Key Takeaways
- The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees real estate licensing through the Real Estate Examining Board
- The Real Estate Examining Board consists of members appointed by the Governor to regulate real estate licensees
- DSPS has authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and take disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation
- Wisconsin requires 72 hours of pre-license education for salesperson applicants
- The Wisconsin REALTORS Association (WRA) provides education and professional development resources
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing real estate professionals in Wisconsin through the Real Estate Examining Board.
Real Estate SalespersonFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Real Estate Examining Board
The Real Estate Examining Board operates under DSPS and is responsible for regulating real estate practice in Wisconsin.
Board Composition
| Member Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensed brokers | Experienced real estate professionals |
| Public members | Consumer representatives |
Members are appointed by the Governor and serve staggered terms.
Key Board Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve courses and schools |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct audits of trust accounts |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or deny licenses; impose fines |
| Rulemaking | Adopt administrative rules (Chapter REEB) |
Wisconsin Real Estate Practice Law
The Wisconsin Real Estate Practice Law (Chapter 452, Wisconsin Statutes) is the primary statute governing real estate licensing in Wisconsin. Key provisions include:
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker and salesperson activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Disciplinary actions - Grounds for suspension or revocation
- Trust fund handling - Requirements for client funds
REEB Administrative Code
The Real Estate Examining Board adopts administrative rules (Chapter REEB) that implement the statutes. These rules cover:
- License application procedures
- Education requirements and course approval
- Advertising standards
- Trust account requirements (REEB 18)
- Agency disclosure procedures
Exam Tip: DSPS and the Real Estate Examining Board can impose administrative penalties and revoke licenses. Be familiar with both Chapter 452 statutes and Chapter REEB administrative code.
License Types in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers two primary license types for real estate professionals:
Salesperson License
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Education | 72 hours pre-license education |
| Exam | State and national portions |
| Supervision | Must work under a licensed broker |
Broker License
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years as licensed salesperson (with 40 experience points) |
| Education | Additional 72 hours broker education |
| Exam | Broker state and national portions |
| Independence | May operate own firm or supervise salespersons |
DSPS Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | dsps.wi.gov |
| Main Office | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Phone | (608) 266-2112 |
| Online System | DSPS Online Licensure Application System (OLAS) |
Key Point: Wisconsin uses the Online Licensure Application System (OLAS) for most license applications and renewals. This reduces processing time compared to paper applications.
Which agency is responsible for regulating real estate licensees in Wisconsin?
Which chapter of Wisconsin Statutes contains the Real Estate Practice Law?