Understanding how to become a CPA in Wisconsin requires navigating a comprehensive framework of educational, examination, and experiential requirements that reflect both national accounting standards and state-specific regulations. The Certified Public Accountant credential represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in accounting, combining rigorous academic preparation with demonstrated technical competency and ethical commitment.
Wisconsin’s diverse economic landscape—encompassing traditional manufacturing powerhouses, emerging technology sectors, and robust agricultural enterprises—creates unique opportunities for accounting professionals. The state’s CPA licensure requirements have evolved to address these multifaceted industry needs while maintaining the profession’s commitment to public trust and financial integrity.
Professional Context and Career Implications:
The journey to CPA licensure in Wisconsin involves strategic planning across multiple dimensions: educational attainment, examination mastery, practical experience acquisition, and ongoing professional development. This comprehensive guide examines each component of Wisconsin’s licensure framework, providing prospective CPAs with the essential knowledge needed to navigate their professional advancement effectively.
As financial regulations grow increasingly complex and businesses demand greater strategic insight from their accounting professionals, the Wisconsin CPA credential serves as both a marker of technical proficiency and a gateway to expanded career opportunities across public accounting, corporate finance, governmental roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.
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Wisconsin CPA Requirements at a Glance
Before diving into the detailed steps, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to become a CPA in Wisconsin:
The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing oversees CPA licensure in the state, ensuring all CPAs meet rigorous professional standards to protect the public interest.
Step 1: Meet Wisconsin’s CPA Education Requirements
Wisconsin requires all CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Since most bachelor’s degrees consist of 120 semester hours, you’ll need an additional 30 credits to meet Wisconsin CPA requirements.
Education Pathways to 150 Hours
Wisconsin offers four approved pathways to meet the 150-hour requirement:
Option 1: Graduate Degree in Accounting
Earn a master’s degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited program. This is often the most straightforward path for recent graduates.
Option 2: Graduate Degree in Business
Complete any business graduate degree from an accredited institution, plus:
- 24 semester hours in accounting (undergraduate level), OR
- 15 semester hours in accounting (graduate level), OR
- An equivalent combination of both
Option 3: Bachelor’s in Accounting Plus Additional Credits
Earn a bachelor’s degree with an accounting major from an accredited business school, plus:
- 24 semester hours in accounting courses
- 24 semester hours in business courses (non-accounting)
Option 4: Any Bachelor’s Degree with Accounting Concentration
Complete any bachelor’s degree with substantial accounting coursework, plus:
- 24 semester hours in accounting
- 24 semester hours in business courses (non-accounting)
Required Coursework
All pathways must include courses covering:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Management accounting
- Business law
- Income taxation
Accepted Credit Types
Wisconsin accepts various credit types toward the 150-hour requirement:
- Traditional classroom courses
- Online courses from accredited institutions
- CLEP credits accepted by degree-granting institutions
- Community college credits are transferable to four-year schools
Not Accepted: CPA review courses and commercial test prep programs
International Education
If you earned your degree outside the United States, you must have your transcripts evaluated by a NACES member organization. You’ll also need to complete any additional coursework recommended by the evaluation service through an accredited U.S. institution.
Step 2: Take the Uniform CPA Exam in Wisconsin
You can begin the CPA exam process after completing 120 semester hours—you don’t need to finish all 150 hours before testing. However, you cannot receive your license until all education requirements are met.
CPA Exam Application Process
1. Apply Through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
Register online at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and submit your application to:
CPA Examination Services
Attention: Wisconsin Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
2. Submit Required Documents
- Official transcripts (sealed) or electronic transcripts to [email protected]
- Completed application form
- Examination and application fees
- ADA accommodation requests (if applicable)
3. Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Processing times:
- First-time applications: 4-6 weeks
- Re-examination applications: 2-3 weeks
4. Schedule Your Exam
Book your exam appointment through Prometric. Wisconsin testing centers include:
- Brookfield
- Madison
CPA Exam Sections
Score Release
View your scores online at NASBA’s Candidate Portal. Wisconsin candidates typically receive scores within 10 days of their testing window closing.
Step 3: Gain the Required Wisconsin CPA Experience
Wisconsin requires one year of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must demonstrate progressively responsible work that develops your professional competence.
