Wisconsin Ethics Exam Requirements
Many candidates who pass the CPA Exam face one more important test before they earn a license to practice as Certified Public Accountants—an Ethics Exam. Wisconsin like many other states varies their ethics requirements for a CPA license just as they vary their requirements for the CPA Exam. About 35 state boards require the CPA candidates to go through a course and pass the Ethics Exam conducted either by the AICPA or the state board. Some jurisdictions administer their own Ethics Exam through their State Society of CPAs. Other jurisdictions don’t require either an ethics course or an ethics examination for a license.
The Ethics Exam requirement takes a lot of candidates by surprise because it does not get a lot of attention while they are working to pass the CPA Exam. Compared to the CPA Exam they’ve just passed, this last hurdle is a very small one. Take time to read the study material. Be careful answering questions when you take the test. These can be tricky, and only a few wrong answers are enough to cost you the score you need to pass.
Below we will be discussing the requirements for the state of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Board of Accountancy requires all applicants to take the state ethics exam, the exam is administered online by Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) . It is necessary to take this examination after the license application is submitted and requirements are met for the CPA license.
Preparing for the Exam
The ethics exam is administered by Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code governing the profession, its the only exam accepted by the Wisconsin Board of Accountancy for licensure.
After receipt of the completed application and all supporting documents, candidates will be emailed with their authorized passcode and instructions on how to take the online exam. Please click here for the application form and also to see the document checklist for a CPA license.
More information on the Ethics exam can be found at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Accountant/Exams.aspx
The Exam Format
There are 50 multiple-choice questions. No time limit is set on completing the exam. Candidates must pass the exam with a grade of 80 percent or no more than five missed questions.
Completing the Test
The exam must be completed within 3 months from the date of purchase. The exam is not timed, candidates may exit and return to the test any time over the next 3 months.
Receiving Scores
Results are available instantly to candidates by email.
Exam Fees
Candidates will need to pay the fees mentioned below. Click here for the exam application form.
- Online Format
- $75 for any candidate.
Visit the website of DSPS or call (608) 266-2112 to join.
Retaking the exam
If you score less than 80%, you must retake the exam. Submit a Request to Retake Statutes and Rules or Ethics Examination (Form 2699) with the fee. You will be assigned to a new exam. Please note that there is only ONE best correct answer for each question.
Ready For The Ethics Exam?
Now that general overview of the Ethics Exam. Feel free to click the button below and grab yourself a copy of our free Ethics Exam Guide.
‘The 28 Things You Need To Know About The Ethics Exam’