Professional Engineer License in Wisconsin
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin, apply through the Department of Safety and Professional Services and pass the NCEES FE and PE exams. Renewal is biennial by July 31 of even years.
- Exam
- NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial (renewal by July 31 of even years)
Requirements
Professional Engineer license in Wisconsin
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Professional Engineer license in Wisconsin. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Wisconsin licensing board.
Professional Engineer Salary in Wisconsin
Entry Level
$63,920
Median
$90,770
Experienced
$132,280
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
No exam required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).
Professional Engineer Licensing in Wisconsin: What to Know
Wisconsin licenses Professional Engineers through the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Professional Credential Processing. Per Wisconsin State Statutes 440.08(2), the required renewal date for the PE credential is July 31 of even years, and initial credential holders must renew by this statutory date regardless of when their license was issued. Wisconsin does not require continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions for PE licensure. Wisconsin follows standard NCEES comity provisions for reciprocal licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Professional Engineer license in Wisconsin?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Professional Engineer license in Wisconsin?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). No exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Professional Engineer requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.