Wisconsin Engineering Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for engineering industry firms and individuals in Wisconsin.
This page provides an overview of engineering industry licensing in Wisconsin for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Wisconsin Engineering Company Licenses
Wisconsin Certificate of Authorization
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks depending on processing. Applicants will be notified by mail and/or email. |
Notes: |
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Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or online. |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. |
Original Ink: | Not required |
Notarization Required?: | Not required |
Required Attachments: |
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Wisconsin Geology Certificate of Authorization
Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Professional Geologists, Hydrologists and Soil Scientists |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Hydrology Certificate of Authorization
Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Professional Geologists, Hydrologists and Soil Scientists |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Land Surveying Firm License
Not required
Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Wisconsin.
Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.
More information: Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior DesignersEligible Entity Types: | Wisconsin allows surveying firms to practice under most entity types, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and service corporations. Wisconsin does not recognize the PC or PLLC entity type but allows professional service firms to form 'service corporations'. |
Wisconsin Soil Science Certificate of Authorization
Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Professional Geologists, Hydrologists and Soil Scientists |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Individual Licenses
Wisconsin Individual Engineering Licenses
Wisconsin Designer of Engineering Systems License
Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Law: | |
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
Ownership Requirements: | A firm, partnership, or corporation requesting a certificate of authorization shall submit a completed application and fee to the Department. |
Notes: |
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Exam Required? | Yes |
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Qualifying Individual Requirements: |
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Allow Digital Signatures? | Yes |
Digital Signature Guidelines: | All seals and stamps on plans, drawings, documents, specifications, and reports to be filed as public documents shall be signed and dated by the registered professional in one of the following manners:
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Allow Digital Sealing? | Yes |
Digital Sealing Guidelines: | All seals or stamps affixed to plans, drawings, documents, specifications, and reports to be filed as public documents shall be original. No stickers shall be allowed. Seals or stamps may be applied by crimp type, rubber stamp or by electronic means provided the electronic seal or stamp meets the requirements of ch. 137, Stats., a security procedure is used, and electronic submissions are permitted by the governmental unit that is to receive the plans, drawings, documents, specifications, and reports. |
Requirement Notes: | As a credential holder with this Board, you are required to obtain a personal registration seal in compliance with the specifications outlined in Wis. Admin. Code § A-E 2.02. It is the credential holder's responsibility to obtain a seal, which should only include the numbers before the dash (i.e. 30666-006, 8178-005). The inner circle area of the seal must include the credential holder's name, credential number, and the city and state where the credential holder resides or is employed. This information serves as a basis for locating the credential holder and should be the same as the mailing address on file with the Board office (i.e. if the credential holder's address is Memphis, TN, then Memphis, TN must be placed on the inner circle). |
Initial Registration
Form: | Application for Electrical, Fire Protection, HVAC, Plumbing and Private Sewage System Examinations (New Graduates/Exam Candidates must submit Form #2100 to be approved for examinations.), Application for Designer of Engineering Systems Permit, Application for Fee Reduction (This form must accompany the application for the credential) (if applicable), Designer of Engineering Systems Applicant Appraisal Form (3 Appraisal Forms Required) |
Instructions: | Designer of Engineering Systems Applicant Appraisal Form: Provide replies from three (3) references having personal knowledge of your experience, one of whom is a Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, or holds a permit as a Designer of Engineering Systems. Family members can act as supplemental references in support of an application, but not as one of the three (3) required responses. Type or print your name in the box at the top of each form prior to distribution. Forms must be forwarded by you to this office with your application. |
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Notes: | Your application for registration will be presented to the Board for review when all required documents have been received. You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible to allow processing and review of application before the Board meets. You’ll find a schedule of tentative Board meetings on the Department’s web site at http://dsps.wi.gov. |
Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date. |
Penalties: | $25 penalty fee if filed late. |
Notes: | If you do not intend to practice and want your license to be placed in Retired status, you can partially renew online. If your credential status is not already in Retired status, you can complete the renewal online, up to the payment. Do not pay online. Follow instructions given during the renewal process. If you complete the renewal for Retired status online, you will need to email our office to request paper renewal forms: DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov. You will also need to submit Form R443. Please be sure to inform staff at the Department to include Form R443 for you to complete or you can print it from the website. |
Wisconsin Geologist License
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | Form 2084: Application for Geologist, Hydrologist or Soil Scientist License |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Notes: | To be eligible for licensure in Wisconsin by comity, you must have passed an examination as part of your licensure requirement for another state and must hold a current license in another state. For all applications for licensure by comity, Wisconsin requires that the licensure requirements of the other state, territory, or country that issued the license are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this state. |
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $56 |
Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Professional Engineer License
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Notes: | An applicant may apply for registration if he or she holds an unexpired registration in another state in which registration requirements are not lower than those in Wisconsin. The applicant must have passed the NCEES Principles and Practice Exam, the Fundamental of Engineering Exam, and have 8 years of engineering experience (education included). Applicants may apply using NCEES Council Record or application by examination. |
Registration Renewal
Exemption Eligible Organizations: |
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Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Penalties: | There is a $25 penalty fee for filing late. |
Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor License
Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | Form 461: Application for Professional Land Surveyor Licensure |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Notes: |
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Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $55 |
Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. |
Penalties: | There is a $25 penalty fee for filing late. |
Learn about engineering licensing in other states:
Design Firm - Engineering firm registration is sometimes grouped with architecture and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
EI (Engineering Intern) - A term also used to describe an Engineer in Training.
EIT (Engineer in Training) - A professional designation granted upon having completed at least 3 years of school at an ABET-accredited university and having passed the FE exam.
FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) - An exam testing on basic engineering principles that is required to become an engineer in training.
PE (Professional Engineer or 'Principles and Practice in Engineering') - Means either Professional Engineer or refers to the Principles and Practice in Engineering exam that is a prerequisite for an engineering license.
Reciprocity - When a licensed engineer in one state can provide documentation (often an NCEES Record) to more easily apply for a license in another jurisdiction.
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Accrediting board that sets standards for university programs in a variety of applied science disciplines.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Engineering, architecture, and land surveying advocacy group.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Organization that provides continuing education, professional conferences, and advocacy efforts to the civil engineering community.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Mechanical engineering organization that focuses on education and professional development.
Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
Reviews accreditation requirements and makes final decisions regarding the accreditation process.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)
Develops, administers, and scores the exams used for engineering licenses.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE is an advocacy group for professional engineers.