Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist License Renewal
- Wisconsin-certified Respiratory Care Practitioners approaching the June 30 biennial renewal date
- Travel RTs holding Wisconsin certification who need to understand renewal requirements
- Service members and spouses who may qualify for renewal extensions under Wisconsin Act 210
- Practitioners holding Wisconsin RCIC compact privileges who need to understand compact renewal
Wisconsin Respiratory Care Practitioner Certification Renewal — At a Glance
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (biennial) |
| Certification Expiration | June 30 of even-numbered years (statewide fixed date per Wis. Stat. §440.08) |
| Renewal Fee | $75 |
| Renewal with Late Fee | $100 (includes $25 late charge) |
| CE Requirement | None — Wisconsin does not require continuing education for RCP certification renewal |
| Renewal Method | Online via LicensE portal (license.wi.gov) |
| Lawful Presence | Changes in status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant must be reported to DSPS |
| Compact Privilege Renewal | Governed by Wis. Stat. §448.9889(4); verify at respiratorycarecompact.org |
| Renewal Contact | (608) 266-2112 | DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov |
Wisconsin Respiratory Care Practitioner certifications expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year — a statewide fixed date shared by all Wisconsin RCPs under Wis. Stat. §440.08. The biennial renewal fee is $75, with a late renewal total of $100 (including the $25 late charge). Renewal is completed online through the DSPS LicensE portal.
Wisconsin is one of the very few states in the country that imposes no continuing education requirement for respiratory care practitioners. Renewal requires the fee and lawful-presence status confirmation only — no CE hours, no CE attestation, no documentation to retain. For travel RTs managing multiple state licenses, Wisconsin’s renewal process is among the least burdensome.
No Continuing Education Requirement
Wisconsin does not currently require continuing education for Respiratory Care Practitioner certification renewal. The current DSPS renewal framework includes only the fee and lawful-presence status confirmation. There are no CE hours, mandatory topics, approved provider requirements, or CE documentation obligations under the current renewal requirements. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Respiratory Care Practitioner Renewal Information
How to Renew Your Wisconsin RCP Certification
- Log in to the LicensE portal (license.wi.gov) to renew online before June 30 of the even-numbered year
- Confirm your lawful-presence status — if your status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant has changed since your last renewal, contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov before renewing
- Pay the $75 renewal fee online; a $25 late charge applies if renewing after the expiration date ($100 total)
- No CE documentation is required
Wisconsin RCP Renewal Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal deadline | June 30 of even-numbered years |
| Renewal fee | $75 (on time); $100 (with late charge) |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Lawful presence | Report any changes in status to DSPS |
| Convictions | Submit Form 2254 if applicable at renewal |
| Renewal method | Online via LicensE (license.wi.gov) |
Military Service Members and Spouses
Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012) provides renewal protection for service members and their spouses. If a certification expires while a service member is on active duty, the certification is extended from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same extension applies to a spouse who does not practice under their certification while the service member is on active duty. Service members and spouses may also request extensions beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension due to hardship. Use Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form R210, available from DSPS. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Respiratory Care Practitioner
RCIC Compact Privilege Renewal
Wisconsin enacted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact on December 9, 2025 (2025 Wis. Act 76). Renewal of a Wisconsin RCIC compact privilege is governed by Wis. Stat. §448.9889(4). Because the compact is in early implementation following the Commission’s formal establishment in April 2026, compact privilege renewal procedures may still be under development. Verify current compact privilege renewal requirements at respiratorycarecompact.org or contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112. Source: 2025 Wisconsin Act 76
Practical Notes for Wisconsin RCP Renewal
- Everyone renews on June 30 of even years — same date. All Wisconsin RCPs share the same expiration date. If you’re on a travel assignment in late June of an even year, your Wisconsin certification is expiring. Renew before the assignment begins, not during it.
- No CE means a simple renewal — $75 online and done. Wisconsin’s renewal is one of the fastest in this series. Log into LicensE, confirm your lawful-presence status, pay $75, complete. No CE to gather, no documentation to compile.
- No formal grace period is described in DSPS renewal materials — late fees apply after June 30. Once July 1 arrives, renewal costs $100 instead of $75. Don’t put it off until the last day.
- Compact privilege renewal may differ from certification renewal. Wisconsin joined the RCIC in December 2025 — compact privilege renewal procedures are governed by Wis. Stat. §448.9889(4) and Commission rules still being developed. If you hold a compact privilege rather than full Wisconsin certification, contact DSPS or check respiratorycarecompact.org for current renewal guidance.
- Despite no CE requirement, staying current in practice matters. Wisconsin doesn’t require formal CE, but that doesn’t reduce the professional obligation to stay current in respiratory care practice. AARC membership and CE participation remain professionally valuable even without a state mandate.
Related Pages
- Wisconsin Respiratory Care Practitioner Initial Certification — Requirements and Application
- Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my Wisconsin RCP certification?
Wisconsin Respiratory Care Practitioner certifications renew every two years (biennially) and expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year. This is a statewide fixed date shared by all Wisconsin RCPs under Wis. Stat. §440.08. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Renewal Dates and Fees
What is the renewal fee for a Wisconsin RCP certification?
The biennial renewal fee is $75. If renewing after the June 30 expiration date, a $25 late charge applies for a total of $100. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Renewal Dates and Fees (Rev. August 2025)
Does Wisconsin require continuing education for RCP renewal?
No. Wisconsin does not require any continuing education for Respiratory Care Practitioner certification renewal. Renewal requires only the $75 fee and lawful-presence status confirmation. There are no CE hours, mandatory topics, approved provider lists, or CE documentation requirements. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Respiratory Care Practitioner
When does my Wisconsin RCP certification expire?
Wisconsin RCP certifications expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year — this is a statewide fixed date established by Wis. Stat. §440.08. There is no birthday-based expiration; all practitioners share the same renewal deadline. Source: Wisconsin DSPS — Renewal Dates and Fees
How does the RCIC compact affect renewal for Wisconsin practitioners?
Wisconsin enacted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact on December 9, 2025. If you hold a Wisconsin RCIC compact privilege (rather than full Wisconsin certification), renewal of that privilege is governed by Wis. Stat. §448.9889(4) and RCIC Commission rules. Because the compact is in early implementation, contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112 or check respiratorycarecompact.org for current compact privilege renewal guidance. Source: 2025 Wisconsin Act 76