Loading...
Loading...
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Wisconsin
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Wisconsin. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Assessment
Total Gov Fees
$380–$540
Initial Cert
5 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Content knowledge exam specific to the license endorsement area. Wisconsin accepts Praxis II subject assessment scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: 240
Required for elementary education, special education, and reading teacher/reading specialist licenses. Tests knowledge of reading instruction and literacy development.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
Browse study guides
Teacher Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Praxis Teacher Certification Exams practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Praxis Subject Assessment
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $120–$275Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Subject Assessment.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Issued to new educators who complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass required exams. Requires completion of a mentoring program and professional development plan during the initial license period.
Issued after completion of the Initial License requirements, including a Professional Development Plan (PDP) and mentoring. Renewable every 5 years with continued professional development.
Advanced license for National Board Certified Teachers or educators who meet additional advanced criteria.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (short-term substitutes may need only a substitute license with 60+ credits in some cases)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$25
Validity
5 years
Wisconsin requires substitute teachers to hold a state-issued Substitute Teaching License. There are three tiers: Short-Term Substitute (up to 45 days in one assignment), Long-Term Substitute (more than 45 days), and Emergency Substitute. The standard substitute license requires a bachelor's degree. Districts may request emergency substitute licenses for candidates with fewer than 60 college credits during severe shortages.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeInitial educator license application fee | $125 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeBackground check fee processed through the DPI system | $12 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Assessment ($120–$170) plus FoRT ($105, if applicable) | $120–$275 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $125 | Verified |
| Renewal Fee | $100 | Verified |
| Substitute Permit | $25 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, background check, exams, and initial license fee | $380–$540 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Graduate from a DPI-approved or regionally accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment and FoRT (if applicable) for your endorsement area.
Fee: $120–$275
Submit to a background check through the DPI system.
Fee: $12
Submit your application through the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system.
Fee: $125
Upon approval, receive a 5-year Initial Educator License.
Wisconsin offers several alternative pathways to licensure. The License Based on Experience (LBE) pathway allows individuals with significant professional experience in a content area to teach. Districts can also request alternative education licenses for candidates with relevant expertise. Teach For America operates in Milwaukee.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
6
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Wisconsin requires a Professional Development Plan (PDP) for license renewal. The PDP must include at least 6 semester credits of professional development activities over the 5-year renewal cycle. Activities can include college coursework, workshops, action research, mentoring, and other approved PD. The PDP must be approved by a PDP team.
Browse Teacher study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Wisconsin evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. Educators with a valid out-of-state license and 3+ years of teaching experience may receive an Initial Educator License. Those with fewer than 3 years may need to complete additional requirements.
Additional requirements: May need to pass Praxis exams and/or FoRT. Must complete Wisconsin-specific professional development requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Wisconsin with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Wisconsin: Wisconsin is notable for not requiring a basic skills exam (Praxis Core) for initial licensure, instead relying on the preparation program for basic skills verification. The state's Professional Development Plan (PDP) system requires educators to work with a PDP team to design their own professional development goals and activities. The Master Educator License (Tier III) provides a 10-year license for National Board Certified Teachers, among the longest validity periods in the country.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Wisconsin
See how Wisconsin compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare teacher requirements across all states →
Teacher licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure teacher is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for teacher? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your teacher license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.
Teacher Schools in Wisconsin
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), March 2026.
Moving to Wisconsin? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Wisconsin →
Transfer your Teacher license from Wisconsin to: Illinois → | Iowa → | Michigan → | Minnesota →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.