Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years
- At least 3 hours must be in ethics courses
- Licenses renew biennially based on birth month (odd/even year cycle)
- CE must be completed before license expiration
- Non-resident producers must meet their home state CE requirements
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Wisconsin insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Biennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Date | Last day of birth month |
| Renewal Cycle | Odd/even year based on birth year |
| Grace Period | Cannot sell during lapse |
Renewal Schedule
- Odd-year births: Renew in odd-numbered years
- Even-year births: Renew in even-numbered years
- Deadline: Last day of birth month
Continuing Education Requirements
Wisconsin requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 minimum |
| General/Electives | 21 |
Important CE Rules
- Complete all CE before license expiration
- Courses must be approved by OCI
- Providers report completions electronically
- Keep records of course completions
Exam Tip: Wisconsin requires 3 hours of ethics CE. Complete your CE well before the renewal deadline to avoid any issues.
Special Training Requirements
Long-Term Care (LTC) Training
| Training Type | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Training | 8 hours | One-time before selling LTC |
| Ongoing Training | 4 hours | Every renewal period |
Annuity Training
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Training | Annuity suitability/best interest training |
| Timing | Before selling annuity products |
| Frequency | One-time, may apply to CE requirements |
Flood Insurance Training
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours | 3 hours |
| Frequency | One-time requirement |
| When Required | Before selling NFIP policies |
Renewal Process
Steps to Renew
- Complete 24 hours CE (including 3 ethics) before deadline
- Verify CE credits are posted to your record
- Submit renewal through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee
CE Reporting
- Approved providers report completions electronically to OCI
- Check your transcript regularly
- Ensure all credits are posted before renewal deadline
- Contact provider if credits are missing
Non-Resident Producer Rules
CE Reciprocity
| Situation | Wisconsin Requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident with Home State CE | Satisfies WI CE |
| Non-Resident License | Based on home state license |
Non-resident producers who maintain their home state license in good standing satisfy Wisconsin CE requirements.
Disciplinary Actions
The OCI can take disciplinary action for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of funds
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to complete required CE
- Criminal conviction
- License violations in other states
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning | Minor first offense |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
Reporting Requirements
Required Notifications
Producers must notify the OCI of:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 7872, Madison, WI 53707-7872
- Phone: (608) 266-8699
- Email: ociagentlicensing@wisconsin.gov
- Website: oci.wi.gov
How many hours of continuing education does Wisconsin require for license renewal?
How many hours of ethics CE are required in Wisconsin?
When do Wisconsin insurance licenses renew?
What training is required before selling Long-Term Care insurance in Wisconsin?