instructor

Michael Melvin

Contractor Educator

Founder of At Your Pace Online; contractor course instructor since 2011

Michael Melvin is a construction educator and former contractor who built one of the most widely used online training platforms for licensed tradespeople in the United States. As founder and former CEO of At Your Pace Online, he led the company from its early years in Oregon through its growth into a national provider of state-approved pre-licensing and continuing education. Under his leadership, AYPO became a trusted source for contractor, electrician, plumber, HVAC, real estate, and insurance training across all 50 states. In 2021 the company was acquired by American Safety Council.

Melvin’s teaching is grounded in field experience. He previously worked as a general contractor in Oregon, then used that practical knowledge to design courses that contractors could actually use—licensing requirements, business practices, and job-site realities rather than theory alone. Through At Your Pace Online and related programs, he has trained thousands of general contractors nationwide. Today he is known as an instructor who speaks the language of the trade: someone who has run jobs, built a training company, and spent years helping contractors get licensed, stay compliant, and run stronger businesses.