Decertification of Educator Licenses in Wisconsin

Educators in Wisconsin currently have the option of dropping subjects or grade levels from their Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issued licenses. This process is referred to as decertification. To access information about current licenses go to: DPI License Look-up.

It is important to note that once a license is decertified it cannot be reinstated unless the educator again completes a state-approved licensure program for that subject/grade level through a regionally accredited professional educator preparation program. These requirements would include:

• Relevant coursework
• Portfolio development and review
• Praxis II content exam
• Other current requirements included in the preparation program

Process of Decertification

Listed below are the essential steps to follow for license decertification:

• Access the License Decertification Request Form or call Educator Licensing at 608-266-1879 to request a form.
• Fill out the form.
• Sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
• Mail the form to:
  Educator Licensing
  Attn: Kathi Nash
  Department of Public Instruction
  Box 7841
  Madison, WI 53707-7841

Final approval for the decertification request will be by the Director of Teacher Education, Professional Development and Licensing. If the request is received by June 30th, the approved certification will take effect on July 1st of that year. If the request is received after June 30th, the decertification will take effect on July 1st of the following year.

Other Important Information on the Decertification Process

• It is the educator's responsibility to inform his/her employing school district, in a timely manner, of the decertification.
• Once the decertification is processed, the DPI licensing database will be updated and the license will be identified as "Decertified."
• A copy of the approved decertification form and educator's License Lookup Page will be mailed directly to the educator.
• A new license certificate is not automatically issued. If the educator would like a copy of the new license certificate reflecting the decertification, s/he will need to apply for a duplicate license. This process requires completion of the PI-1620-DUP application, and a $50 fee. (Note: Duplicates are only issued for current licenses).

For questions about this information, contact Kathi K. Nash (608) 266-1879

Last updated on 7/15/2008 3:38:20 PM