In order to kickstart your real estate career in Wisconsin, it’s essential to obtain a Wisconsin Real Estate License. However, despite the fact that the application process is mainly completed online nowadays, many applicants can still find it quite confusing and complicated.
For this reason, this How to Get a Real Estate License in Wisconsin article will break down the main steps involved in the licensing process, covering everything from educational requirements to exam preparation and having your fingerprints taken.
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Wisconsin Real Estate License
In order to get your Wisconsin real estate license and start working in the real estate industry, there are several key steps you’ll need to complete, including:
- Ensuring You Meet the Licensing Eligibility Requirements
- Completing the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
- Passing the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam
- Submitting a License Application
In the sections below, we’ve explored each of these steps in more detail.
Step 1: Meet the Wisconsin Real Estate License Requirements
Before continuing ahead with your application for a Wisconsin real estate license, you’ll first need to confirm that you’re actually eligible for it by ensuring you meet the following prerequisites:
- You will need to be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting your application
- You will need to hold a high school diploma — or its equivalent — to qualify
Note: Wisconsin has reciprocal real estate licensing agreements with Illinois and Indiana. If you hold a license in either of these states, be sure to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services directly or refer to Wis. Admin. Code § REEB 12.013(3) for more details.
Step 2: Complete the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
In addition to the general requirements outlined above, there are certain educational prerequisites you’ll be expected to meet in order to be able to apply for a Wisconsin real estate license.
In particular, you’ll be expected to complete a 72-hour pre-license course for Salespersons that’s been approved by the Wisconsin Real Estate Examining Board.
This program, which you can take either online or in a classroom setting, needs to be completed within four years of submitting your application.
Important
Even though completing the courses is mandatory, it would be a mistake to think of this step as just “checking a box”. This is because your pre-licensing education is what will prepare you to both pass your exam and become a better real estate agent.
For this reason, we always encourage our readers to invest in high-quality and reliable courses, as their study materials (like real estate practice tests and flashcards) can be invaluable during the exam prep stage.
On top of this, some of the top courses also offer money-back guarantees in the event that you do not pass your exam on your first attempt after taking their course.
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Note: If you’ve completed 10 academic semester hours in real estate or real estate-related law at an institution of higher learning, you won’t be required to complete this pre-licensing course.
Step 3: Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam
The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Wisconsin real estate exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE.
The salesperson examination consists of 140 scored questions in total, and you’ll need to attain a minimum passing score of 75 in order to advance.
In order to schedule your real estate exam, you’ll need to head over to the Pearson VUE website and make an online reservation. If this is your first time using the platform, you’ll be required to create an account, after which you’ll be shown step-by-step instructions on how to complete the reservation.
Alternatively, you can also schedule your exam by contacting a Pearson VUE representative at (888) 204-6284.
To be able to sit this exam, you’ll be required to pay a $65 examination fee, which must be paid at the time you make your reservation, as test centers do not accept payments on-site.
Step 4: Submit a License Application
After passing the state real estate exam and satisfying all other licensing requirements, you’ll be ready to move on to submitting your license application.
This can be done online by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services’s LicensE platform and selecting the Real Estate Salesperson License application.
As part of the application process, you will be required to upload a copy of your certificate of completion from the Salesperson’s 72-hour education program, along with your Pearson VUE certificate verifying that you have passed the Salesperson exam.
Once you have completed the necessary documentation, you’ll be able to submit your application along with the required $60 initial licensing fee.
Note: Keep in mind that the Department has the authority to refuse licensure if you’ve ever been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or any other offense that substantially relates to the duties and responsibilities of a real estate salesperson, as outlined in Wis. Stat. § 111.335(3).
Step 5: Application Review
If you’ve managed to get this far, congratulations! With your application submitted and all the other licensing requirements satisfied, in most cases, you should be contacted by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services within a few business days.
Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!
Wisconsin Real Estate License Renewal
In order to keep your license valid and continue working as a real estate sales agent, you’ll need to renew your license every two years.
During this biennial period, you must complete 18 hours of Continuing Education across six 3-hour modules approved by the Real Estate Examining Board.
We always encourage our readers to think of the post licensing course they take as an investment in their future career — higher quality, more reliable course content is a central part of ensuring you continue to grow professionally.
Once you are ready to renew, you’ll need to log in to your LicensE account and submit your renewal application alongside a $60 processing fee.
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Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Mailing Address:
Wisconsin Real Estate
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112
Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Professions/RESalesperson/Default.aspx
Wisconsin Real Estate License FAQ
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin?
It will typically take at least a few months to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin.
The exact timeline will depend on how quickly you complete the required 72-hour pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, and have your application processed.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Wisconsin?
To get a real estate license in Wisconsin, you’ll need to pay between $200 to $400 for the mandatory 72-hour pre-licensing education course, $65 for the state licensing exam, and $60 for the initial licensing fee.
For more information on this topic, you can also have a look at our How to Get a Real Estate License in Wisconsin guide.
How hard is it to pass the Wisconsin real estate exam?
The Wisconsin salesperson licensing exam is generally considered a challenging test, as it requires a solid grasp of real estate principles and laws.
Having said that, many candidates find the examination challenging but manageable with proper preparation.
How to get your real estate license in the state of Wisconsin?
To obtain your real estate license in Wisconsin, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements set by the Wisconsin Real Estate Examining Board, complete the required board approved pre license education, pass the state licensing exam, and submit your license application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Interested in finding out more? You can check out our state-specific How to Get a Real Estate License guide.