Wisconsin Physical Therapist License
Wisconsin DSPS — Physical Therapist
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Form 3196: Certificate of Professional Education — Must be completed by your educational institution and sent directly to the Board.
- Form 2687: Authorization for Release of FBI Information — Required for the background check and fingerprinting process.
- Recent Photograph — A head-and-shoulders photograph must be attached to Form 2687.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the Wisconsin Board. Request Score Transfer
How to Apply
-
Create a LicensE Account ▾Register as an individual on the Wisconsin DSPS LicensE portal to begin your application.
Register on LicensE -
Submit Application and Fees ▾Complete the online application for Physical Therapist licensure and pay the required initial credential fee.
Start Application -
Register for the NPTE ▾Register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Register for NPTE -
Complete Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam ▾After your application is processed, you will receive an email with instructions for the online, open-book Wisconsin Statutes and Rules exam.
Jurisprudence Exam Portal -
Submit Fingerprints ▾Submit Form 2687 (Authorization for Release of FBI Information). Once processed, you will receive instructions to schedule digital fingerprinting via Fieldprint.
Fieldprint Wisconsin -
Verify Education ▾Have your school complete Form 3196 (Certificate of Professional Education) and send it directly to the DSPS.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the LicensE portal selecting the 'Endorsement' method.
Apply via Endorsement -
Request License Verifications ▾Request official verification from every state where you have ever held a PT license to be sent directly to Wisconsin.
-
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Request an official score transfer from FSBPT to the Wisconsin DSPS.
FSBPT Score Transfer -
Complete WI Jurisprudence Exam ▾Pass the state-specific open-book exam on Wisconsin statutes and rules.
Jurisprudence Exam
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Wisconsin DSPS — Physical Therapist
Keeping Your License Active
Wisconsin Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Wisconsin DSPS — Physical Therapist for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for schools or other state boards to send official transcripts or verifications is the most common cause of delay. Follow up with these entities early.
Incomplete Background Check Forms
▾
Failure to submit Form 2687 or providing an incorrect photograph can stall the fingerprinting process.
Jurisprudence Exam Timing
▾
Applicants often wait too long to take the open-book exam. Instructions are sent via email shortly after the application is submitted; check spam folders.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 30 contact hours every two years, including at least 4 hours in ethics and jurisprudence.
When does my Wisconsin PT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on February 28th of every odd-numbered year.
Is Wisconsin a member of the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Wisconsin is an active member of the Physical Therapy Compact, allowing for easier practice across state lines for eligible therapists.
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for the NPTE?
▾
Yes, new graduates can apply for a temporary license using Form 3197, provided they are scheduled for the NPTE and practice under direct supervision.