Wisconsin CPA State-Specific Requirements
Education Requirements
150 Semester Units: Including a bachelor’s degree.
Specific Coursework:
24 undergraduate semester hours (or 15 graduate hours) in accounting, covering financial accounting, cost/managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems.
24 undergraduate semester hours (or 15 graduate hours) in business courses, such as economics, finance, statistics or data analytics, business law, and information technology.
Work Experience Requirements
One Year: Consisting of at least 2,000 hours in public accounting.
Experience Fields: Services using accounting, compilation, attest, financial advisory, management advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
Supervision: Experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
Ethics Exam Requirements
Pass an Open Book Exam: On statutes and rules governing public accounting in Wisconsin, with a minimum score of 80.
Retake Rules: Waiting periods apply for retaking the exam after a failure.
International CPA Examination Program
Participation: Wisconsin encourages international candidates to become CPAs through this program.
Credential Evaluation: By NASBA's International Evaluation Services (NIES).
CPA Exam and Licensing Cost in Wisconsin
Fees for Examination Sections:
1 section: $432.15
2 sections: $683.30
3 sections: $934.45
4 sections: $1,185.60
Re-Examination Fees:
1 section: $349.15
2 sections: $600.30
3 sections: $851.45
4 sections: $1,102.60
Initial Licensing Fee: $118
License Renewal Requirements
Biennial Cycle: From January 1 to December 31.
Renewal Date: December 14 of each odd-numbered year.
Renewal Deadline: If your license is issued close to the renewal date, renewal is still required.
Continuing Education Requirements
80 CPE Credits: In each two-year reporting period.
At least 40 credits from formal learning activities.
A minimum of 3 credits in ethics.
Annual minimum of 20 credits.
Carryover of a maximum of 40 credits per cycle.
New Licensees: Requirements are halved in the first year of the compliance period (40 credits in total, 20 formal, 1.5 ethics). Exemption from CPE in the second year of the compliance period.
Record Retention: Maintain CPE records for five years post-completion.
Application Process
Apply through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) portal.
Different application pathways available for transfer of scores or endorsement from another state.
Additional Information
The Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board oversees the CPA licensing process.
Contact details and additional resources are available on the DSPS website.
Conclusion
To become a CPA in Wisconsin, candidates need to fulfill educational requirements, pass the CPA and ethics exams, gain relevant work experience, and comply with CPE requirements for license renewal. The DSPS provides resources and guidance for the application and renewal processes.