Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 118.19, “any person seeking to teach in a public school, including a charter school, or in a school or institution operated by a county or the state shall first procure a license or permit” from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

General requirements for educator licensing in Wisconsin (unless otherwise specified under each license type):

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree.
• Completion of an approved educator preparation program, including meeting all applicable Wisconsin statutory requirements and testing requirements. 
• Satisfactory background checks result.

You can find the following information related to licensing on our web page:

• Pathways to Licensure – Learn about the different pathways to become a licensed educator in Wisconsin.
• License Types and Requirement – Learn about the different licenses issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions including the requirements to obtain and renew the licenses.
• Wisconsin Testing Requirements – Find out the testing requirements for obtaining a Wisconsin educator license.
• License Application Forms – Find out which form to use to apply for or renew a license.
• Professional Development Plan (PDP) – Learn about the PDP requirements and other information related to the PDP process.
• Out-of-State Program Completers – Information for educators who complete educator preparation program outside Wisconsin
• Non-U.S. Program Completers – Information for educators from outside United States.
• Initial Educators – Information for initial educators.

Related Information:

• License Conversion
• Name and Address Change
• Notarization
• Accreditation
• Application Fee
• Application Processing Status
• Decertification