All states · Wisconsin
Licensing in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, almost all professional licenses are issued by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS): beauty, barbers, massage therapists, nurses, contractors, electricians and plumbers.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,550 hours | DSPS exam | Per DSPS schedule |
| Aesthetician | 450 hours | DSPS exam | Per DSPS schedule |
| Manicurist | 300 hours | DSPS exam | Per DSPS schedule |
| Electrologist | 450 hours | DSPS exam | Per DSPS schedule |
| Barber | 1,000 hours or apprenticeship | DSPS exam | Per DSPS schedule |
- All beauty and barber licenses are issued by DSPS. The school must be Wisconsin-licensed or accredited.
- Since 2017, barbers need no CE or separate manager license, and mobile services are allowed.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 600 hours | Board-approved exam | Every 2 years | 24 |
- Licenses are issued by the Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board under DSPS. They renew by February 28 of odd years; current CPR certification is required.
- The 600 hours include 300 hours of massage theory and practice, 125 of anatomy and physiology, 50 of business, law and ethics, 20 of student clinic and 5 of CPR and first aid.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Wisconsin Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Wisconsin Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nursing AssistantCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Wisconsin is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Contractor | DSPS | Required for a permit to build a one- or two-family home |
| Dwelling Contractor Qualifier | DSPS | 12-hour initial course |
| Electrician, Plumber | DSPS | State licenses |
- To get a permit for a one- or two-family dwelling, you need Dwelling Contractor certification or an employed Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | DSPS | Establishment license |
| LLC | Department of Financial Institutions | Registration — file Articles of Organization |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Wisconsin specifics
- One agency. Almost all licenses — from beauty to construction — are issued by DSPS.
- Easier for barbers. Since 2017 — no CE, no manager license, and mobile services are allowed.
- Barber apprenticeship. Instead of 1,000 school hours, you can complete an apprenticeship.
- Massage — 600 hours. Renewal every 2 years with 24 CE hours and CPR certification.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- A dwelling contractor credential. Building a home requires Dwelling Contractor certification.
What professionals earn in Wisconsin
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,550 hours at a licensed school, then the DSPS exam.
How many hours does a barber need?
1,000 hours at a barber school or an apprenticeship, then the exam.
How do massage therapists renew?
Every 2 years, by February 28 of odd years, with 24 CE hours.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate license is valid.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Wisconsin State Legislature, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Wage data — BLS.