How to get your real estate license in Wisconsin
Wisconsin real estate isn’t just about farms and cheese shops. As is the case anywhere, there’s a bustling market for real estate agents who have the right mix of salesmanship, smarts, and savvy marketing skills. If this sounds like you, here’s what’s required to get your real estate license in Wisconsin.
Step 1: Be at least 18 years of age.
Step 2: Complete 72 hours of real estate education.
The 72-hour pre-licensing curriculum must take place at an educational provider that is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
When you’ve completed the 72 hours, your real estate school will give you a completion certificate. You’re going to need this certificate to apply for your license, so hang on to it!
You can submit your application for up to five years from the date of finishing your education.
Step 3: Take the examination.
The Wisconsin real estate examination is governed by the Pearson VUE testing company. They administer all real estate licensing exams.
To take the exam, you have to make an appointment and pay the testing fee. There are no walk-ins accepted at any testing center.
You can make your appointment for the examination in three ways: online at www.pearsonvue.com, or by phone at 888-204-6284. The fee for the examination is $71 and can be paid by electronic check, credit card or debit card. You can make reservations within 24 hours of the desired testing appointment.
It’s always best to arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes before your appointment to allow for the check-in procedures. If you’re late, you may disqualify for that particular day.
You’ll need to bring two forms of identification: One must be a government-issued document with your signature and photo, and the other must have your signature. At the exam location, your photo will be taken, and you’ll have to sign a “candidate rules agreement.”
The test is administered via computer. You’ll have four hours to complete the 140-question test. Passing scores aren’t determined by percentage, but by a scaled score. On this scale, you have to score a 70.
Once you complete the test, you’ll be told if you passed or failed. You can retake the exam 24 hours after your first attempt if you have failed.
Step 4: Obtain the license itself.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you can apply for your salesperson’s license on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website. You have to include a copy of your Certificate of Education completion and pay a $75 application fee.
Step 5: Find your brokerage.
You’ll need to work for a supervising broker. Find a brokerage that offers excellent training and, ideally, has good leads. When you have found your sponsoring broker, they will have to complete a portion of the application that verifies you are employed with their brokerage.
Finally, the application must be signed in the presence of a notary public. You have to submit your application within five years of completing the pre-licensing education and within one year of passing the exam.
As you can see, obtaining your real estate license in Wisconsin isn’t without some challenges. However, once you finally do receive your real estate license, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in Wisconsin. Remember, “Always Be Closing!”
