Licensing Information

NEWS from the Teacher Education, Professional Development and Licensing Team

Notice:

We are currently entering applications that were received on: April 17, 2012.
Last updated on: May 23, 2012.

The application receipt date noted above is the date our bank in Milwaukee processes the application fee. If your check was cleared or your credit card was charged after the date listed above, your application has not been entered into our system. Until then, the information will not be available on the License Lookup page.

Applications are entered and then reviewed in the order in which they are received. Until the applications are entered in our system, we are unable to provide information specific to the application. We are also unable to assess the applications for completeness or accuracy until then. Once the application is entered into our system, there is additional processing time to review the application before the license may be issued.

If your payment was cleared before the date posted above and the application date information is not updated on the License Lookup, you may email us at licensing@dpi.wi.gov.

"When an applicant has made a timely and accurate application for the renewal of a license or a new license of a continuing nature, the existing license does not expire until the application has been finally acted upon by DPI." [Chapter 227.51(2), Wis. Stats.]

Quick Links:

Application Forms and Instructions

Educator License Lookup

Educators from other states (Out of State)

Information on this page:

On-line License Records	License Application Process	First-Time Applicants for WI Licensure
Renewing a License	Licensing Resources	Information by Type of License	Other Licensing Issues

On-line License Records

Educator License Look-up - Real-time database of education licenses issued by DPI.
Dept. of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) License Look-up - School Occupational Therapists/Therapy Assistants and School Physical Therapists/Therapy Assistants licensure by DPI requires current DSPS licensure.

License Application Process

Application Forms and Instructions - Downloadable forms, information about the application process, fees, FAQs.
Application Forms by Mail - Request application forms.
Notarization - Required on the Conduct and Competency (Background review) form which is part of every application.
Background Check - Part of the license application process.
Fingerprinting - Completing the fingerprint submission process (if required).

First Time Applicants for Wisconsin Licensure

Wisconsin Approved Program Completers - Links to PI-1602-IS license application form, initial in-state applicants.
Delayed Application for Licensure - FAQs for educators who completed an approved Wisconsin educator preparation program in the past but never applied for Wisconsin licensure.
Educators from other states (Out of State) - For completers of non-Wisconsin educator preparation programs.
Testing Requirements - Wisconsin testing requirements for educators.
Educators from outside the United States - Credential evaluation and Wisconsin application process.
Emergency Licenses and Permits - Requirements for requests for emergency licensure.
Substitute Teaching - FAQs about substitute teaching licensure options.
Phonics Requirement - FAQs about Wisconsin's phonics requirement for licensure.
FAQs about Licensing - Frequently asked questions by license topic.
Licensing Guide - Describes required education/preparation for various education licenses (professional educators, other professional school personnel, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals).

Renewing a License

Initial Educators' Page - For educators who hold a PI 34 Initial Educator license and wish to advance to a Professional Educator license.
Professional Educator License Renewal Requirements or Printable Summary - Program completed prior to September 1, 2004.
Removing Stipulations - Information and resources for removing DPI-identified license stipulations.
Adding a New Area of Licensure - Resources and Frequently Asked Questions.
Professional Educator License Renewal Requirements - Program completed after August 31, 2004.
Professional Development Plan (PDP) - DPI Resources for the PDP process which is required to renew a PI 34 Professional Educator License.
Non-DPI Resources for the PDP License Renewal Process - License Renewal Support Centers, Quality Educator Interactive, Wisconsin PDP.
Master Educator License - Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process (WMEAP) and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) options, process satisfies professional growth requirement for license renewal.
Five-year License Renewal Requirements (Licenses not based on completion of an approved program) - Orientation and Mobility, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Educational Interpreter, Indian Language, Special Educaton Program Aides, etc.

Licensing Resources

Approved Educator Preparation Programs - For initial licensure or adding a new license.
Developmental Levels - For licensing under PI 34.
License Codes - Type, position/level, and subject codes.
PI 34 - Quality Educator Initiative - Description of the recent restructuring of educator licensing in Wisconsin.
PI 34 Rules - Administrative rules governing educator preparation and licensing.
Topic Index - A to Z Index of licensure-related topics. What Can I Teach With My License? - Allowable assignments based on licensure.

Information by Type of Licenses

Charter School Licenses - Procedural changes being implemented. Contact: Julie Hagen, 608 266-6794.
Drivers' Education License - Renewal requirements for Driver Education licenses.
Education Interpreter (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) - Licensure requirements.
Emergency License or Permit - District requests for emergency licensure.
Initial Educator License - Requirements for advancing to a Professional Educator license.
Intern License - Wisconsin Internship Program (WIP).
Five-year license - FAQs about renewing a five-year educator license.
Life License - FAQs about Wisconsin life licenses.
Professional Educator With Stipulations License - Renewal process and resources for satisfying identified stipulations.
Master Educator License - A voluntary ten-year license.
Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist License - FAQs about Wisconsin Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist licenses.
Special Education Aide - Application requirements.
Substitute Teaching License - Requires completion of an approved program
Substitute Teaching - Three-year Permit - Requires a bachelor's degree.

Other Licensing Issues

County Teachers' Colleges - Availability of historical records.
Decertification - Dropping a grade or subject from an educator license.
Educator Licensing in Other States - External site that links to licensing information for each state.
History - Educator Preparation and Licensing in Wisconsin
Name and Address Change - How and when to update your license information.
Other Licensing Concerns - Public Librarians, Private Schools, School Bus Drivers, School Facilities, Home-schooling.

For questions about this information, contact licensing@dpi.wi.gov (608) 266-1027

Last updated on 5/23/2012 3:31:19 PM