Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
WI · Internationally educated nurses
Wisconsin RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Wisconsin Board of Nursing / Department of Safety and Professional Services, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Foreign-educated examination applicants submit a TruMerit/CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service report as directed by DSPS Form 3087.
English requirement
Form 3087 requires a TOEFL/IELTS report for applicable foreign-educated applicants. Consult the current form for exemptions and minimum scores; the summary must not substitute for the form.
SSN requirement
Wisconsin credential applications require SSN disclosure or the statutory affidavit/process when an SSN has not been issued. A valid U.S. SSN is mandatory for multistate status.
Background check
DSPS conducts the conviction/discipline review required by the application; multistate licensure requires state and federal fingerprint-based checks. Follow the current application for whether fingerprints are triggered for the selected license type.
Education review
CGFNS CES and direct school/license documents are reviewed against Wisconsin prelicensure requirements. The Board may require additional evidence if comparability is not established.
Application sequence
How to apply in Wisconsin
- 1
Apply for RN licensure by examination through DSPS LicensE.
- 2
Arrange CGFNS CES and TOEFL/IELTS evidence as applicable.
- 3
Register with Pearson VUE and complete any DSPS background-check requests.
- 4
DSPS/Board establishes eligibility before ATT.
Documents to prepare
- CGFNS CES report
- TOEFL/IELTS report if applicable
- Foreign license verification
- SSN disclosure/affidavit as applicable
- Wisconsin residency evidence for multistate
Verify before paying
- • DSPS revises Form 3087; use the live version, not a downloaded older copy.
- • Wisconsin must be the primary state of residence for a Wisconsin multistate license.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Wisconsin Board of Nursing / Department of Safety and Professional Services before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.