Wisconsin Broker License Information
Wisconsin real estate licenses for brokers are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The steps below outline how to obtain a new broker's license by examination (for applicants not licensed in any state).
Eligibility for a Wisconsin broker's license
1. Proof of education completion by submitting one of the following:
- Completion of DSPS-approved real estate broker educational instruction within four years of broker licensure and evidence of licensure as a real estate salesperson for at least two years within the last four preceding years under the direct supervision of a licensed broker and have accumulated 40 points of experience.
- Completion of nonresident broker equivalency under Wis. Admin. Code § REEB 25.028.
- Copy of transcript showing 20 academic semester-hour credits completed at an institution of higher learning in real estate or real estate related law. A quarter-hour credit equals 2/3 of a semester-hour credit.
- Evidence that you are licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
2. Pass the broker examination within one year preceding the date of application administered by Pearson VUE.
3. Submit evidence satisfactory to the Real Estate Examining Board (REEB) of salesperson experience by one of the following methods:
If you are an applicant who has never held a broker's license, you must have at least two years of experience within the last four years preceding application practicing as a licensed salesperson under the direct supervision of a licensed broker, excluding any time spent in an apprenticeship. Experience worth at least 40 points (below) must be documented on the application and verified by the supervising broker.
At least 40 points of experience must be documented to be eligible for a broker's license:
- Each completed/closed residential transaction: 5 points
- Each completed/closed commercial transaction: 10 points
- Each property management contract: .5 point/month
- Each completed/closed timeshare: 1 point
If you are licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, submit with the application evidence of experience related to real estate.
4. Submit application to the DSPS, including supporting documents and fee. Application can be submitted online through the DSPS Online Licensure Application System (OLAS), which reduces processing time for new applicants or by mailing a printed copy of the application.
Application includes:
- Form 809, Application for Real Estate Broker license
- $75.00 credentialing fee payable to the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Completion of the DSPS-approved real estate broker educational instruction within four years of broker licensure and evidence of licensure as a real estate salesperson for at least two years within the last four preceding years under the direct supervision of a licensed broker and have accumulated 40 points of experience.
- Evidence that you passed the Wisconsin broker 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. Please see Chapter REEB 12 for more information.
Continuing education
During each two-year licensing period, the DSPS requires all broker licensees to complete continuing education courses to renew your license. There are no exemptions.
See the WRA's Out-of-State Licensees information if you're interested in obtaining a Wisconsin broker's license and do not live in the state.