Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Wisconsin
2026 data Wisconsin board official source

Wisconsin Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the Wisconsin data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Wisconsin's path to licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure runs through 1,162 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Wisconsin folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $116 to get started, plus $82 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, licensed practical nurse (lpn)s should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
57/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Wisconsin

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,162 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$116
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$41/yr
$82 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,162 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$116
Renewal Fee
$82
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) All Wisconsin licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Wisconsin licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin? ▼
In Wisconsin, the license path calls for 1162 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $116 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin? ▼
To become a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Wisconsin, you must meet the state's requirements including 1162 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Wisconsin licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Wisconsin from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Wisconsin. Verify the specifics with the Wisconsin licensing board.
Does Wisconsin require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process in Wisconsin. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin? ▼
Wisconsin ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $82 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed practical nurse (lpn) license

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed practical nurse (lpn)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Wisconsin licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.