Wisconsin Teaching License Guide
Wisconsin prides itself on its strong public education system. Becoming a licensed teacher in this state allows individuals to join a community of educators committed to fostering academic and personal student growth.
This guide provides detailed information about teacher licensing in Wisconsin, including the types of licenses, requirements, and the application and renewal processes. Licensing is governed by Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter PI 34 and Chapter 118.
Table of Contents:

Wisconsin Teaching Requirements
To teach in Wisconsin public schools, new candidates and out-of-state educators must meet several requirements. At a minimum, prospective teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved educator preparation program, and satisfy all applicable state statutory requirements. Additionally, satisfactory background checks are required for all Wisconsin educators, which may include submitting fingerprints.
Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
For individuals without a bachelor’s degree, enrolling in a college or university with an approved EPP that offers a degree in education is a recommended first step. Wisconsin has various public and private institutions offering education degrees tailored for initial licensure. Upon meeting the requirements of an EPP, the program recommends candidates for a Tier II License through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). For those attending and completing an educator prep program outside Wisconsin, information from the EPP and transcripts are required to obtain an initial teaching license. Further information on out-of-state pathways is available on the CESA 6 website blog and the DPI website.
For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, Wisconsin offers several post-baccalaureate EPPs. The CESA 6 Residency in Teacher Education (RITE) is one of them. Candidates with a degree in another field must show content knowledge in the subject area of the intended license and pedagogical knowledge. Each program has unique requirements for entry and completion. In some cases, individuals may obtain a teaching job under a 1-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1, Tier I License) while completing the required program. Details about Wisconsin’s EPPs can be found on the DPI website.
WI Teaching License Stages and Tiers
Wisconsin teacher licenses are categorized into four tiers, as updated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter PI 34 in 2017. Tier I licenses are typically issued for roles in schools that do not involve serving as a full-time classroom teacher, often referred to as the teacher of record. In contrast, Tier II, III, and IV licenses are intended for individuals who have completed an Educator Preparation Program, hold a Bachelor’s degree, and are qualified to work as full-time classroom teachers.
Tier I, Limited Use License
Tier I licenses are issued for specific roles and durations, such as short-term substitute teaching (valid for three years), long-term substitute teaching (valid for five years), or professional teaching permits (valid in one district). Licenses in this tier have distinct authorization, eligibility, duration, and renewal requirements. Detailed descriptions and requirements for Tier I licenses can be found in Wisconsin Chapter PI 34 Subchapter 5 and on the DPI website.
Later in this guide, Tier I licenses including Substitute Teaching, the 1-year License with Stipulations, the 3-year District Sponsored License with Stipulations, the Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License, and the Guest Teacher License will be explained in greater detail.
Tier II, Provisional Educator License
The Tier II Provisional Educator License is granted to individuals who have completed an approved EPP and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education meeting all required content knowledge and pedagogical skills. This license is subject- and grade-specific, valid for three years, and renewable. Other pathways to obtain a Tier II license include equivalency, professional experience, Montessori training, or completion of an out-of-state EPP.
Tier III, Lifetime Educator License
Eligibility for a Tier III Lifetime Educator License requires six semesters of successful teaching experience within five years under a Tier II license in Wisconsin. In addition, all stipulation requirements issued on the Tier II license must be completed. License holders must complete a background check every five years to maintain this license. If not employed in education for five or more consecutive years, the license may expire.
Tier IV, Master Educator License
The optional Tier IV Master Educator License is for individuals who have completed National Board Certification or a Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process (WMAEP). This lifetime license includes monetary benefits, such as annual grants for the first nine years after being issued. Background checks are required every five years.
Wisconsin Teaching Grade Ranges and Subjects
Wisconsin offers teaching licenses tailored to specific grade ranges and subject areas to meet diverse educational needs. The primary grade ranges include Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 3), Elementary and Middle School (Kindergarten-Grade 9), Middle and High School (Grades 4–12), Prekindergarten through Grade 12 (PK–12), and Kindergarten through Grade 12 Cross-Categorical Special Education (K–12).
Subject areas span a broad spectrum, encompassing core disciplines such as Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts, and Social Studies, as well as specialized fields like Art, Music, Physical Education, World Languages, Career and Technical Education, and Special Education. Each subject is combined with a specific grade range for the license. A 4-digit code is assigned to each subject and grade range that makes up the license. A few examples are listed below.
