Licensing Requirements
Whether you are a Chiropractor (DC), Chiropractic Technician (CT), Chiropractic Radiological Technician (CRT) - or are looking to become one - we have the information you need.
The required renewal date for chiropractic credentials is December 15 of each even-numbered year. This 2-year period, or biennium, allows you the time to take continuing education courses to maintain your license and refresh your skills.
License Renewal Requirements
40 hours of approved continuing education (CE) each biennium.
- 2 of the 40 hours must be for Professional Boundaries
- 4 of the 40 CE hours must be approved Nutrition hours to maintain Chiropractic Nutrition Certification
- Up to 8 of the 40 CE hours can be done online
You must keep your CPR/AED certification current by completing a program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Completing Your CE Hours
If you only attended a portion of a course, you only receive CEs for the time you attended. If the DSPS system shows a different number of hours than what you completed when you enter the approval code, you are on your honor to be sure you have actually completed the required hours. If you were to be audited, you would need to produce the certificates of attendance to verify what you submitted.
- 6 hours of state-approved CT continuing education (CE) each biennium
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Up to 2 of the 6 hours can be done online.
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A previously certified CT may attend 6 hours of the CT Certification program to obtain the 6 hours required
If you are both a CT and a CRT, you may satisfy the CE requirement for both licenses at the same time if the course you take is approved for both credentials.
- 12 hours of state-approved CRT continuing education (CE) each biennium.
- Up to 2 of the 12 hours can be done online.
Recently Licensed?
If you received your license AFTER December 15, 2024, you do NOT need to take continuing education hours for renewal this biennium. You still need to renew your license, and starting with the next biennium, you will need 6 hours of CE. Sign in to LicensE> to check your renewal date if you are not sure.
Biennium Ends December 14, 2026
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WCA Quick Links
- License Renewal Checklist
- Check Your CE Hours (WCA)
- CE Calendar
DSPS Quick Links
- Sign in to LicensE
- LicensE FAQ's
- CPR/AED Classes & Providers
- LicensE Lookup
Initial Licensure
Requirements for initial licensing can be found on the Department of Safety and Professional Services' DSPS website.
Wisconsin requires a minimum 12-hour core course for initial certification as a Chiropractic Technician.
It includes topics about chiropractic scope of practice, basic musculoskeletal anatomy, patient history, vital signs and physiological therapeutics utilized in an office setting. Once you are certified, your Chiropractor is allowed to delegate certain duties to you, such as taking patient histories and checking vitals.
All requirements on initial licensing can be found on the Department of Safety and Professional Services' (DSPS) website.
WCA offers the Chiropractic Technician Certification Course 6-8 times per year across the state.
Adding Therapeutic Modalities to Your CT License
In addition to the 12 hour course, Chiropractic Technicians must become certified in the therapeutic modalities (called "specialties" by DSPS) if they plan to perform in the office, such as:
- Light Therapy and Cold Laser
- Mechanical Therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy
- Exercise Rehabilitation
If you are interested in obtaining a Chiropractic Radiological Technician (CRT) license, you must complete a 48-hour course and pass a final exam for initial certification which allows you to take X-rays.
All requirements on initial licensing can be found on the Department of Safety and Professional Services' (DSPS) website.
The course includes instruction on the following:
- Basic Principles of X-rays
- Film Handling & Processing
- Radiography & Chiropractic
- Introductory Anatomy
- Patient Positioning
- Radiation Protection
- X-ray Exposure Factors
Licensing FAQs
What are the dates for the biennium?
December 15, 2024 – December 14, 2026.
The current biennium ends at 11:59 pm on December 14, 2026.
The next biennium begins at 12:00 am December 15, 2026.
If I received my license/certification in this biennium (this year or last year), do I still need to renew?
YES! All licensed CTs, CRTs, and DCs must renew their license by the December 14 deadline, regardless of when you earned your license.
If I received my license/certification in this biennium do I need continuing education hours to renew?
No. If you received your license/certification within THIS biennium, you do NOT need any CE Hours; however, you must still complete the renewal process and pay the applicable fee to renew your license
Can DCs complete a CPR/AED course that is online only, or is it a requirement that there be a hands-on component as well?
(From DSPS in 2018) “The CPR/AED programs are not approved through Chiro 5 and thus are not subject to the self-study requirement, so they can be fulfilled online as long as it was appropriately approved by DHS or another appropriate approving body.” Here’s a list of approved CPR/AED instructors: >> https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/licensing/cpr.htm
I attended only 4 hours of a 12-hour class through WCA, and I have the attendance voucher as a record showing that I left after 4 hours. When I enter the approval code, the DSPS system lists the complete 12 hours. What should I do?
When we submit for CE approval, we indicate the number of class hours. If a DC attends only part of a class, the DSPS system has no way to know that. It is up to you to be sure you have attended 40 hours of CE. If you were to be audited, you would need to produce the certificates of attendance to prove it.