Frequently Asked Questions

Adding a New License

How do I find out what requirements I need to meet before I can apply for a new area of licensure?

You should check the Index of Approved Programs to determine which educator preparation programs offer certification in the area of interest. Then contact the campus directly for details of their program requirements.

If I want to add a new license, who should evaluate my college transcripts to determine what course work I will need for this new license?

Contact a regionally-accredited baccalaureate or graduate degree-granting educator preparation campus that offers a state-approved program in the subject/grade level you wish to add. That institution will evaluate your transcripts and set up a program for you that will lead to licensure in the new area. The DPI does not do transcript evaluations for purposes of adding a new license.

I am interested in adding a new license through an out-of-state teacher training campus. What do I need to do?

Make sure the college/university is a regionally-accredited baccalaureate or graduate degree-granting campus and has a state-approved program in the area in which you wish to be licensed. Once you have completed the program, along with student teaching, and a Praxis content exam (if required) and are eligible to receive a full license to teach in the state in which the college is based, you could apply in Wisconsin as an out-of-state applicant. For more information on applying for a Wisconsin license as an out-of-state applicant see Wisconsin Licensure for Out of State Graduates.

If an educator who completed his/her original educator preparation program prior to 9/1/2004 wants to add a new license based on a program completed after that date, is a Professional Development Plan (PDP) required for renewal in the future?

Professional educators who complete an additional license program(s) after August 31, 2004 in the same licensure category for which they already held a license (e.g. held a regular education teaching license and add a special education teacher license) can renew both licenses by completing either a PDP OR six semester credits of course work related to his/her area of licensure.

Anyone who completes a program for the first time in a particular licensure category (teacher, pupil services, or administrator) after 8/31/2004 is considered an initial educator in that licensure category and must complete a PDP to advance to the professional educator license stage. For example, a professional educator who has a license in teaching and completes a program for administrative licensure after August 31, 2004 (and has never before completed an approved license program in administration) will be issued an Initial Educator License and will be required to complete a PDP to advance to the professional educator stage in that category. The educator is required to continue to use the PDP process as a professional educator for future renewals of the administrator license. However, if the educator has not attained employment in that new category, s/he may renew his/her Professional Educator License in teaching by completing six semester credits of course work related to the area of licensure or could also complete a PDP that focuses on the teaching standards.

When I get a new license added, how do I proceed to get the new license and my current license on the same 5-year track?

You may put both of the licenses on the same 5-year track and it is often advantageous to do so but it may result in losing some years off of your current license. The process will require two applications, two fees, and original transcripts verifying six semester credits of course work for the current license. When you apply for your new license, DPI will contact you regarding options for renewing your current licenses.

Can a teacher who holds an Initial Educator License and who completes an approved principal program apply for and be issued an Initial Educator License as a principal?

No. The educator would first have to complete all requirements to advance his/her non-renewable Initial Educator License for teaching to the professional educator license stage. If an Initial Educator License was issued in an administrative category to an educator who still was licensed at the initial educator stage as a teacher, there is no assurance that the educator would complete requirements for advancement to the professional educator stage as a teacher. The educator would therefore no longer be eligible for the administrator license since eligibility for a teaching license is a prerequisite.

I am currently a licensed teacher and I would like to become licensed as an elementary special education teacher. Is there any way to start teaching before I complete all of the necessary course work?

A school district that wishes to hire you for a position in elementary special education may be able to request a one-year emergency license on your behalf. In order to renew the license for an additional year, you would need to be enrolled in an approved special education program and have completed 6 semester credits or the equivalent leading to licensure as a special education teacher.

I have a lifetime license for PK-12 Physical Education and will soon complete a master's degree at a Wisconsin college with a state-approved program in Health Education. How do I add this area of certification?

Submit a PI 1602-IS application for an initial license in Health Education. Your college must sign the Institutional Endorsement section of the application for this new license.

Related Resources

Adding a New License - Topic main page.
Approved Educator Preparation Programs for Licensing Wisconsin Educators.
License Application Forms
Licensing - FAQs
Out-of-State (Non-Wisconsin) Educator Preparation

Contact institutions directly for details about educator preparation programs, certifications, and courses offered. Other questions about licensure may be directed to Educator Licensing

Last updated on 6/2/2008 2:50:06 PM