Common Questions About Licensing & Real Estate Careers in Wisconsin

• Complete 72 Hours of Approved Pre-Licensing Education. First, you must complete 72 hours of state-approved real estate pre-licensing education. This can be completed online or in person, depending on the school you select.

• Pass Your Course Final Exam. After completing your 72-hour pre-licensing course, you must pass the course final exam. After passing, you’ll receive a certificate of completion for your course.

• Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Next, you’ll need to pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. You can find out more information about scheduling your exam at this link.

• Find a Sponsoring Broker. Before you apply to be a licensed Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson, you need to find a Wisconsin sponsoring (employing) broker. It's important to find the right broker to work with. Your broker will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.

• Submit Application to Become a Wisconsin Real Estate Agent. Lastly, you’ll apply to become a Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson. You’ll do this by completing an application with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You’ll do this through the LicensE self-guided online occupational license and renewal system.

You must take and pass 72 course hours from an approved education provider to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in Wisconsin. If you treat your education like a 40-hour workweek, you can finish your education in as little as two weeks. Most of our Wisconsin students finish their coursework in two months.

• Your Salesperson Pre-Licensing education in Wisconsin ranges in cost from $350 to $600, depending on the package you purchase.

• The initial license and new application fee for a Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson is $60.

• The Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson exam fee (through Pearson VUE) is $65.

*Note that Licensing Fees are subject to change.

You must be at least 18 years of age to get your Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson license.

If you have a previous felony or misdemeanor, you must complete Wisconsin’s Application for Predetermination, which outlines your criminal history for review.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services will review your criminal history and determine if you are qualified to earn a Real Estate Salesperson license. The form must be completed and submitted prior to sending your real estate agent application.

Wisconsin has formal reciprocity agreements with Illinois and Indiana. If you are a licensed real estate agent in Illinois or Indiana applying to become a Wisconsin agent, you are required to complete the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson 13-Hr. Equivalency Course.

Licensed real estate agents who want to become licensed in Wisconsin (and are living outside of Illinois and Indiana) also have an expedited path to licensure. The process will require a few additional steps. Visit the Wisconsin REALTOR® Association website for more information.

In Wisconsin, Continuing Education is due on December 14th in every even-numbered year.

Wisconsin Real Estate Salespersons must complete 18 hours of CE by December 14th in every even-numbered year. Required CE courses include:

• 12 hours of mandatory coursework

• 6 hours of elective courses

Learn more about the required Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson CE at this link.

Wisconsin Real Estate Brokers are also required to complete 18 hours of CE by December 14th in every even-numbered year. Required CE courses for Brokers are the same as those for Real Estate Salespersons:

• 12 hours of mandatory coursework

• 6 hours of elective courses

Learn more about the required Wisconsin Real Estate Broker CE at this link.

Immediately upon your CE course completion, The CE Shop will provide you with an electronic copy of your course certificate(s) of completion. You can also download a copy of your course completion certificates using your account at The CE Shop at any time.

In Wisconsin, real estate salespersons and brokers renew their licenses using the LicensE system. As part of the renewal process, you are required to upload and submit proof of CE completion. For more information, read more about Wisconsin’s CE requirements for brokers and salespersons.

You can do a LOT with a Broker license in Wisconsin, including:

• Help clients sell, lease, and buy properties

• Establish and manage your own real estate brokerage firm

• Supervise and hire other salespersons to work for you

• Become a property manager

One of the biggest advantages you have as a broker is the ability to hire other salespersons to work for you — which can be financially rewarding!

Yes! To start your own business, you’ll need a Wisconsin Real Estate Broker license. Then, you’ll be able to hire other Real Estate Salespersons to work for you.

To earn a Real Estate Broker license in Wisconsin, you must first be at least 18 years old and hold a high diploma. Then, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Meet the Experience Requirements. You must gain at least two years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson in Wisconsin. This experience must have been earned within the four years preceding your Broker application.

• Complete Broker Pre-Licensing Education. You must complete an approved 72 hours of Wisconsin broker pre-licensing coursework.

• Pass Your Broker Exam. You'll need to pass the Real Estate Broker Exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE.

• Submit Your Broker Application. Your final step is to submit your completed Broker application, required fees, proof of required experience, proof of completed broker pre-licensing education, and proof of a passing exam score via the LicenseE portal. For more information, review this guide.

According to ZipRecruiter, Wisconsin real estate brokers make an average salary of $102,885. Some salaries are as high as $156,449, depending on your education and how long you’ve been a broker.

*August 2024 Data