Getting your Wisconsin Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your Wisconsin real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!

This article outlines the process to get your WI Real Estate License in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Wisconsin

Becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin is as simple as getting your license, finding a broker sponsor, and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.

Wisconsin Real Estate License Requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin are:

• Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Must also have earned a high school diploma or GED

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Wisconsin

Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

To start, you must complete the Board-approved 72-hour pre-license education program for salespersons before sitting for an examination.

Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs.

Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.

Wisconsin does not require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.

Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.

Step 2. Wisconsin Real Estate License Exam

After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam.

The fee to take the exam is $65 per attempt.

The Wisconsin Real Estate Exam consists of 140 questions.

You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam.

A passing score for the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 105/140.

Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.

You can register to take your exam on the Pearson VUE Wisconsin Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.

Step 3. Real Estate License Application

The last step to getting your real estate license in Wisconsin is to complete your license application.

Applicants must complete and submit the license application form to the Department of Safety & Professional Services before their exam scores are one year old. Make sure that it has the employing broker’s certification.

Make sure to include other required documents and send them to the following address: 

Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935 

The following items will need to be sent in with your application:

• $75 Initial Credentialing Fee (check or money order payable to the Department of Safety and Professional Services)
• Copy of certificate of completion of Salesperson’s 72-hour education program from a Board-approved school
• Evidence of passing the salesperson exam

Step 4. Application Review

Once you’ve passed your exam, you will only need to wait for your license to be issued. In most cases, this process should take between 5-10 business days. After this, you should receive an email from DSPS with a license document. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112 or dspscredrealestatebd@wisconsin.gov.

Congratulations! 

Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!

Step 5. Real Estate License Sponsorship

If you have a prospective firm, you must complete the top section of the license application form (page 3).

If the license is issued without registering a firm on the said form, you will need to submit a Notice of Licensee Associated with Firm form and a $10.00 fee.

That should be mailed to the following address:
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935

If you don’t have a broker to work with yet, check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate broker opening in your area.

WDSPS – Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Mailing Address: 

Wisconsin Real Estate Commission
Hill Farms State Office Building, 4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705

Phone: (608) 266-2112

Email: dspscredrealestatebd@wisconsin.gov

Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Professions/RESalesperson/Default.aspx