Graduate from an accredited medical school:
LCME-accredited (MD) or COCA-accredited (DO) program.
International medical graduates must have ECFMG certification.
Complete at least 1 year of ACGME- or AOA-accredited postgraduate training.
International graduates must complete 2 years of accredited training unless board certified.
Pass an approved licensing examination such as USMLE, COMLEX, NBME, FLEX, or NBOME.
Provide verification of all medical licenses ever held in any state or country.
Submit official medical school transcripts and postgraduate training verification directly to the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.
Provide a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Demonstrate English proficiency if educated outside the U.S. or Canada.
Complete the Wisconsin Physician License Application through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Submit the required forms, including:
Certificate of Professional Education
Postgraduate Training Verification
License verifications
NPDB self-query report
Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Upload or submit all required identity documents and supporting materials.
Complete the FBI fingerprint-based background check.
Respond to Board requests for additional information, if applicable (e.g., malpractice history, legal issues, practice gaps).
Wisconsin participates in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing eligible physicians to obtain an expedited license.
You may use Wisconsin as your State of Principal License if you meet the residency, employment, or tax requirements defined by the IMLC.
To prescribe controlled substances in Wisconsin:
Obtain a Wisconsin Controlled Substances License (CSL) through the Wisconsin Controlled Substances Board.
Register with the DEA for federal controlled substance prescribing authority.
Enroll in and use the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) for all controlled substance prescribing.
To maintain a Wisconsin medical license:
Complete 30 CME hours every 2 years, with the following requirement:
2 hours in responsible opioid prescribing (if prescribing controlled substances).
CME does not need to be routinely submitted, but must be retained for audit.
Typical processing time: 4–8 weeks depending on:
Background check completion
FCVS processing (if used)
Time required for schools, training programs, and licensing boards to submit verifications
Applications with malpractice history, disciplinary actions, or international education may take longer.
Wisconsin Medical Examining Board (DSPS)
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/BoardsCouncils/MEB/Default.aspx
Wisconsin Physician License Application
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Physician/Default.aspx
Wisconsin Controlled Substances Board
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/BoardsCouncils/CSB/Default.aspx
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
https://imlcc.org
Stop hunting state medical board for answers and see how our team can help you:
Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.
