This application is for educators who completed a Wisconsin Educator Preparation Program for their first teaching license or a new subject.
*Note: If you completed your Wisconsin preparation program before 9/1/2004, follow the directions for an uncommon request.
Reading and Language Arts Requirements (2023 Wisconsin Act 20)
Completed an approved educator preparation program (EPP) prior to July 1, 2025?
Per Wisconsin Statutes section 118.19(12), applicants applying for this license after June 30, 2025 must be prepared to teach science-based reading and language arts.
If the applicant for this license completed an approved educator preparation program (EPP) prior to July 1, 2025, the applicant must obtain a completed Reading and Language Arts Verification Form (PI-1626) from the certification officer where their program or training was completed to verify that the requirements have been met. The applicant must upload the completed PI-1626 form with all other documents in ELO.
Check out the related Information Bulletin for FAQs and details.
How to Apply
1. Determine if you must submit fingerprints
- Use the fingerprint decision tree to determine if this step is needed. If you have determined that you need fingerprints, submit them electronically via our vendor Fieldprint by following the Electronic Fingerprint Submission directions.
2. Gather Documents
- Preview the ELO Conduct & Competency Questions to see if you will need to provide documentation of any alleged misconduct.
- Confirm with your EPP that your license endorsement has already been submitted to the DPI. This Endorsed Candidates for Licensure (ECL) data is required to complete your online license application. If you are unsure whether your EPP has submitted this data to the DPI, please contact the Certification Officer at your EPP.
- If applicable, a copy of a completed Reading and Language Arts Verification Form (PI-1626). Review the Reading and Language Arts Requirement section above.
- If you determine that you need to provide documentation, please scan to files (.pdf, .doc/docx, .jpg/jpeg, or .txt) that are 2MB or less in size
3. Log in to Educator Licensing Online (ELO)
- Within ELO, make sure you have answered the three onboarding questions.
- Find the APPLY FOR A NEW LICENSE section of the Quick Start Menu. Select the same choices in the three drop-downs in the application screenshot below:
- Choose "1-Teacher Category"
- Choose "A-Teacher (including 5-Year Sub) [T001}"
- Choose "Teacher: Request New Educator License - In State WI Program [1020]"
- Click the “GO!” button.
- Complete each page of the application as instructed. Review your Application Summary and edit information if necessary OR click the “SUBMIT” button to submit your application.
NOTE: Anyone who is applying for (or already holds) a Career & Tech Ed (CTE) license in Business Education, Family and Consumer Education, or Technology Education who wants to ALSO add on a CTE vocational license (e.g., Business & Office, Food Services, Construction) must submit the T001-1021 (Request Vocational License 5 year) transaction before going to the ELO Cart to pay.
4. Receive Email Confirmation
5. Complete Application on ELO
- Click the GO! button next to “Submit C&C and Payment to Complete Application.”
- Review your fees.
- Complete the Conduct and Competency Questionnaire (14 questions).
- Pay with a credit card or pre-paid card. For fee amounts and additional payment information please see License Application Fees.
PROCESSING TIMES
Our processing times vary throughout the year. For current processing times see Check Application Status.