Wisconsin CPA Ethics Exam Requirements
In Wisconsin, CPA licensure requires passing a state-specific Ethics Exam—not the AICPA exam. The Wisconsin DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services) administers this open-book exam based on state statutes and administrative code governing CPAs. Every candidate must pass this exam (80% minimum) to qualify for licensure.
Candidates receive access and a passcode after submitting their licensure application.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering key Wisconsin statutes and professional conduct rules.
Wisconsin CPA Ethics Exam Fee
- The fee is $75, payable via the WisLicensE portal during the application or renewal process.
- If the exam is failed, a retake requires submitting Form 2699 plus another $75 fee.
Post‑Licensure Ethics CPE in Wisconsin
After licensure, CPAs must renew every two years (odd December 14), completing 80 hours of CPE—including at least 3 hours of formal ethics.
📊 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin Ethics Exam | ✅ Required – 50 open-book questions on WI regulations; pass score 80% |
| Exam Fee | 💵 $75 per attempt, paid via WisLicensE |
| Retake Fee | 💵 $75 + Form 2699 if retaking |
| Ethics CPE (Post-License) | ✅ 3 hours ethics within every 80-hour, two-year CPE cycle |
Approach to Ethical Competency
Wisconsin embeds ethics directly into its licensure framework. The open-book exam tests regulation knowledge at the outset, and ongoing ethics CPE fosters long-term professional integrity.
For official guidance and forms, visit the Wisconsin DSPS Board of Accountancy page or contact them at (608) 266‑2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.
What Comes After the Ethics Exam? Preparing for Your CPE Requirements
Passing the CPA Ethics Exam is one of the final milestones on your path to becoming a licensed CPA — but your journey doesn’t end there.
To maintain your CPA license, you’ll need to meet Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. CPE ensures you stay up to date with changing regulations, ethical standards, and evolving industry practices.
Most state boards require 40 hours of CPE annually, so choosing the right provider is key.
Not sure where to start? Use our CPE Course Comparison Guide to explore top-rated providers and find the best fit for your learning style, budget, and specialty.
