Physician Assistant / Wisconsin
2026 data Wisconsin board official source

Wisconsin Physician Assistant License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Wisconsin data shows for Physician Assistants

Wisconsin sets the entry bar for physician assistants at 3,486 training hours and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Wisconsin's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $197 to get started, plus $181 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 100-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For physician assistants, the reciprocity picture is: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,486 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$197
Renewal Fee
$181
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
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 Physician Assistant in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires 3486 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $197. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin licenses physician assistants who complete its requirements (3486 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Wisconsin licensing board.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Wisconsin from another state?
Reciprocity for physician assistants nationally works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. 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 Physician Assistant licensing?
Wisconsin does require a background check before issuing a physician assistant license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $181 renewal fee.

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