Elementary School Teacher / Wisconsin
2026 data Wisconsin board official source

Wisconsin Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Wisconsin data shows for Elementary School Teachers

Wisconsin's path to elementary school teacher licensure runs through board-approved instruction and a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), 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 "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $105 to get started, plus $72 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$105
Renewal Fee
$72
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Elementary School 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 Elementary School Teacher in Wisconsin? ▼
In Wisconsin, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $105 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Wisconsin? ▼
Certification as an elementary school teacher in Wisconsin means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Wisconsin licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Wisconsin from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for elementary school teachers: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Wisconsin licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Wisconsin require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Yes, Wisconsin requires a criminal background check as part of the elementary school teacher licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Wisconsin? ▼
To stay licensed as an elementary school teacher in Wisconsin, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $72.

Related Guides

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

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