Get Your
Real Estate License
Everything you need to know to get licensed in Wisconsin — and why your choice of brokerage will make or break your career.
72 hrs
Pre-Licensing Education
$500–$900
Estimated Total Cost
3–6 mo
Typical Timeline
#1
REMAX Office in S. Central WI
Step by Step
Your Path to Getting Licensed
Six clear steps from zero to your first closing.
Meet Wisconsin's Basic Requirements
Before enrolling in pre-licensing courses, you must meet these baseline qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal authorization to work
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions (background check required)
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Wisconsin requires 72 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework before you can sit for the state exam. Courses cover:
- Real estate principles & practices
- Wisconsin real estate law
- Contracts, financing, and closings
- Ethics and fair housing
💡 Courses are available online or in-person through providers like Kaplan, Champions School, and Wisconsin REALTORS® Association.
Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam
After completing coursework, schedule your state exam through PearsonVUE. The exam has two portions:
- National portion — 80 questions (75% passing score required)
- Wisconsin state portion — 40 questions (75% passing score required)
- Must pass both sections within one sitting
- Retakes available — fees apply for each attempt
💡 Most candidates pass on their first attempt with solid coursework and practice tests.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
In Wisconsin, new licensees must work under a licensed broker for their first two years. This is where your choice of brokerage becomes critical — it shapes your entire career trajectory.
- Your broker provides mentorship, training, and compliance oversight
- Not all brokerages invest equally in new agent development
- Culture, tools, and support vary dramatically between offices
- The right brokerage can 10x your first-year income
Submit Your License Application
Once you have a sponsoring broker, submit your application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS):
- Complete DSPS Form 3000 (Salesperson License Application)
- Pay the $75 application fee
- Provide proof of pre-licensing education completion
- Submit background check authorization
- Application processed within 2–4 weeks
Start Your Career & Keep Learning
After receiving your license, Wisconsin requires ongoing education to maintain it:
- 18 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle
- 3 mandatory hours of Wisconsin-specific content required
- First renewal at 24 months from license issuance
- Optional specialty designations: ABR, CRS, GRI, and more
Don't Make the Wrong Move
Why New Agents Choose
REMAX Preferred
Your first brokerage shapes everything. Here's why hundreds of new agents in Wisconsin have started — and stayed — with us.
Direct Broker Mentorship
Work directly with Dan Bertelson and Raegen Trimmer — not a team lead or assistant. Real guidance from people who close deals.
REMAX University
Access to thousands of on-demand training courses, certifications, and coaching programs — all included with your membership.
Proven Track Record
South Central Wisconsin's #1 REMAX office. Our agents consistently out-produce the market average — the numbers don't lie.
World-Class Brand
REMAX is the world's most recognized real estate brand. As a new agent, that name opens doors before you even speak.
Competitive Commission Structure
Our model rewards production. As you grow, you keep more. Use our income calculator to see your earning potential.
14 Office Locations
Work from any of our 14 South Central Wisconsin offices. Flexible workspace wherever your clients are.
Hear It From Our Agents
"I got licensed and immediately joined REMAX Preferred. The training, the culture, the tools — I closed my first deal within 60 days. I can't imagine starting anywhere else."
— REMAX Preferred Agent, Dane County, WI
Common Questions
FAQ
How long does it take to get a Wisconsin real estate license?
How much does it cost to get licensed in Wisconsin?
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license?
Can I work part-time as a real estate agent?
What's the difference between a Salesperson and a Broker license?
Ready to Start Your Career
the Right Way?
Talk to our broker-owners before you even pick a pre-licensing course. We'll help you plan the fastest, smartest path to your first closing.