Broker License

To earn a Wisconsin real estate broker license, you're required to meet specific sales license requirements, complete broker training and pass the broker licensing exam.

1. Fulfill one education requirement:

• Complete the 72-hour Broker Pre-license Course.
• Complete the nonresident broker equivalency under Wis. Admin. Code § REEB 25.028. 
• Complete 20 academic semester-hour credits completed at an institution of higher learning in real estate or real estate-related law.
• Provide proof that you're licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. 

2. Pass the Wisconsin broker exam.

3. Submit proof of salesperson experience: 

If you’ve never held a broker license, provide at least two years of experience within the last four years as a licensed salesperson under the direct supervision of a broker, excluding apprenticeship time. At least 40 points of experience must be documented and verified by the supervising broker.

Experience breakdown:

• 5 points per completed/closed residential transaction
• 10 points per completed/closed commercial transaction
• 0.5 point per month for property management contracts
• 1 point per completed/closed timeshare

If you are licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, submit evidence of relevant real estate experience.

4. Submit your complete application to the Wisconsin DSPS.

Optional pre-determination application: Before investing in education, individuals without a real estate broker, salesperson or timeshare license can submit Form 3085 (Application for Predetermination) to the DSPS, which allows the DSPS to assess whether any past criminal convictions could prevent licensure.

The DSPS requires all real estate licensees to complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their license. However, individuals who earn the Wisconsin salesperson license after October 1 of an even year are not required to complete CE for that biennium. Individuals with a broker license do not receive any exemption.

To renew your license, you must complete the current biennium curriculum and pass the exams for each course. All WRA CE courses are DSPS-approved and meet the required standards.

Failure to complete the 18 hours of CE by the biennium deadline will prevent you from engaging in real estate practice until the requirements are fulfilled. If your license is not renewed, it will become inactive, and you will be unable to practice.