Licensure guide · Wisconsin

How to get a Wisconsin physical therapy license

Physical therapists in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Examining Board. Below is what the board requires, from education to renewal, with every requirement linked to the board page it comes from. Checked October 22, 2026.

Step by step

Getting licensed

Education: Applicants must be enrolled in or a graduate of a physical therapist educational program approved by the board (CAPTE); graduates of non-approved or foreign programs must obtain an educational equivalency evaluation at their own expense. [2]
National exam: Applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), registering and paying directly with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). [2]
State law exam: Applicants must pass an open-book exam on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code; the passing score for physical therapists is 85%. [3]
Background check: Applicants must submit Form 2687, an authorization for release of FBI information, which is required for the criminal background check. [2]
Fees: The initial license fee for a physical therapist is $68, and the renewal fee is $68. [4]
Where to apply: Applications are submitted online through the DSPS LicensE portal (license.wi.gov). [2] Open the application →
Processing time: DSPS states that application materials are reviewed within approximately 10 days by a member of the credentialing team, though some licenses take longer due to complexity. [2]

Moving to the state

Already licensed somewhere else?

Wisconsin is a PT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Wisconsin without applying for a new state license.

Licensed in another state: Physical therapists licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction who have already passed the NPTE may apply by endorsement, with license verification sent directly from the other state and a passing score on the Wisconsin statutes and rules exam. [3]
Interstate compact: Wisconsin participates in the PT Compact: physical therapists licensed in another compact member state can obtain compact privileges in Wisconsin after passing the Wisconsin statutes and rules exam (85% or higher) and purchasing privileges through the PT Compact. [7]

Before your full license

New graduates and clinical fellows

Temporary or provisional license: A temporary license lets initial applicants who have registered for the NPTE and are awaiting results practice as physical therapists under supervision; the supervisor uploads Form 3197 to the application. [5]

After you are licensed

Keeping the license active

Renewal: Physical therapist licenses renew every two years; the reporting period runs from March 1 of an odd-numbered year through February 28 of the next odd-numbered year. [6]
Continuing education: Physical therapists must complete at least 30 contact hours of approved continuing education each biennial (2-year) period, including at least 4 contact hours in ethics and jurisprudence. [6]

Working in Wisconsin

Pay and openings

Physical therapists in Wisconsin earn a mean of $102,210 a year (BLS). Most of our Wisconsin searches are confidential and never posted; tell us what you want and we will match you quietly.

Sources

Every requirement above was checked against the official page listed here on October 22, 2026. Boards change fees and rules, so confirm with the Wisconsin board before you apply. This page is a guide, not legal advice.

Other Wisconsin licenses

Physical therapy licenses in other states

State-by-state license guides →

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