Certifynd ABA

Wisconsin

Mandatory Licensing

Wisconsin requires behavior analyst licensure through DSPS. Applicants must hold current BCBA certification from BACB. Biennial renewal on December 15 of even-numbered years. Simple reciprocity for those already BCBA-certified from other states. Online LicensE system for all applications since May 2022.

Quick Reference

Licensing Status
Mandatory
Primary License Type
Behavior Analyst
Education Required
Master's Degree (via BACB)
Estimated Cost
~$59 initial
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (Dec 15 even years)
BACB Required
Yes
Online Verification
Available
Important Deadline:December 15 even-numbered years

Licensing Board

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

License Verification

Online verification available

BACB Certification

BACB certification required

Available License Types

Behavior Analyst

Detailed Requirements

Education Requirements

BCBA certification required (master's degree pathway through BACB-approved coursework). No additional state education requirements beyond BACB.

1,500-2,000 hours supervised fieldwork verified through BCBA certification. Supervisor must be current BCBA without disciplinary sanctions who completed 8-hour supervision course.

Must pass BACB BCBA certification exam. No additional state exam required.

Biennial renewal on December 15 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.). Must maintain current BACB certification. 32 CE hours required every two years (follows BACB requirements) including 4 hours ethics. Verify lawful presence status. Initial credentials issued close to renewal date must still renew by statutory deadline.

Initial Application: ~$59. Renewal fee determined by department under Wis. Stat. § 440.03(9)(a). Fee reductions available (Form 3217).

BACB certification required. Must be certified by Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. or successor organization. Proof of current BCBA certification required for both initial licensure and renewal. CE follows BACB standards (32 hours biennial, 4 hours ethics).

Wisconsin has straightforward reciprocity - no extra state exams or fees beyond BACB certification for those from other states. All applications through online LicensE system (license.wi.gov) since May 2022. Military provisions: service members and spouses can get license extensions during active duty with 180 days post-discharge to renew without penalties. Lawful presence verification required. DSPS receives no tax dollars - entirely fee-funded. Contact: (608) 266-2112, dsps@wisconsin.gov.

May 2022: DSPS now requires all applications through online LicensE system. August 2025: DSPS adjusted fees for some professions (behavior analyst fees remained relatively stable). January 2026: BACB VCS system ending, course-by-course review required.

Additional Information

Wisconsin makes it simple for BCBAs from other states - straightforward reciprocity with no additional state exams or fees. December 15 even-year renewal is unique fixed date. All applications now online through LicensE system (since May 2022). DSPS is entirely fee-funded, receiving no tax dollars. Military-friendly provisions include license extensions during active duty. Low fees at approximately $59 make Wisconsin one of the more affordable states for licensure.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.