Wisconsin CPA Exam Requirements – Overview
| Educational Hours Required for Exam | 120 Semester Hours (including coursework in accounting and business subjects from an accredited institution) |
| Educational Hours Required for Licensure | 150 Semester Hours (must include coursework from a regionally accredited college or department accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) |
| Residency Required | Not required (no residency requirements for CPA candidates in Wisconsin) |
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited educational institution |
| Minimum Age | Not required |
| Application Fee | Education Evaluation Fee: $93.00 Exam Registration Fee: $146 |
| Additional Requirements | State-specific Ethics Exam required for licensure For more info: Visit the Wisconsin Board of Accountancy Site |
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Wisconsin CPA Exam Requirements
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Wisconsin is a challenging but rewarding career path in public accounting and other professional services. To earn your CPA license, you must meet the Wisconsin CPA requirements set by the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board. This includes specific CPA exam requirements Wisconsin candidates must fulfill before sitting for the Uniform CPA Exam.
The CPA licensure process typically takes about six years, factoring in undergraduate and graduate level education and work experience. A strategic approach toward education, exam preparation, and experience is crucial.
Wisconsin CPA Exam Education Requirements
To meet CPA exam requirements Wisconsin candidates must:
- Complete 120 semester hours of education from an accredited business program or accounting program.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or higher, ideally from an accredited institution or advance collegiate schools.
- Complete:
- 24 semester hours in accounting courses beyond introductory level, including subjects such as financial accounting, cost or managerial accounting, accounting information systems, taxation, and auditing.
- 24 semester hours in business courses (excluding accounting), which may include business law, management advisory, and business analysis.
- 3 semester hours in business law covering the UCC and contracts.
All courses must be from a higher education accredited institution. Coursework from junior and community colleges is acceptable if transferred to a regionally accredited institution.
Wisconsin CPA Exam Fees
Applicants must submit official transcripts to confirm eligibility. After being deemed eligible, candidates pay the following CPA examination fees to CPA Examination Services (CPAES):
Initial CPA Exam Application Fees
- Education Evaluation Fee: $93.00 (One-time)
- Exam Fee per Section: $262.64 per section
- Exam Registration Fee: $146
🔁 Re-Exam Fees (Per Section)
If retaking any section:
- Re-Exam Application Fee: $10.00
- Registration Fee: $40.00
- Exam Section Fee: $262.64 (paid directly to NASBA)
- 📈 Total Cost to Retake One Section: $312.64
Scheduling the CPA Exam in Wisconsin
After approval by the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board, candidates receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). You must schedule your CPA exam within six months of the NTS issue date. Appointments can be made at www.prometric.com/CPA or by calling 1-800-580-9648.
Exams must be scheduled at least 6 days in advance.
There are no blackout periods; testing follows a rolling schedule.
Appointments are first-come, first-served.
Preparing for the Wisconsin CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination is comprehensive and rigorous, covering a wide array of topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax compliance, and related consulting skills. With a pass rate near 50%, success often depends on a quality CPA review course.
CPA Review Courses help candidates:
- Master difficult concepts in accounting courses.
- Familiarize themselves with the structure of the new CPA exam.
- Focus on key areas like financial accounting cost, managerial accounting taxation, and business analysis.
Investing in a reputable review course is highly recommended for maximizing your chances of passing.
Wisconsin CPA Exam Score Release
Scores for the Uniform CPA Exam are released by NASBA and can be accessed online. Candidates may also opt to have their exam scores mailed. Score release follows a standardized timeline published on NASBA’s website.
Additional Information
Before applying, ensure you’ve met all CPA exam requirements and CPA license requirements.
Contact the Wisconsin State Board:
Wisconsin State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112 Fax: (608) 267-3816
Email: Christine.Poleski@wisconsin.gov
Web: dsps.wi.gov
Application form: Wisconsin CPA Application Form
Also, keep in mind:
- The initial license requires verification of education, ethics exam completion, and experience.
- CPE requirements apply for license renewal.
- Ensure all courses completed are from a recognized accrediting agency.
Whether you’re just starting your accounting education or preparing for your final exam section, understanding and fulfilling the Wisconsin CPA Exam requirements is the key to becoming a licensed accounting professional in the state.