Wisconsin Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application

ByAllied License Guide Editorial Team
Editorial Note: This page covers standard Licensed Radiographer credentials in Wisconsin, governed by the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board under DSPS. It does not cover radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, or mammography facility certification requirements, which are separately regulated. Data on this page is based on DSPS and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 462 sources reviewed in May 2026. This page is editorially reviewed by an ARDMS-credentialed sonographer and UC Berkeley graduate as part of AlliedLicenseGuide.com’s allied health licensing database. View the primary source at Wisconsin DSPS.
Who this guide is for:
  • Radiologic technologists applying for initial Wisconsin licensure for the first time
  • Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Wisconsin assignment
  • Out-of-state RTs relocating to Wisconsin who need to understand the endorsement process

Wisconsin Licensed Radiographer — At a Glance

State License Required? Yes — Wisconsin requires a license to practice radiography or use the title Licensed Radiographer per Wis. Stat. Chapter 462
Credential Name Licensed Radiographer — issued by the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board / DSPS
Governing Body Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board, Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Licensing Pathways Initial licensure by examination (ARRT-based); endorsement for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials per Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2.01
Application Fee $65 per official DSPS fee schedule reviewed May 2026 — verify current fees with DSPS before submitting; additional $8 conviction review fee applies if Form 2252 is required
ARRT Certification Accepted — active ARRT certification satisfies examination and education requirements; no separate Wisconsin state exam required
Application Method Online via Wisconsin LicensE portal (license.wi.gov); mail available
Background Check Criminal history disclosure required — applicants must not have conviction record substantially relating to radiography practice; Wisconsin Fair Employment Act provisions apply; DSPS Form 2252 required when applicable; $8 conviction review fee applies when Form 2252 is submitted
Processing Time Not formally published by DSPS — processing times vary based on application volume, documentation completeness, and criminal history review; verify current timeline directly with DSPS
Interstate Compact No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists identified in Wisconsin sources reviewed May 2026
Governing Authority Wis. Stat. Chapter 462; Wis. Admin. Code Chapters RAD 1–7
Renewal Cycle Biennial — all Wisconsin radiographer licenses expire August 31 of even-numbered years; see the Wisconsin renewal page for full details

Wisconsin requires radiologic technologists to hold an active Licensed Radiographer credential issued by the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board before practicing in the state. Active ARRT certification satisfies Wisconsin’s examination and education requirements — no separate Wisconsin state exam is required for ARRT holders. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees and pathways.

Wisconsin’s licensing framework is notable for its fixed statewide expiration date — all Wisconsin radiographer licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years, regardless of when the license was issued. This means every Wisconsin-licensed RT faces the same renewal deadline simultaneously, and travel RTs must plan assignments around this statewide cycle.

What Makes Wisconsin Different

Wisconsin’s fixed August 31 even-year expiration date is the most operationally significant feature for working RTs. Unlike birthday-based or issuance-based systems, every Wisconsin radiographer license expires on the same date. This creates a predictable renewal window but also means that all Wisconsin RTs are in the renewal queue at the same time — and any compliance issue must be resolved before August 31 of even-numbered years.

Wisconsin also has a relatively generous lapse policy compared to other states — licenses expired for less than 5 years can be renewed late with a $25 penalty fee. Licenses expired for more than 5 years require formal reinstatement with possible board review of competency. This is more lenient than many states that require full reapplication after just 2 years.

Wisconsin Licensed Radiographer Requirements

Per DSPS and Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2 sources reviewed May 2026:

  • Education: Completion of a radiography program accredited by JRCERT or an ARRT-approved formal education program equivalent per Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2.02
  • Certification: Active ARRT certification satisfies examination and education requirements per Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2.01 — no separate Wisconsin state exam required
  • Criminal history: Must not have a conviction record that substantially relates to the practice of radiography per Wis. Stat. §462.03(1)(c); criminal history disclosure required via DSPS Form 2252 when applicable; an additional $8 conviction review fee applies when Form 2252 is submitted; Wisconsin Fair Employment Act provisions apply
  • Endorsement pathway: Out-of-state applicants holding equivalent licenses may apply through endorsement per Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2.01 — ARRT certification still required
  • Lawful presence: Wisconsin requires a valid Social Security Number or a statement under penalty of perjury that the applicant does not have one per Wis. Stat. §440.03(11m)
  • Application: Online via LicensE portal (license.wi.gov) or by mail; $65 application fee (plus $8 conviction review fee if Form 2252 required) payable via electronic payment through LicensE portal