Qualifying Experience
The Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board recognizes these types of experience as equivalent to public accounting:
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Financial statement preparation and consolidation
- Trial balance and general ledger management
- Financial analysis and modeling
- Budget preparation (operating and capital)
Tax & Compliance
- Corporate and individual tax preparation
- Tax research and planning
- Sales and use tax compliance
- Payroll tax management
Audit & Assurance
- Internal audit procedures
- External audit support
- Developing and testing internal controls
- Risk assessment and mitigation
Management Accounting
- Cost accounting and product costing
- Variance analysis
- Performance measurement
- Financial planning and analysis
Non-Qualifying Experience
The Board has determined these roles do NOT meet experience requirements:
- Bookkeeping or data entry
- Bank teller or loan officer
- Insurance claims processing
- Administrative or secretarial support
- Restaurant or retail management
- Real estate closing preparation
Experience Verification
All experience must be verified using the official Verification of Employment and Experience Evaluation form by a licensed CPA who supervised your work.
Step 4: Apply for Your Wisconsin CPA License
After passing the CPA exam and completing your experience requirement, you’re ready to apply for licensure.
Application Requirements Checklist
Wisconsin Ethics Exam
After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions to take the online Wisconsin ethics exam:
- 50 questions covering Wisconsin statutes and administrative code
- Open-book format (reference materials provided)
- 80% passing score required
- Unlimited time to complete
- Retake available for additional $75 fee if needed
Submit Your Application
Mail all documents to:
Wisconsin Department of Regulation & Licensing
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
License Renewal
Wisconsin CPA licenses must be renewed biennially by December 14 of odd-numbered years. Mark your calendar to avoid late fees!
Step 5: Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in Wisconsin
While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate CPE for license renewal, most Wisconsin CPAs maintain professional organization memberships that do require ongoing education.
Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) Requirements
If you join WICPA, you’ll need to complete:
CPE Topics and Formats
Acceptable CPE includes:
- Accounting, auditing, and taxation updates
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Technology and data analytics
- Industry-specific training
- Leadership and communication skills
Formats can include conferences, webinars, self-study courses, and teaching professional courses.
Step 6: Wisconsin CPA Salary Expectations
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin offers competitive compensation for CPAs and accountants:
Entry-level CPAs typically start at 75-85% of the mean salary, while experienced CPAs with specialized skills can earn significantly above these averages.
Factors Affecting CPA Salaries in Wisconsin
- Industry: Manufacturing and financial services typically pay higher salaries
- Firm Size: Big Four firms offer higher starting salaries but demand longer hours
- Specialization: Forensic accounting and tax specialists command premium salaries
- Location: The Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas offer the highest compensation
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin CPA Requirements
How long does it take to become a CPA in Wisconsin?
Most candidates complete all requirements in 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education and exam preparation, plus 1 year of required experience. However, motivated candidates who pass the exams quickly can complete the process more quickly.
Can I take the CPA exam before finishing my 150 hours?
Yes! Wisconsin allows you to sit for the CPA exam after completing 120 semester hours. This lets you start testing during your final undergraduate semester or while completing additional credits. However, you cannot receive your license until all 150 hours are complete.
Does Wisconsin have reciprocity with other states?
Wisconsin offers licensure by endorsement for CPAs licensed in other states. If you’ve been a practicing CPA for 5+ years, you may qualify for expedited licensure. All reciprocity candidates must pass the Wisconsin ethics exam.
What if my degree is from an online program?
Wisconsin accepts degrees from accredited online programs. The key is accreditation—your school must be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Many Wisconsin CPAs have earned degrees through respected online programs.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Wisconsin?
Budget approximately $3,000-4,000 for the entire process, including: CPA exam fees ($1,000-1,500), application fees ($150), review courses ($1,500-2,500), and potential retake fees. This doesn’t include education costs.
Can international graduates become CPAs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but you’ll need your transcripts evaluated by a NACES-member organization. You may need to complete additional U.S. coursework in business law and taxation. International candidates are subject to the same exam and experience requirements as domestic candidates.
What happens if I fail the Wisconsin ethics exam?
Don’t worry—you can retake it! Submit a retake application, accompanied by a $75 fee. Use your first attempt to identify areas for improvement, then focus your study on Wisconsin-specific statutes and regulations. The 80% passing score is achievable with proper preparation.
Do I need to join WICPA or AICPA?
Membership is optional but highly recommended. These organizations offer valuable networking opportunities, CPE credits, and career resources. Many employers pay membership fees as a professional development benefit.
Start Your Wisconsin CPA Journey Today
Becoming a CPA in Wisconsin opens doors to rewarding career opportunities across industries. From public accounting firms to corporate finance roles, your CPA license demonstrates expertise and commitment to the highest professional standards.
Ready to begin? Start by evaluating your current education against Wisconsin’s requirements, then create a timeline for completing any additional coursework, passing the CPA exam, and gaining qualified experience. With dedication and proper planning, you’ll join the ranks of Wisconsin’s trusted financial professionals.
For the most current information on Wisconsin CPA requirements, visit the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services or contact the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs for guidance on your professional journey.
