How to Obtain a Real Estate License in Wisconsin

In the State of Wisconsin, exams, licensing, and continuing education for real estate agents are governed by the Department of Regulation and Licensing, drl.wi.gov/index.htm. Much of the licensing information pertains not only to the sale of houses, but also to anyone who wishes to obtain any professional license, from a license to work as a security guard to a boxing license to a license for a private investigator.

There are three basic real estate licenses in Arizona, a broker’s license and a salesperson’s license, as with most other states, and an apprentice salesperson’s license. The apprentice salesperson is generally already working for a licensed Wisconsin real estate broker and is in the process of obtaining training. Generally, a salesperson’s license allows the holder to sell real estate only under the auspices of a licensed broker. (Salesperson’s licenses are generally what people refer to when they say they have a real estate license.)

To obtain the salesperson’s license, a person must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. The initial questionnaire also asks whether a person, either directly or through a corporation or other entity, has ever had a professional or business license suspended or revoked, and whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Answering “yes” to any of the questions pertaining to personal conduct may either require additional documentation or can be grounds for rejection of an application.

Other requirements include taking three college-level courses by an accredited school, Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and elective courses from a state-approved school (available online). If the applicant has held a Wisconsin real estate license previously, and it expired (but was not revoked or suspended), some or all of the educational requirements might be waived. Those holding a license from another state may also apply for a partial waiver, asking that the general real estate courses be waived. However, Wisconsin currently only has reciprocal agreements with the states of Indiana and Illinois.

Once the coursework is completed, applicants must take and pass an exam. Upon passing the exam, applicants have one year to apply for a real estate license by submitting an official application and the required proof of passing the exam and doing related coursework.

For a detailed list of requirements, procedures, and exceptions, visit the Wisconsin web site, drl.wi.gov, and view the requirements for the real estate salesperson on that web site.