Wisconsin Nursing License
How to get your Wisconsin nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Wisconsin, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Wisconsin licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $73 |
|---|---|
| Continuing education | None required |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial license fee $73 (reduced to $57 if first licensed July 1–December 31 of the renewal year). Wisconsin requires no continuing education to renew an RN license. Renewal is biennial. eNLC member.
Official resources
- Wisconsin Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Wisconsin nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Wisconsin?
- Yes. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Wisconsin without a separate application.
- How much does a Wisconsin nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Wisconsin is $73.
- How many continuing-education hours does Wisconsin require?
- Wisconsin requires None required for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Wisconsin nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.