How to Apply for a Wisconsin Licensed Radiographer Credential

  1. Access the Wisconsin LicensE portal at license.wi.gov
  2. Complete the Licensed Radiographer application — select initial by examination or endorsement pathway
  3. Upload proof of active ARRT certification and educational program completion
  4. Complete criminal history disclosure — submit DSPS Form 2252 with required documentation if applicable
  5. Pay the $65 application fee online (plus $8 conviction review fee if Form 2252 is required) by credit card or eCheck
  6. Allow time for processing after all documents are received — DSPS does not formally publish a processing timeline; verify current processing expectations directly with DSPS

Practical Notes for Wisconsin Licensure Applicants

From the field: These notes reflect practical considerations beyond the official requirements — things that affect your application timeline and planning as a working RT.
  • All Wisconsin radiographer licenses expire August 31 of even-numbered years. Unlike birthday-based states, Wisconsin uses a fixed statewide deadline. Track August 31 of every even-numbered year as your Wisconsin renewal date — not your birthday and not your issue date.
  • ARRT certification satisfies Wisconsin’s exam and education requirements. Wisconsin does not operate a separate state exam. Keep your ARRT certification current and active — it is your primary qualifying credential for both initial licensure and renewal compliance.
  • No interstate compact identified. Wisconsin does not participate in an MRTC or equivalent compact based on sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Wisconsin license — the endorsement pathway is available for applicants with equivalent out-of-state credentials.
  • Criminal history: disclose accurately. Wisconsin requires disclosure via Form 2252 and evaluates criminal history under Wisconsin Fair Employment Act standards. Substantially related convictions may affect licensure — contact DSPS before applying if you have any criminal history concerns.
  • Travel RTs: the August 31 even-year deadline applies regardless of assignment timing. If your Wisconsin license expires mid-assignment, you must renew before August 31. Build this fixed date into your multi-state license tracking calendar.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

  • Wis. Stat. Chapter 462 — Radiographer Licensure
  • Wis. Stat. §462.02 — License requirement
  • Wis. Stat. §462.03 — Licensing qualifications
  • Wis. Admin. Code RAD 1–7 — Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board administrative rules
  • Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2 — Qualifications for licensure
  • Wis. Admin. Code RAD 4 — Continuing education
  • Wis. Admin. Code RAD 5 — Renewal

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wisconsin require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a Licensed Radiographer credential issued by the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board per Wis. Stat. Chapter 462. Practice without a valid license is prohibited. Source: Wisconsin DSPS Radiographer

Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Wisconsin license?

Yes. Active ARRT certification satisfies Wisconsin’s examination and education requirements per Wis. Admin. Code RAD 2.01 — no separate Wisconsin state exam is required. Source: Wisconsin DSPS Radiographer

What is the Wisconsin Licensed Radiographer application fee?

The application fee is $65 per official DSPS fee schedule reviewed May 2026. Verify current fees with DSPS before submitting. Source: Wisconsin DSPS Radiographer

Is Wisconsin part of a radiologic technologist interstate compact?

No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists was identified in Wisconsin sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Wisconsin license through DSPS. Verify current compact status with DSPS before planning multi-state practice. Source: Wisconsin DSPS Radiographer

What statute governs radiologic technologist licensing in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin radiologic technologist licensing is governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 462 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapters RAD 1–7, administered by the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board under DSPS. Source: Wis. Stat. Chapter 462

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on Wisconsin DSPS and Wis. Stat. Chapter 462 sources reviewed in May 2026. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Wisconsin Radiography Examining Board before submitting an application. This page does not constitute legal or professional licensing advice. Verify at Wisconsin DSPS →
Change Log: 2026-05-25 — Page created. Data based on DSPS and Wis. Stat. Chapter 462 sources reviewed May 2026. $65 application fee and $65 renewal fee confirmed from official DSPS fee schedule. $8 conviction review fee confirmed. $25 late penalty confirmed — total $90. Fixed August 31 even-year expiration confirmed. ARRT acceptance confirmed from RAD 2.01. Contact email: verify DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov vs dsps@wisconsin.gov before publishing. Review cadence: 12 months (low volatility).

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