Sales license

To earn a Wisconsin real estate salesperson license, the state of Wisconsin requires 72 hours of state-approved education as well as passing the salesperson licensing exam.

Wisconsin real estate salesperson licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Follow the steps below to obtain a new salesperson's license by examination (for applicants not licensed in any state):

1. Fulfill one education requirement:

• Complete the 72-hour Wisconsin Pre-license Course for salespersons within the past four years.

• Complete 10 semester hour credits in real estate or real estate-related law courses from an accredited institution of higher education.

2. Pass the Wisconsin salesperson exam.

Pass salesperson examination within one year preceding the date of application, administered by Pearson VUE.

Need more details about the exam? View Sales Exam Overview.

3. Submit your application to the Wisconsin DSPS.

Submit application online through the DSPS LicensE program, including supporting documents and fees.

Application includes:

• Form 3166, Application for Real Estate Salesperson license (additional forms may also apply)

• $60 credentialing fee

• Proof of education completion

• Evidence that you passed the salesperson exam

Application for pre-determination (Form #3085): Individuals who do not possess a real estate broker, real estate salesperson or real estate timeshare salesperson license can apply to the board to determine whether any criminal conviction in their past will prohibit them from achieving licensure before making an investment in the education. See Chapter REEB 12 for more information.

Continuing education requirements: During each two-year licensing period, the DSPS requires all sales licensees to complete 18 credit hours of CE including CE for the biennium during which they were initially licensed. However, salespersons who receive their license after October 1 of the even year of the biennium are not required to complete CE for that biennium.

If you want to obtain a Wisconsin real estate license and do not live in the state, see the Out-of-State Licensees page online.

The DSPS requires all real estate licensees to complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their license. However, individuals who earn the Wisconsin salesperson license after October 1 of an even year are not required to complete CE for that biennium. To renew your license, you must complete the current biennium curriculum and pass the exams for each course. All WRA CE courses are DSPS-approved and meet the required standards.

Failure to complete the 18 hours of CE by the biennium deadline will prevent you from engaging in real estate practice until the requirements are fulfilled. If your license is not renewed, it will become inactive, and you will be unable to practice.