Applicant Guide
Wisconsin Educator Licenses

Helpful Links about the License Application Process

Wisconsin law requires that all professional school staff be properly licensed for their assignments to teach in the public schools.

Career-changers: Most educator licenses require significant education preparation (at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year degree-granting institution of higher education) as reflected in the groupings below. (See Wis. Stat. 118.19(3)(a)). The department has specific additional licensing requirements defined by administrative rule. School districts and Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs) may have further requirements for initial or continued employment beyond those needed for licensure. Non-educators interested in entering a teaching field should review the information below and then contact state-approved program providers directly with specific questions about an area of interest.

APPROVED EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM REQUIRED (Bachelor's or Post-Graduate Degree)

"Approved program" means a professional education program developed and offered by or collaboratively between Institututions of Higher Education, or an alternative standards-based training and assessment program in Wisconsin approved by the state superintendent under s. 115.28(7), Stats. For information about programs see Wisconsin Approved Educator Preparation Programs. For a complete list of grade level and subject area teaching licenses and the specific requirements for each, see PI 34 Administrative Rules.

First-time Wisconsin Licensure

• Administrator - Initial Licensure Application Form, Wisconsin Program Graduates
  
  
• Teacher or Pupil Services - Initial Licensure Application Form, Wisconsin Program Graduates
  
  
• Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist - Initial Licensure Application Form, Wisconsin Program Graduates.
  Also see FAQs - Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist License.
  
  
• Teacher, Pupil Services, or Administrator - Initial Licensure, Out-of State Educators (Graduates of Non-Wisconsin Programs).
  Also see FAQS - Initial Wisconsin Licensure. If prepared outside the United States, see Credentials Assessment Process.
  
  
• Substitute Teacher/Educator - Initial License
  Also see FAQS - Substitute Teaching.
  
  

Continuing Wisconsin Licensure

• Teacher, Administrator, Pupil Services, Substitute Teacher/Educator
  
  • Professional Educator License Renewal or Reactivation   Application Form: PI-1602-5R or PI-1602-STP
      Also see FAQs: Applying for Renewal, Professional Growth Requirements, License Stipulations, and Adding a Certification.
    
    
  • Initial Educator License Advancement or Reissuance   Application Form: PI-1602-ADV or PI-1602-STP
    Also see FAQs: Initial Educator Licenses.  
  
  
• Master Educator License - For educators already holding a Wisconsin Professional Educator License  
  Requires National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification   Application Form: PI-1602-5R
  or
  For license categories and areas not covered by NBPTS, the Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process.

APPROVED PROGRAM NOT REQUIRED

For a complete list of licenses and requirements, see PI 34 Administrative Rules.

Print license renewal requirements for five-year license holders in the following areas: Orientation and Mobility, School Audiologist, Indian Language, Indian History and Culture, Indian Home-School Coordinator, Trade Specialist, Educational Interpreter, School Occupational Therapist or Assistant, School Physical Therapist or Assistant, Special Education Program Aide.

• Orientation and Mobility Teacher - Initial Licensure Application Form - Requires completion of an orientation and mobility program
  
  
• School Audiologist - Initial Licensure Application Form - Requires a master's degree in audiology
  
  
• Substitute Teaching Permit - Application Form - Requires a bachelor's degree in any field.
  Permit holders may accept short-term (fewer than 20 consecutive days) assignments when no regularly licensed teachers/substitute teachers are available. Also see FAQS - Substitute Teaching.
  
  
• Educational Interpreter - Initial Licensure Application Form - Educational Preparation Required
  
  
• Special Education Program Aide - Application Form
  Also see FAQS - Special Education Aide Licensing.
  
  
• The licenses below require prior certification by the Dept. of Regulation and Licensing.
  
  • School Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant - Initial Licensure Application Form
    
    
  • School Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant - Initial Licensure Application Form
    
    

OTHER LICENSE REQUESTS

• Duplicate License Request Form - Must hold a current, valid Wisconsin educator license.
  
  
• Emergency License Requests - By District or CESA Administrator Request Only
  
  
• 1-Year Administrator License Request - By School District Board Request Only.
  
  
• Intern License   Learn about Wisconsin's Educator Internship Program
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS ASSISTANCE

• Application Forms: Downloadable License Applications   Request Mailing of Application Form
  
  
• Educator License Code Definitions
  
  
• Fingerprinting Requirement: Who Must Submit? /  Request Cards or Submit Electronic Fingerprints - And Information on How to Complete Fingerprint Cards
  
  
• Frequently Asked Licensing Questions
  
  
• License Application Fee Payments
  
  
• License Look-up - Check Current Licensure/Application Status
  
  

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Did you find what you were looking for? If not, try our Topical Directory for other links. If you need further assistance, direct questions to Educator Licensing.

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Last updated on 1/22/2010 11:23:53 AM