How to Get Your Wisconsin Real Estate License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

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How to Get Your Wisconsin Real Estate License

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 how to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin 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.

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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.

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For Wisconsin real estate license exam courses and study tools, StateRequirement recommends:

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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.

How Hard is the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam

The passing rate for the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 75%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously. If you put the proper effort forth, we know that you can pass on your first attempt!

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.

Before taking the exam, check out StateRequirement’s guide on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam. This in-depth guide works as a great partner to your pre-license course to prepare you to pass on your first attempt!

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

Wisconsin Real Estate License FAQ

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Wisconsin?

To obtain a Wisconsin salesperson license, you need to complete a real estate course costing between $349 and $629. Considering these costs, the total estimated expenses for obtaining a Wisconsin real estate license range from $500 to $780, including the pre-licensing real estate education and the $150 state-specific fees.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Wisconsin Real Estate License?

Obtaining a Wisconsin real estate license involves time-consuming steps like pre-license education and test preparation, typically taking three to six months. However, if you commit to your studies consistently, you could potentially finish in just two months. We advise against rushing this process, though. Proper preparation is key for successfully passing the licensing exam.

How to Get a Wisconsin Commercial Real Estate License?

To conduct commercial real estate transactions in Wisconsin, you’ll need a standard Salesperson or Broker license. There’s no separate “commercial real estate license,” so you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker who deals with the type of transactions you’re interested in. This broker will guide you in the specific commercial deals you aim to pursue.

Are There any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?

Local job markets often have openings for various real estate roles, especially for real estate agents looking to advance their real estate career in Wisconsin. To find these opportunities near you, consider exploring StateRequirement Jobs, a valuable resource for finding current real estate job listings in your area.

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