To work as an RN in Wisconsin you license with the Board of Nursing through the Department of Safety and Professional Services' LicensE portal. The initial credential fee is US$73, you may apply before graduation and are made NCLEX-eligible on your reported graduation date, your school uploads the Statement of Graduation, and DSPS reviews files in about 10 days. A US$10 temporary permit lets first-time candidates work as a Graduate Nurse. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
✓ Checked against Wisconsin BON's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
BoardWisconsin Board of Nursing, Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
FeeUS$73 initial credential; renewal US$73 by Feb 28/29 of even years
Temporary permitForm 2434, US$10, for exam applicants who have never failed the NCLEX-RN; title 'Graduate Nurse'
The steps, in order (graduates of a Wisconsin program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
8 steps
If you were educated outside the United States
The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.
2 steps
Documents to have ready
LicensE application (Health, Registered Nurse, Licensure by Examination) and US$73
Form 259 Statement of Graduation or official transcript uploaded by the school through the Third Party Portal
Form 3049 Certificate of Approval to take the examination (only to test before program completion)
Form 2687 Authorization for Release of FBI Information; Forms 225x and 2829 if applicable
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
Form 2434 Temporary Permit Request and US$10, if wanted
Fees
Initial credential (RN)DSPS credential fee table
US$73
Temporary permit (Form 2434)first-time exam candidates only
US$10
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
Renewalby the last day of February, even-numbered years
US$73
How long it takes
You may apply before graduation; eligibility starts on your reported graduation date.
Credentialing review within about 10 days of submission.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).
Licences renew by February 28/29 of even-numbered years.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Apply in your last term and let your school upload Form 259 the day you finish; eligibility is automatic from the graduation date you reported.
Documents from you are refused; everything official must come through the Third Party Portal.
US$10 for a Graduate Nurse permit is the cheapest in the country; request it with the application if you have a job lined up.
DSPS phone lines are unreliable; use the LicensE 'Request Support' ticket instead.
Questions people ask about Wisconsin
How do I register for the NCLEX in Wisconsin?
Apply in the LicensE portal (Health, Registered Nurse, Licensure by Examination) and pay US$73, have your school upload the Statement of Graduation or transcript through the Third Party Portal, submit the FBI release form and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). DSPS makes you eligible as of your reported graduation date and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.
How much does a Wisconsin RN licence cost?
US$73 to DSPS, US$200 to Pearson VUE and US$10 if you want the temporary permit. Renewal is US$73 every two years.
Can I work in Wisconsin before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Yes, with a temporary permit (Form 2434, US$10) if you have never failed the NCLEX-RN; you use the title Graduate Nurse until your licence is issued.
Is Wisconsin a compact state?
Yes, since January 19, 2018. Request multistate privileges through DSPS's compact application method if Wisconsin is your primary state of residence.
Can I take the NCLEX before I graduate in Wisconsin?
Only if your school sends DSPS Form 3049, a Certificate of Approval to take the examination early; otherwise eligibility begins on your reported graduation date.
How long does DSPS take to review a nursing application?
About 10 days for the first review; the LicensE dashboard shows current review times by profession, and a 'Pending Applicant Input' status means your Due Diligence list has an unmet item.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Wisconsin BON's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:
This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS).
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