- 2600 Science (Grades 4-12)
- 1088 Elementary - Middle Education (Grades K-9)
- 1801 Cross-Categorical Special Education (Grades K-12)
- 2500 Music (Grades K-12)
Due to changes in the grade range and subjects over the years, the Wisconsin DPI has provided a “What can I teach with my license” that describes the different subject areas and grade ranges for a variety of licenses.
How to Apply or Renew a Teaching License
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction uses the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) platform for all teacher license applications. First-time users must create an account and provide basic information such as name, social security number, and birthdate. The following steps outline the application process for all licenses:
- Determine whether fingerprinting is required using the WI-DPI fingerprint decision tree.
- Gather required documents based on the license type (e.g., transcripts, forms, test scores).
- Submit the application through ELO.
- Receive an email confirmation.
- Complete the application by paying fees and answering conduct and competency questions.
Initial Provisional Educator License (Tier II)
Application for an initial teaching license generally occurs upon the completion of an educator preparation program. In this process, the EPP submits records of completion. The program will provide notification once the information has been submitted and when it is possible to apply for the license in ELO. The processing time for the application typically ranges from six to eight weeks, though it may vary depending on demand and the time of year.
Initial Provisional Educator Out-of-State License (Tier II)
For those who received a teaching license from another state or completed an EPP outside of Wisconsin, additional information must be submitted during the application process. When applying within ELO, select “Out of State Program” for the specific license and complete the application. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to submit a valid out-of-state license, bachelor’s degree transcripts, educator testing score reports, and forms (e.g., PI-1612 and PI-1613). The application is evaluated based on the documentation provided, so make sure all required materials are included. Applications typically take twelve to sixteen weeks to process, though this may vary depending on demand and the time of year. Additional information on applying for an out-of-state teaching license can be found in this CESA 6 blog and on the DPI website.
Renew a Provisional License (Tier II)
Provisional licenses can be renewed if the necessary six semesters of teaching experience have not been completed within five years or if stipulation requirements remain unmet. Renewal applications can be submitted through ELO by selecting the applicable license type and choosing "Request (Re)issuance of Provisional License." The remainder of the application can be completed in ELO by following the provided prompts.
Lifetime Educator License (Tier III)
After completing six semesters of teaching, eligibility is granted to apply for a lifetime license. To apply for this license, the PI-1613 Employment Verification form must be completed and signed by a district administrator or personnel director. If the six semesters of teaching experience were completed in different districts, a separate form must be completed for each school or district.
Master Educator License (Tier IV)
Upon completion of either the National Board Certification or the Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process (WMAEP), an application for the Master Educator License can be submitted. Verification of completion will be required during the application process.
Maintaining Lifetime Licenses (Tier III and Tier IV)
Maintaining a lifetime license is straightforward. A background check will be requested every five years through ELO. Within ELO, existing licenses can be managed, license expiration dates reviewed, and application fees for processing the background check and maintaining license status can be checked.
Tier 1 Licenses Additional Information
This section describes several different types of Tier 1 Licenses. In each description below, license application information is also provided.
Substitute Teaching Three-Year Short-Term License, Tier I
Substitute teachers play a critical role in the education system by ensuring continuity in learning, providing stability for students, and supporting schools in maintaining a productive environment when regular teachers are unavailable. Pursuing a career as a substitute teacher offers a flexible option for educators at various stages of their professional journey. Two types of substitute teaching licenses are available: the Three-Year Short-Term License and the Five-Year Long-Term License.
The Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Teaching License enables educators to take on teaching assignments across all grades and subjects, provided the duration of the specific assignment does not exceed 45 school days. Eligibility for this license can be achieved through one of two pathways, depending on educational background:
- Individuals with an associate degree must complete an approved substitute teacher training program to meet application requirements.
- Those enrolled in a Wisconsin educator preparation program (EPP) leading to teacher licensure may also qualify if they are at least 20 years old, have completed 15 hours of classroom observation, and accumulated enough credits to be classified as a junior.
To apply for the Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Teaching License, the process involves five steps outlined in the "How to Apply/Renew a Teaching License" section. The application submitted through the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system corresponds to the Short-Term Substitute License. Specific documentation is required based on the qualification pathway.
For associate degree holders:
- Select “Teacher: Request Short-Term Substitute License [1910]” in ELO.
- Submit transcripts and the certificate from a DPI-approved Substitute Teacher Training Program.
For Educator Preparation Program students:
- Select “Teacher: Request EPP Verified Short-Term Substitute License [1975]” in ELO.
- Submit the following PI-1975 Substitute Teacher Educator Preparation Program Verification Form
The Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Teaching License is renewable upon meeting the necessary criteria.
