Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and Renewals!
LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform.
Please review the helpful links below:
- Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
- Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
- Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
- Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.
Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool.
Temporary Act 10 Credential
A health care provider credentialed in good standing in another state may apply for a temporary credential to provide services in Wisconsin while a Wisconsin application for a permanent credential is pending. See information sheet 2021-A101, Form 2021-A102: Health Care Employer Notification, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further details.
License Information
As of June 11, 2018, at 12:01 a.m. CST, any nurse with the multi-state privilege will no longer be able to practice nursing in the state of Rhode Island under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). In order to practice nursing in Rhode Island, you must obtain a Rhode Island nursing license.
Per
Wis. Stat. § 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Registered Nurse credential is 02/28 or 2/29/even years. Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.
Exam Applicants: You must also register for the
NCLEX Exam.
To be eligible for a WI multi-state license, your primary state of residency
must be Wisconsin
or you must indicate on the application that you plan on moving to Wisconsin.
Temporary Permit and Examination
Before sitting for the examination, an applicant may receive a temporary permit. Completion of all requirements, except examination, submittal of
Form 2434 and payment of a $10.00 fee are required to receive a temporary permit.
The temporary permit allows the applicant to practice practical nursing under the direct supervision of a registered nurse until a credential is granted. A temporary permit is valid for a period of three months or until the holder receives failing examination results, whichever is shorter. A temporary permit may be renewed once for an additional three-month period.
Licensure By Endorsement (Applicant who Holds an
Active License in Another State)
To be eligible for a WI multi-state license, your primary state of residency
must be Wisconsin
or you must indicate on the application that you plan on moving to Wisconsin.
Verification of their initial state license and a current state license is required. If initial state license is still active only one license verification is needed. If the license(s) needed are verifiable through NURSYS (i.e. the states that participate in the
NURSYS Nurse Licensure Verification Service), the applicant should not need a temporary permit. Endorsement applicants can apply for a temporary permit only if the initial exam state or current state of licensure does not participate in NURSYS license verification.
Nurse Refresher Course Information (for Endorsement or Late Renewal After 5 Years Applicants
-
this does not apply to Exam applicants)
- An applicant, who does not have current nursing education or has not been employed in a position that requires a nursing license within the last five (5) years, may apply to the Board for a limited license to enable the applicant to complete a nursing refresher course(s) approved by the Board. Upon successful completion of an approved nursing refresher course(s), the license holder may petition the Board for full licensure. Board Approved Nursing Refresher Courses can be found below.
Information for Providers
- To have a nursing refresher course considered for approval, it is necessary to submit the course curriculum along with a completed and signed request form, Request for Approval of a Nursing Refresher Course,
Form 3066OEE. If the course is approved, it will be added to the list of approved nursing refresher courses posted to the DSPS website (please see web links to lists below).
NCLEX Annual Pass Rates
Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter N 1.09 lists information and requirements for meeting NCLEX pass rate standards for professional nursing schools and practical nursing schools.
Please Note: The Board of Nursing shall consider both the Registered Nurse (RN) NCLEX and Practical Nurse (PN) NCLEX annual pass rates when evaluating a school of professional nursing that grants a certificate of completion for practical nursing.
2022 Wisconsin Annual NCLEX Pass Rate Report
Pre-Credential Education Information
Completion of high school or its equivalent and diploma from accredited school of nursing approved by board.
- If you are applying for RN licensure by examination through completion of the Pre-MSN basic nursing requirements, there is no guarantee that you will be eligible for an RN license in other states. Graduates of non-U.S. schools: Successful completion of a qualifying examination is required.
Nursing School/Education Information
-
Form 1004 - Clinical Facility Selection and Simulated Setting Experiences -
Form 1114 - Faculty/Educational Administrator Qualification Record
-
Form 2662 - Request For Faculty Exception
-
Form 3025 - Request For Authorization to Plan a Nursing School
-
Form 3027 - Request For Authorization to Admit Students to a Nursing School
-
Form 3028 - Nursing Program Self-Evaluation Report for Continuation of Approval
(Due to DSPS by 1/31/21)
-
Form 3029 - Nursing School Self-Evaluation Report for Initial Board of Nursing Approval
-
Form 3031 - Guidelines for Nursing School Approval and Refresher Course Approval
-
Form 3067OEE - Request for Approval of Out-of-State School of Nursing
-
Form 3069OEE - Out-of-State Nursing School Self-Evaluation Report for Continuation of Approval
(Due to DSPS by 1/31/21)
Announcements
Effective December 11, 2017 Wisconsin joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Effective April 10, 2022 Wisconsin statutory references to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) were changed to the Nurse Licensure Compact.
The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators - Final Rules
Temporary Camp Practice
Per Wis. Stat. § 441.115(3)(a), a nurse may practice professional nursing to provide treatment to campers and staff for not more than 90 days in any year if they hold in good standing a non-multistate license, permit, registration, or certificate granted by another state or territory of the United States or a Canadian province or territory without holding a license issued under Wis. Stat. ch. 441, Subch. I. See Form #2435, Out of State Nurse Temporary Camp Practice Notification Form, for details. Form #2435 must be submitted prior to practice.
| Form | Description |
|---|
#2435
| Out of State Nurse Temporary Camp Practice Notification Form (Form must be submitted prior to temporary camp practice.)
|
Profession Forms
Application for Licensure
Form
| Description |
|---|
|
3087 | Credentialing Information for Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure |
| 3217 | Application for Fee Reduction (If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the application for the credential.) |
|
3210 | Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure Application (Applicable to applicants with a single-state WI license only.)
|
|
2434 | Temporary Permit Request For Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse Exam candidates only. |
|
259 | WI Board-Approved Statement of Graduation or Completion Exam candidates graduating from WI Board-approved schools only. |
| 3049 | Wisconsin Act 114 Certificate of Approval to take Examination Exam candidates only. (Only needed if requesting permission to take NCLEX prior to completion of nursing program.) |
|
1055 | Professional Nurse Retake Application for Licensure by Examination You must also re-register with NCLEX. |
2829
| Malpractice Suits or Claims Form (If applicable)
|
|
2687 | Authorization for Release of FBI Information |
3086
| Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit only if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal, state, or local law, including municipal ordinances, in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)
|
2254
| Convictions and Pending Charges, if applicable
|