Real Estate Licensing FAQs

Learn about license renewal information, continuing education credits, DSPS requirements and more.

CE questions

What are the 2025-26 Wisconsin real estate CE requirements and course topics?

Eligibility for Wisconsin real estate license renewal requires Wisconsin real estate licensees to complete 18 Wisconsin-approved continuing education (CE) courses, each worth 1 credit hour every two years. Licenses must be renewed by December 14, 2026, to remain active. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) typically opens its online renewal portal system during the last two months of the biennium.

For the 2025-26 biennium, the required credits include the completion of 18 one-hour course topics, comprised of 12 mandatory courses and six elective courses.

Mandatory (licensees must take 12 hours)

Course 1: Buyer Agency In Wisconsin*
Course 2: Contract Drafting in Wisconsin
Course 3: When the Wisconsin Transaction Does Not Close*
Course 4: Department of Safety and Professional Services Discipline Roundup*
Course 5: Wisconsin Legislative Updates
Course 6: Wisconsin Case Law Related to Real Estate
Course 7: Inspection and Testing in the Wisconsin Offers to Purchase*
Course 8: Antitrust for Wisconsin Licensees*
Course 9: Fair Housing I for Wisconsin Licensees — State Law**
Course 10: Fair Housing II for Wisconsin Licensees — Federal Law**
Course 11: Advertising for Wisconsin Licensees*
Course 12: Financing and Appraisal in the Wisconsin Offer to Purchase

Electives (licensees must take six hours)

Elective 1: Disclosure for Wisconsin Licensees
Elective 2: Seller Impersonation Fraud
Elective 3: Personal Transactions for Wisconsin Licensees
Elective 4: Incentives in Wisconsin Real Estate Transactions
Elective 5: Commissions and Dispute Resolution in the Wisconsin Listing Contracts
Elective 6: Personal Property and Fixtures in Wisconsin Transactions

See Continuing Education Options

How can I complete the CE requirements?

The WRA offers multiple education formats for CE:

On Demand CE, which is full online learning.
Self-study book, which includes a printed, hard-copy coursebook.
Attendance at select WRA events.

Why should I take my CE courses with the WRA?

Best options. Best school. Best in class. The WRA is the leading provider in Wisconsin real estate education — and no one else.

Proven expertise: With a century of experience, we ensure our courses reflect the latest trends and regulations in Wisconsin real estate.
Wisconsin relevance: Designed by local experts, our courses provide the most relevant and up-to-date education for Wisconsin professionals.
Dedicated advocates: More than a CE provider, we support the industry with legal expertise and legislative advocacy, championing Wisconsin real estate.

I took my CE with another education provider. Does the WRA have those records?

No, the WRA does not have student records for coursework completed elsewhere. You must contact the other education provider to obtain your course certificates.

What if I need Minnesota CE credit?

The WRA offers a specific real estate CE training series that qualifies for both Wisconsin and Minnesota credit. This CE offering will be available for students in summer 2025.

See Dual Wisconsin/Minnesota Continuing Education Options

As a broker, where can I find out about the WRA's company CE options?

Visit the myCompany continuing education programs page to learn more.

Do I need to complete CE if I am newly licensed?

Most new licensees need to complete CE. Newly licensed salespersons who received their original real estate license after October 1 of the even year of the biennium are not required to complete CE for that biennium. However, all new broker licensees must complete CE. To verify, please check the expiration date on your DSPS issued license.

License renewal questions

How do I renew my license?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) facilitates the renewal process of Wisconsin real estate licenses. Licensees can renew their license using LicensE, the DSPS online renewal portal. The DSPS typically opens its LicensE during the last two months of the biennium.

What is the deadline for renewing a license?

The deadline for the 2025-26 biennium is December 14, 2026. Licensees must renew their license by December 14 of the even-numbered year in order to maintain their real estate license.

How much does it cost to renew my real estate salesperson license?

The cost for renewing a real estate license is $60.

Is my license renewed once I complete the CE courses?

No, taking your CE is not enough to renew your license. To maintain your license, you must complete the required CE and renew your license with the Wisconsin DSPS every two years by December 14 of the even-numbered year.

Can I renew my WRA membership to renew my license?

No. Renewing your license is separate from renewing your REALTOR^® membership. You renew your license with the Wisconsin DSPS. You renew your membership with your local REALTOR^® association.

My license has lapsed, how do I reactivate?

If your license is inactive and has been inactive for less than five years and you wish to renew your license, you must:

Complete the previous biennium of CE.
Pay the renewal fee.
Pay the late fee.

Licensees who do not have an active license cannot practice real estate until the license is renewed.

How do I confirm that I renewed my license?

Renewal status may be checked online by using the licensee lookup feature on the DSPS website.

Accounts and records questions

How can I get technical help with WRA courses?

Answers to common online course problems and basic troubleshooting are below. You can also get help by contacting the WRA Education Department at 608-241-2047 or educate@wra.org. We are available from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WRA online courses require a high bandwidth (broadband) internet connection. You can test your bandwidth at speedtest.net.

The PDF version of your coursebook can be downloaded from a button on the top right of your online course screen — find the button that says "print topic" or "print" when accessing your course. Your web browser should open the file, but you may need a PDF reader such as Adobe Reader.

If you cannot download materials or open links in the course, you may need to disable a pop-up blocker in your browser.

If you are experiencing problems with streaming video, try the following:

Refresh your browser (click on icon or on F5 key).
Close your browser and re-open it.
Clear your browsing data, then close and re-open your browser again.
Try a different browser, such as Google Chrome.
Log out of wra.org and back in.
Restart your computer or device.

How do I log in to my WRA account?

Log in by using your myWRA credentials. To create an account or reset your password, visit myWRA.

Where can I find my certificates of completion?

To obtain certificates, log in to MyHistory. The WRA maintains certificates for WRA courses only. If you took CE through another education provider, contact that provider for your certificates.

Does the WRA provide the DSPS with certificates of completion?

No BUT if the licensee has completed ALL required CE credits with the WRA, the WRA will send the DSPS a notification indicating so and the licensee will not need to individually enter their courses.

Miscellaneous questions

Can the information in the WRA's courses be considered as legal advice?

No. The information and materials contained in WRA courses are provided exclusively for educational purposes and are solely intended to be statements of general legal principles. The information and materials are not to be construed, interpreted, relied upon or used as legal advice in any fashion, including but not limited to use in litigation, arbitration, ethics matters or other administrative proceedings. Individuals seeking legal advice should obtain private legal counsel and should not rely on the information and materials contained herein.

What are the WRA's cancellation and course policies?

These details are available on the WRA class rules and cancellation policy webpage.