Midwest · Real Estate License
Wisconsin
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
DSPS/REEB
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Real Estate Examining Board
Official website →72
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$125
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–24 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
18 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 72-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take a DSPS-approved 72-hour salesperson pre-licensing course (classroom or online). Pass the course final exam (100 questions, 70%).
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE Exam
Register at pearsonvue.com. Pay $65 exam fee. Pass both National (85 questions) and State (55 questions) sections with scaled score of 75.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure affiliation with a licensed Wisconsin broker.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Submit Application via DSPS LicensE Portal
Apply online at license.wi.gov. Pay $60 application fee. Upload education certificate and exam passing score.
Estimated time: 5–10 business days processing
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified72 hours from a DSPS-approved provider. Alternative path: 10 academic semester credits in real estate or RE-related law. Must complete within 4 years before application. Course includes a 100-question final exam (70% passing).
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (72 hrs — real property law, ownership forms, legal descriptions, title transfer, brokerage, agency, contracts, financing, closings, appraisal, fair housing, land use, environmental issues, math, ethics, WI-specific law)
Provider type: DSPS-approved private schools, technical colleges, online providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Wisconsin-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice, in-person only at Pearson VUE test centers. No remote proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 85 | min | 75% |
| State (Wisconsin) | 55 | min | 75% |
| Total | 140 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes. Must wait 24 hours before rebooking. $65 per attempt. Exam passing score valid for 1 year.
140 scored questions + 5–10 unscored pretest items. Uses scaled/weighted scoring (75 out of 100 scaled score). 30+ test centers across Wisconsin including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire. Must book minimum 24 hours in advance.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Wisconsin real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| License Application Fee | $60.00 | Wisconsin DSPS | |
| Exam Fee (per attempt) Note: Most sources confirm $65 from DSPS and Pearson VUE. One source mentions $82 which may reflect a recent change or additional processing fee. Recommend verifying with Pearson VUE. (Alt: $82 per US Realty Training (one report)) | $65.00 | Pearson VUE | |
| Estimated Total | $125.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not required
Non-residents must file an Irrevocable Consent for Nonresidents form.
Citizenship
US citizen or legally authorized to work
Valid SSN required (or SSN exemption).
Background Check
Required
Criminal history review as part of application. Wisconsin does NOT require universal fingerprinting — fingerprinting only required when criminal history exists or for predetermination review ($8 conviction review fee or $68 predetermination fee).
Character
Required
Must possess reputation for competency, honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
License must be activated under a licensed Wisconsin broker/brokerage firm.
Reciprocity
Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements
Type: Limited Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (2)
Illinois
Exempt from ALL educational requirements. Must take only the Wisconsin state portion of the exam.
Indiana
Exempt from ALL educational requirements. Must take only the Wisconsin state portion of the exam.
From other states: must complete a DSPS-approved 13-hour pre-license program (not full 72 hours) and pass the full state exam. Must have held an active license within past 2 years. Non-residents must file Irrevocable Consent form.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
18 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$60.00
First Renewal Notes
If original salesperson license received after October 1 of an even-numbered year, exempt from CE for that biennium. All others must complete full 18-hour CE requirement.
Deadlines
December 14 of each even-numbered year. Current biennium: 2025–2026 (deadline December 14, 2026).
2025–2026 mandatory CE includes updated Fair Housing (Federal and State) and Antitrust courses.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Wisconsin requires 18 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
2025 Wisconsin Act 69 (signed Dec 9, 2025): Listing firms must share property info within 1 business day. Firms cannot accept compensation from other firms in 1-4 unit residential transactions. AI disclosure required in advertising.
Effective: 2027-01-01 · Affects: requirements
2025–2026 CE biennium: new mandatory Fair Housing (Federal and State) and Antitrust courses required.
Effective: 2025-01-01 · Affects: renewal
Administrative code updates to renewal and reinstatement procedures.
Effective: 2024-09-01 · Affects: renewal
Sources
https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Professions/RESalesperson/Default.aspx
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RESalesperson/Exams.aspx
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RESalesperson/CE.aspx
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/wi/realestate.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.wra.org/education/careers/sales/wisconsin_real_estate_sales_license_information/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.wra.org/ReciprocitySales/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/acts/69
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Signed December 9, 2025