Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Education
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The Five-Year Substitute License may be issued to an applicant who has completed a state-approved educator preparation program through a regionally accredited four-year bachelor degree granting institution.
- 6
There are no professional growth requirements for issuance or renewal of the five-year substitute license.
- 7
The five-year substitute license allows an educator to accept short-term substitute assignments in any subject at any grade level (no more than 20 days total in a specific assignment).
- 8
The five-year substitute license also allows an educator to accept long-term substitute assignments (more than 20 days in the same assignment) only in the subject and grade level the educator would be eligible to hold a regular (non-substitute) Wisconsin educator license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$40,500 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (The five-year substitute license also allows an educator to accept long-term substitute assignments (more than 20 days in the same assign...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)~Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $40,500, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Wisconsin earn 5% above the national median of $38,470. Wisconsin ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$40,500Hourly estimate
$19.475% above national median
Difference: +$2,030
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSubstitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking
#11 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $57,260 |
| #2 | Oregon | $55,540 |
| #3 | Washington | $54,880 |
| #4 | Hawaii | $50,070 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $48,710 |
Nearby States Comparison
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $40,500 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $48,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $36,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $38,330 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $34,770 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
125 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53703-7841
Phone: 6082661027
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.
What education do you need to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Wisconsin is $40,500. Salaries range from $33,130 (10th percentile) to $60,440 (90th percentile).
How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Wisconsin earn 5% above the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $40,500.
How many Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 9,780 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) / Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing. Review agency details at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-counseling/licensing/process.
How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.