This comprehensive guide to obtaining a Wisconsin real estate license covers all the necessary steps and real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s designed for everyone in the state, with additional resources for major cities like Milwaukee (WI).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, providing the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Wisconsin’s real estate market.
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Wisconsin, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, Wisconsin allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 72 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). These courses include:
- Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (72 hours)
Examination
Wisconsin Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 140 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 100 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (3 hours for the national portion, 1 hour for the state portion)
- Passing Score: 75% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $65, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 72 hours of pre-licensing education, you will need to submit your application through LicensE, the official online system of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam through PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The Wisconsin Real Estate Exam is considered moderately difficult, with adequate preparation recommended for both the national and state-specific portions.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 72 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through LicensE after completing your pre-licensing education.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $75, payable when submitting your license application through LicensE.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Required: Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor such as IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $39, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as part of your application process.
- Processing
- The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services will review your background check results before approving your license application.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Application Fee: $75
Post-Licensing Education
Wisconsin does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: Licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
- Core Courses (9 hours): Wisconsin requires all licensees to complete 6 core courses, which cover topics such as:
- Wisconsin Real Estate Law and Regulations (3 hours)
- Ethics and Fair Housing (3 hours)
- Agency and Fiduciary Duties (3 hours)
- Elective Courses (9 hours): Licensees can also complete elective courses covering a variety of real estate topics such as:
- Real Estate Finance
- Property Management
- Environmental Issues
Approved Providers
- Continuing education must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Submission
- Proof of course completion must be submitted through the LicensE online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: If you fail to meet the CE requirements within the two-year period, your license will be placed on inactive status, preventing you from practicing real estate.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, you must complete the required CE hours and submit proof to the Wisconsin DSPS.
Wisconsin Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: Provides online pre-licensing courses tailored to Wisconsin’s requirements.
- Colibri Real Estate: Formerly known as Real Estate Express, provides flexible online learning options.
- The CE Shop: Offers comprehensive online courses for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Milwaukee:
- Wisconsin Realtors Association: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Milwaukee Area Technical College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Madison:
- Madison College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- First Weber Real Estate School: Provides in-person real estate education.
Green Bay:
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Wisconsin offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Wisconsin real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Wisconsin offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the Wisconsin state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Wisconsin, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last four years
- Complete 72 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Criminal Record
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Department will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized.
It’s recommended to contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
---|---|
Total | $540 – $1,040 |
Pre-License Education | $300 – $600 |
Exam Fee | $65 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $75 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services:
- Street Address: Department of Safety and Professional Services, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
- Mailing Address: Real Estate Examining Board, PO Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935
- Telephone: (608) 266-2112 or (877) 617-1565
- Fax: (608) 261-7083
- Email: dsps@wi.gov
- Contact WI Real Estate Board
- License Renewal Website
- License Lookup Website
- Broker Website
- Salesperson Website
- Pearson VUE Examination Services: (888) 204-6284
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 72 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from Pearson VUE
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Wisconsin
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 72 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Examination through Pearson VUE. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $65.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Wisconsin Department of Justice-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, including the application fee of $75.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Wisconsin real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Wisconsin.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 18 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Wisconsin Real Estate Agent Salary
In Wisconsin, real estate agents earn an average salary of $84,162 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $35,000 to $150,000.
The median salary is around $80,000, reflecting a balanced income distribution. Top agents, especially in key markets like Milwaukee and Madison, can earn upwards of $180,000 annually.
Wisconsin’s diverse real estate market and moderate cost of living provide substantial earning potential.
The state’s economic stability and quality of life make it an attractive market for real estate professionals seeking consistent and lucrative career opportunities.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Wisconsin if I have a felony?
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Department for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Wisconsin?
The total estimated cost ranges from $540 to $1,040, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Wisconsin have reciprocity with other states?
Wisconsin has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Wisconsin state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Wisconsin involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Wisconsin.
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