Below are the practical steps to obtain a Wisconsin real estate license through the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS). In Wisconsin, the entry-level credential is Real Estate Salesperson; Broker is a higher credential with additional experience requirements.
1) Real Estate Salesperson license (most common “agent” license)
Step 1 — Confirm you’re eligible to apply
Wisconsin will not act on a new salesperson (or broker) application unless the applicant is at least 18 years old.
Step 2 — Complete the required pre-license education (choose one path)
You must document one of the following:
- 72-hour Board-approved pre-license program completed within 4 years before you apply, or
- 10 academic semester credits in real estate or real-estate-related law.
Step 3 — Pass the Wisconsin Salesperson exam
Schedule the exam with Pearson VUE (online or by phone) and pass the salesperson examination.
Step 4 — Apply to DSPS through LicensE and submit required documents
Apply online via LicensE and (for a typical first-time applicant) be prepared to:
- Pay the $60 initial credentialing fee
- Upload proof of education (72-hour certificate or transcript)
- Upload proof you passed the exam (Pearson VUE certificate)
- If you are a nonresident, upload Form 813 (Irrevocable Consent for Nonresidents).
Step 5 — Affiliate with a Wisconsin broker/firm
- A Wisconsin salesperson must work under a broker licensed in Wisconsin.
- Practically, this is handled by filing the Notice of Licensee Association with Firm (Form 812) as part of your application/association process.
2) Real Estate Broker license (advanced credential)
Step 1 — Meet education requirements (choose one path)
You must document one of the following:
- 72-hour Board-approved broker pre-license program completed within 4 years before you apply, or
- 20 academic semester credits in real estate or real-estate-related law, or
- Proof you are licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
Step 2 — Meet Wisconsin broker experience requirements
In addition to education, DSPS requires evidence you’ve held a WI salesperson license for at least 2 years within the last 4 years and that you’ve met the state’s salesperson practice/experience requirements (often documented via the state’s experience point system).
Step 3 — Pass the required exam(s)
DSPS broker exam guidance indicates you must complete the broker exam and (if you do not already have an active salesperson license / have not already passed it) the salesperson exam. DSPS
Step 4 — Apply to DSPS through LicensE and submit required documents
For a typical first-time broker applicant, DSPS expects you to:
- Apply via LicensE
- Pay the $60 initial credentialing fee
- Upload education proof
- Upload proof of passing the broker exam (Pearson VUE certificate)
- Submit nonresident Form 813 if applicable.
3) Important items that commonly affect timing/approval
- Criminal/disciplinary history disclosures: the licensing process includes questions about convictions and other licensing discipline; DSPS evaluates whether matters substantially relate to real estate practice, recency, and rehabilitation.
- Reciprocity / out-of-state licensees: Wisconsin materials describe reciprocity agreements with Illinois and Indiana (requirements differ from “endorsement” from other states).
4) After you’re licensed: renewals and continuing education
Brokers renew on December 14 of each even-numbered year, and brokers must complete continuing education as required.