DLAB

The State of Wisconsin regulates approximately 280 different credential types. Individuals and institutions of higher education are directed to contact the Wisconsin state agency or state board responsible for licensing individuals in various professions. The Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) does not review the curriculum for out-of-state (or in-state) educational programs that may lead to professional licensure. Students interested or enrolled in professional licensure programs should review the below information and contact their academic department at their institution with any questions.

Common Licensure Types

The most common licensure types and corresponding licensing agency or board:

Profession	Wisconsin State Agency or Board
Accounting	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Appraiser	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Educator	Department of Public Instruction, Out-of-State Applicants
Emergency Medical Services	Department of Health Services
Engineering	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Funeral Services and Mortuary Science	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Nursing	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Occupational Therapy	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Physical Therapy	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Psychology	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Social Work	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List
Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician	Veterinary Examining Board
Others issued by Department of Safety and Professional Services	Department of Safety and Professional Services, A-Z Professions List

In addition to those listed above, there are over a dozen other Wisconsin state agencies and boards that also have occupational oversight responsibilities and must be contacted directly. For the most complete, readily available list, see the Wisconsin Occupational Licensing Study Legislative Report, December 2018. Please see the NC-SARA Professional Licensure webpage or additional resources.

Additional Requirements

In addition to education, some licenses may require work experience. In some instances, these educational requirements may be waived in part with appropriate work experience. Some licenses require an individual to successfully pass an additional national or state administered examination. In still other cases, a criminal conviction may disqualify an individual from seeking a professional license despite the successful completion of the educational and work requirements.

Credit for Military Training and Experience Related to Professional Licensure

Wisconsin has a number of laws that require recognition of a person’s military training and experience for purposes of granting an occupational license. Veterans are also entitled to a waiver or reduction of certain occupational licensing fees. In addition, state law provides a process for many military spouses living temporarily in Wisconsin to qualify for a reciprocal license. For more information see the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.