Substitute Teacher / Wisconsin
2026 data Wisconsin board official source

Wisconsin Substitute Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Fills in for absent teachers. Requirements range from diploma to license.

What the Wisconsin data shows for Substitute Teachers

Wisconsin's path to substitute teacher licensure runs through 2,000 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on a state-approved exam, plus a criminal history screening. Wisconsin folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Degree".

The initial price tag is $100 every 5 years. Wisconsin doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Wisconsin handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
36/100
Substitute Teacher · 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 F
2,000 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$100
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden N/A
N/A
Renewal fee annualized over the renewal cycle
Continuing Education N/A
N/A
Continuing-education hours annualized over the renewal cycle
Experience Required N/A
N/A
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Education / Training Hours
Degree
2,000 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Substitute Teacher 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 Substitute Teacher in Wisconsin? ▼
Wisconsin requires 2000 education/training hours, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $100. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Substitute Teacher in Wisconsin? ▼
Certification as a substitute teacher in Wisconsin means clearing the state's checklist: 2000 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Wisconsin licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Substitute Teacher license to Wisconsin from another state? ▼
Wisconsin doesn't publish a standing reciprocity policy for substitute teachers; each out-of-state application is reviewed on its own merits. Some professions fall under interstate compacts that ease portability regardless. The Wisconsin licensing board can confirm what applies to your case.
Does Wisconsin require a background check for Substitute Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for substitute teacher licensing in Wisconsin. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

What to do with this substitute teacher license

Substitute Teacher in Wisconsin is one requirement row in a substitute teacher-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.