Substitute Teaching Five-Year License, Tier I
For substitute teaching assignments exceeding the 45-day limit of the short-term license, eligible individuals can apply for the Five-Year Substitute Teaching License. This license may be granted to an applicant who has completed an approved educator preparation program and holds or qualifies for a Wisconsin license or an equivalent license from another state for the relevant grade level and position.
Educators already holding a Wisconsin teaching license in the subject area for the substitute teaching position do not require the Five-Year Substitute License. Alternatively, a 1-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1) may be considered as another option if hired for a long-term substitute position outside of the current license area.
1-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1), Tier I
The 1-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1) is designed for:
- Teachers from other states who have not yet met Wisconsin testing requirements.
- Teachers with a bachelor's degree who have completed all coursework but have not met all licensure program requirements.
- Teachers with a bachelor's degree hired by a district, CESA, charter school, or private school due to the inability to find a licensed teacher.
This license is commonly used when an individual has accepted a teaching position without holding the appropriate license. It is often issued for hard-to-fill positions, allowing the teacher to work while completing the necessary preparation program. Many districts hire community members with an interest in teaching who lack formal training or licensure. Additionally, this license is issued to educators teaching outside their current licensure area, such as an Elementary-Middle Education (K-9) teacher asked to teach special education. Previously, this license was referred to as an emergency license.
To apply for a 1-Year License with Stipulations (LWS1), follow the steps outlined in the "How to Apply/Renew a Teaching License" section. Required documentation includes transcripts verifying a bachelor's degree and, depending on the situation, either the PI-1624-LWS1 form completed by the hiring district (for options 1 and 3 described above) or the PI-1627 form completed by the educator preparation program (for option 2 described above).
The license is valid for one year and can be renewed if the candidate demonstrates sufficient progress toward licensure. This may include completing six credits in the preparation program, passing required licensure exams, or submitting a detailed plan showing clear evidence of progress. For individuals on an LWS1 for Cross-Categorical Special Education, PI 34-039 specifies that a Tier I license in special education cannot be held for more than three years.
3-Year District Sponsored License with Stipulations (LWS3), Tier I
The 3-Year District Sponsored License with Stipulations is issued at the request of a sponsoring district to a teacher who already holds at least a Tier II license in another area. This license allows a licensed teacher to teach in a new subject or grade level. The sponsoring district must provide ongoing support and professional development to help the teacher demonstrate proficiency in the teacher preparation standards or content guidelines (when national teacher preparation standards are not available) for the new subject or grade level.
Certain licenses, such as speech and language pathology, deaf and hard of hearing, and driver education, are not eligible through the LWS3 process.
To apply for the 3-year District Sponsored License with Stipulations, the sponsoring district must complete and submit the PI-1613 Employment Verification form and the PI-1624 LWS3 District Request for License with Stipulations form along with the application. The license is valid exclusively within the sponsoring district and for a duration of three years. It is not renewable.
At the end of the three-year period, the teacher must qualify for a Provisional License (Tier II) or a Lifetime License (Tier III) in the new subject or grade range. Eligibility is demonstrated through a portfolio that documents proficiency in the new license area or grade range, which is submitted to and evaluated by the Department of Public Instruction. Instructions and the portfolio handbook are available on the DPI website.
Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License, Tier 1
Professionals in technical education fields such as construction, information technology, engineering, manufacturing, energy, or transportation who wish to transition into teaching can apply to teach in Wisconsin public schools and work toward obtaining a license. The same opportunity is available for professionals in vocational education fields like agriculture, child services, food services, and business. The Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License is one of the few teaching licenses that does not require a bachelor’s degree. Instead, applicants are evaluated on a points-based system that assesses their trade experience and teaching aptitude. Meeting the 100-point requirement qualifies an applicant to apply for the Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License. The applicant and the district must jointly complete the Technical Education and Vocational Experience-Based License form (PI-1623) and submit it with other required materials.
The Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License is valid for three years and applies exclusively to the district submitting the form. During this time, the district must provide ongoing professional development for the teacher. Upon successful completion of the professional development during the three-year period, the teacher becomes eligible for a Professional Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License (Tier I), which is valid for five years. This Tier I license allows the teacher to work in another district if desired. However, teachers holding this Tier I license are not eligible for a Tier II or Tier III license.
Certain vocational/technical areas eligible for the Experience-Based Technical/Vocational License are also able to, instead, work towards a Tier II license through the completion of an educator preparation program. Obtaining a Tier II license enables the teacher to eventually qualify for a lifetime license and additional licensing options.
