Wisconsin Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

How to Get Your APNP License in Wisconsin (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s cut through the fluff: if you’re looking to become a nurse practitioner in Wisconsin, you’re not just earning a fancy new title. You’re stepping into prescribing authority territory—officially becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP). That means the state wants receipts. Lots of them.

Here’s exactly what to do, step by step, with the why behind every hoop they make you jump through—and pro tips to help you land that license faster.

Get (or Transfer) Your RN License

Why this matters:
You can’t jump to NP-level anything without first proving you’ve got the basics down. RN licensure is the state’s way of saying, “Okay, you know what you’re doing.”

If You’re Brand-New (Licensure by Exam):

• Graduate from an ADN or (better) a BSN
• Create an account on LicensE
• Upload your Statement of Graduation and official transcripts, then pay the $72 fee
• Optional: pay $10 for a temporary permit
• Get fingerprinted and complete the FBI background check
• Register and take the NCLEX-RN

Pro tip: Mail your fingerprint cards ASAP. Background checks are the most common delay.

If You’re Already Licensed in Another State (Licensure by Endorsement):

• Use Nursys to verify your RN license
• If unavailable, have your BON email: DSPSCredNursing@wi.gov
• Apply via LicensE, pay the $57 fee (+ $10 for temporary permit if needed)
• Submit fingerprints and FBI authorization

Mail documents to:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935

Get That MSN or DNP

Why this matters:
Wisconsin requires you to have at least a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) with clinical hours under your belt.

• Choose an accredited program (CCNE or ACEN)
• Must include 500+ clinical hours and 45+ contact hours in pharmacology
• Find preceptors in WI if you go the online route

Use AANP’s NP Program Finder to filter programs by state, specialty, and delivery type.

Get Nationally Certified

Why this matters:
National certification proves you’re legit in your NP specialty. No guesswork. No shortcuts.

• Choose your cert body: AANP, ANCC, NCC, etc.
• Pass your population-specific exam (e.g., FNP, PMHNP)
• Email proof to: DSPSCredNursing@wi.gov

Check Off Prescribing Requirements

• 45 pharmacology contact hours (within the last 5 years)
• Malpractice insurance – $1 million/$3 million minimum coverage

Submit the malpractice affidavit (Form #2157) or a copy of your insurance policy.

Pro tip: One 3-credit grad pharm class usually covers the 45-hour requirement.

Apply for Your APNP License

• Log in to LicensE
• Select Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP)
• Upload:
  • Form #2367 (degree verification)
  • National cert proof
  • RN license verification
  • Pharm hours + malpractice docs
• Pay the $75 fee
• Pass the online jurisprudence exam

Pro tip: Screenshot your passing score just in case the system doesn’t log it.

Apply for a DEA Number + Enroll in ePDMP

Once your APNP license is active:

• Apply for your DEA registration
• Register with the Wisconsin ePDMP – a must before prescribing controlled substances

Bonus: DSPS offers a free opioid CE course that counts toward your renewal. Knock it out now.

Stay Legit — Keep Licenses and CE Current

Handy Links to Save You Hours of Googling

• LicensE – Application Portal
• DSPS APNP Page
• Nursys – License Verification
• NCLEX Scheduling (Pearson VUE)
• Jurisprudence Exam Info
• APNP CE Requirements
• Form #2157 – Malpractice Affidavit
• AANP NP Program Search
• Wisconsin ePDMP Registration

This isn’t just a paperwork hustle. It’s your path to autonomy, leadership, and impact in healthcare. Every form you submit, every fingerprint you roll, every CE hour you log—it all says: I’m not just ready. I’m serious.