Wisconsin Producer Licensing Requirements

Wisconsin regulates insurance producers under Chapter 645 of Wisconsin Statutes to ensure qualified professionals serve consumers.

License Requirements

To Obtain a Wisconsin P&C Producer License:

1. Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old
2. Residency: No Wisconsin residency requirement (reciprocity available)
3. Pre-License Education: NONE required for Property & Casualty
4. Pass Licensing Exam: Score 70% or higher on P&C exam
5. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for criminal background check (if required)
6. Application: Complete online application through Wisconsin OCI
7. Pay Fees: License fee (approximately $40-50) and exam fee (approximately $50)
8. Appointment: Obtain company appointments to sell insurance products

Exam Tip: Wisconsin has NO pre-licensing education requirement for P&C insurance, unlike many states. However, thorough self-study is essential to pass the comprehensive licensing exam.

Licensing Exam Details

Wisconsin Property & Casualty Exam

Exam Content Areas

National Content (70-75% of exam):

• General insurance principles
• Property insurance (homeowners, dwelling, commercial)
• Casualty insurance (auto, general liability)
• Commercial lines overview
• Risk management

Wisconsin State Content (25-30% of exam):

• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 600-646
• OCI regulations and procedures
• Wisconsin-specific policy requirements
• State-mandated coverages (auto 25/50/10, UM/UIM)
• Producer duties and prohibited practices

Scheduling the Exam

1. Create PSI Account: Visit PSI website or call (888) 818-5805
2. Select Exam: Choose Property & Casualty exam
3. Choose Location: Testing center or remote proctoring
4. Pay Exam Fee: Approximately $50
5. Receive Confirmation: Get exam confirmation number
6. Take Exam: Arrive 15-30 minutes early with valid photo ID

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Application

Step 1: Pass the Exam

• Take and pass Wisconsin P&C exam with 70% or higher
• Receive passing score report immediately

Step 2: Submit Fingerprints (if required)

• Complete fingerprinting for background check
• Typically required for first-time licensees
• Use authorized fingerprinting service

Step 3: Complete Online Application

• Go to Wisconsin OCI website: oci.wi.gov
• Create account or log in
• Complete producer license application
• Provide personal information, exam results, employment history

Step 4: Pay License Fee

• Approximately $40-50 for initial license
• Credit card payment online

Step 5: Receive License

• OCI processes application (typically 5-10 business days)
• License issued electronically
• Can print license from OCI online portal

Step 6: Obtain Company Appointments

• Contact insurance companies for appointments
• Company appoints you to sell their products
• Appointment required to transact insurance for each company

License Duration and Renewal

License Period: Biennial (2 years)

Renewal Based on Birth Month:

• Wisconsin licenses renew based on the producer's birth month
• License expires on the last day of the birth month
• Renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration

Example: If your birthday is May 15, your license expires May 31 every 2 years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.)

License Types

Wisconsin issues several P&C license types:

Exam Tip: Most producers obtain a combined Property & Casualty license to sell all P&C lines. Personal Lines license is limited to personal auto and homeowners.

Continuing Education Requirements

CE Requirements for P&C Producers

Wisconsin requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years:

CE Requirements Breakdown:

• Total Hours: 24 hours per 2-year license period
• Ethics Required: 3 hours must be ethics/professional responsibility
• General CE: Remaining 21 hours in P&C topics
• Carry Forward: Up to 12 hours may be carried forward to next period

CE Compliance Period

CE must be completed during the 2-year period PRIOR to license renewal:

Example: If your license renews May 2026:

• CE Period: June 2024 - May 2026
• Must complete 24 hours (including 3 hours ethics) during this period
• Submit CE certificates before May 31, 2026 renewal

Approved CE Topics

Ethics/Professional Responsibility (3 hours required):

• Producer ethical obligations
• Fiduciary duties
• Consumer protection
• Professional conduct standards
• Avoiding conflicts of interest

General P&C Topics (21 hours):

• Property insurance coverage
• Casualty insurance principles
• Wisconsin insurance law updates
• Underwriting and risk assessment
• Claims handling
• Commercial insurance
• Emerging risks and trends
• Technology in insurance

CE Course Approval

• CE courses must be approved by Wisconsin OCI
• Approved providers include insurance organizations, schools, online platforms
• Courses listed on OCI website
• Self-study courses acceptable with exam verification
• Live webinars and in-person seminars acceptable

CE Exemptions

Newly Licensed Producers: Exempt from CE for first renewal period

• If licensed March 2026, no CE required until March 2028 renewal
• CE required for all subsequent renewals

Other Exemptions:

• Full-time insurance professors at accredited institutions
• Specific exemptions granted by Commissioner for hardship

CE Non-Compliance Consequences

Failure to Complete CE:

• License placed on "CE non-compliant" status
• Cannot renew license until CE completed
• Late renewal fees may apply
• Selling insurance with non-compliant license = unlicensed activity

OCI Actions for Non-Compliance:

• Send warning notices before expiration
• Suspend license for continued non-compliance
• Require proof of CE completion for reinstatement
• May impose fines or discipline for willful violations