Guest Teacher License, Tier 1
Guest Teachers are licensed educators from other countries who are allowed to teach in Wisconsin for a limited time. Those who wish to become guest teachers must be employed by a school as a teacher, hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, and have completed an educator preparation program in another country that has been evaluated by a DPI-approved foreign credentialing agency. This license can only be renewed once, except for special education, which is limited by federal law to three years.
Completion of an educator preparation program in any United States territory does not require a credential evaluation. Candidate transcripts must be submitted in English.
If an applicant’s credential evaluation shows completion of a U.S. equivalent of an associate’s degree, the applicant may also be eligible for a Three-Year Short-Term Substitute Teacher Permit.
Wisconsin Teacher Job Openings
The best resource to find teaching jobs in Wisconsin is WECAN. WECAN (Wisconsin Education Career Access Network) is the employment application site for Wisconsin K-12 public schools. This website started in 2001 with job seekers applying to positions at ten schools. Today, it features job openings at over 500 schools.
For those interested in a particular school or district, searching their district websites can provide information about specific roles that align with one's background. Additionally, school websites, staffing agencies, social media, and online job boards are valuable resources for finding teaching positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the status of my license application?
After submitting an application, a confirmation email will be sent from the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system. If the email is not received, check the spam folder. Once the license is approved, a separate email will be sent. If there are any questions regarding the application or if any documentation is missing, the DPI team will make contact. Otherwise, the status of the license can be checked by logging into the ELO account. The DPI online license lookup page also shows when an educator is an "Applicant" for a new license and when a renewal or extension is pending.
How do I renew my Wisconsin license if it’s expired?
A Provisional license is a renewable three-year license that allows an educator to work in the specified subject and grade level. For application details, refer to the Application Directions for (Re)issuance of Provisional License. This application is intended for educators who have not yet met the criteria for a Lifetime license or who hold an expired Wisconsin license. Note that different applications are required for the initial issuance or renewal of a one-year license with stipulations (LWS1) or to request a three-year license with stipulations (LWS3), as these Tier I licenses have distinct requirements.
How do I find out what licenses different EPPs offer?
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a comprehensive list of all educator prep programs in the State of Wisconsin.
How do I have statutory stipulations removed from my license?
If statutory stipulations apply, DPI will notify applicants based on the information available at the time of the application. To verify the presence of any statutory stipulations, refer to the How to Check for Stipulations in ELO PDF. If a license with statutory stipulations is issued, a statutory stipulation letter will be sent via email, detailing the stipulations on the license record and providing links to resources for their removal. It's important to retain this letter. Refer to Statutory License Stipulations for additional stipulation information. CESA 6 offers modules and coursework to assist educators in fulfilling their Statutory License Stipulations.
Can I apply for a substitute teaching license if I have some college credits but don’t have an Associates Degree?
No. The Three-Year Short-Term Substitute license requires the applicant to hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, as demonstrated on an official transcript that includes the degree awarded and the date it was conferred.
Do I still need to do my background check if I’ve already completed one at my district or another agency?
Yes, state law mandates that the DPI conduct a background investigation on every applicant for a license or credential each time they apply. It's important to note that employment standards and requirements are entirely separate and likely differ significantly from licensing standards and requirements.
How much will my license application cost?
Refer to the DPI License Application Fees. The application fee covers the cost of processing the application and is not a "license issuance" fee. Please note that no refunds will be issued if it is determined, after processing, that a license cannot be issued or renewed.
Can I take a test to get an additional license?
Many teachers with a valid Wisconsin Provisional, Lifetime, or Master Educator license have the option to add licenses by passing a content test. However, this pathway has certain limitations based on statutes and administrative rules related to both the current license held and the license being sought. Refer to License Based on a Content Test Pathway for more information.
How many times can I renew my 1 Year License with Stipulations?
The 1-Year License with Stipulation can be renewed annually, provided the educator demonstrates progress. For those holding a 1-Year License with Stipulations in Special Education, the license is capped at three school years.
About CESA 6
CESA 6 is a non-profit cooperative educational service agency committed to providing innovative solutions for school systems within our region, throughout the state, and across the country - providing educators with the latest technology, innovative resources, and valuable guidance from our experienced experts.
CESA 6 offers a DPI-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) for individuals with a bachelor's degree who are pursuing a Tier II license. Additionally, CESA 6 provides substitute teacher training to support the attainment of the Tier I substitute teacher license. Pursuing a teaching license in Wisconsin is a rewarding journey that opens doors to a meaningful career. Understanding the requirements, types of licenses, and necessary preparation is key to making a positive impact on students across the state.
Contact us for personalized guidance and resources.