Wisconsin CPA Exam Requirements (2026)
Wisconsin requires 150 semester hours and one year of experience. The Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board manages CPA licensing.
Quick answer
Wisconsin requires 150 semester hours, 1 year of experience, and passing all 4 CPA exam sections. Overseen by the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board.
150 hrs
Education
semester hours
1 yr
Experience
either
$60
Application Fee
state board
80 hrs
CPE
biennial
Licensing Timeline
Steps to CPA License in Wisconsin
1. Complete Education Requirements
Earn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.
2. Apply for the CPA Exam
Apply through NASBA and the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board.
3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam
Pass all four sections within 30 months.
4. Gain Professional Experience
Complete one year of supervised accounting experience.
5. Complete Ethics Requirements
Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam.
6. Apply for Your CPA License
Submit your license application to the Wisconsin board.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Application Fee | $60 |
| Exam Fee (per section) | $238 |
| Total Exam Fees (4 sections) | $952 |
| Estimated Total (exam only) | $1012 |
Your Wisconsin CPA Checklist
0/6 completeEarn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.
What makes Wisconsin unique
- •Wisconsin's board is called the "Accounting Examining Board."
- •Biennial CPE of 80 hours with 2 hours of ethics.
- •No residency or age requirement.
Education Requirements
Wisconsin requires 150 semester hours from an accredited institution, including 24 semester hours of accounting. The University of Wisconsin system offers strong accounting programs, especially at Madison. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
Coursework must cover financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. This ensures that you do not waste precious hours re-watching identical lecture modules or re-reading long textbook chapters that you have already comprehended. Instead, our analytics pinpoint the exact wording tricks and cognitive patterns that cause incorrect answers under exam conditions, maximizing the value of your existing firm-sponsored curriculum. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
CPA Exam and Experience
Wisconsin candidates apply through NASBA and test at Prometric centers in Milwaukee, Madison, and other locations. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
One year of accounting experience under CPA supervision is required. Wisconsin's diverse economy provides opportunities across manufacturing, financial services, and other sectors. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
Fees and Licensing
Wisconsin's application fee is approximately $60. Total first-attempt costs are about $1,013. Many major public accounting firms and corporate employers maintain discretionary professional development funds that can be applied to targeted practice supplements. Presenting a clear, analytics-backed progress report to your learning manager can help justify the expense and secure firm-level sponsorship. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
Wisconsin's moderate cost of living makes the CPA journey affordable. Many major public accounting firms and corporate employers maintain discretionary professional development funds that can be applied to targeted practice supplements. Presenting a clear, analytics-backed progress report to your learning manager can help justify the expense and secure firm-level sponsorship. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
Continuing Professional Education
Wisconsin CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years, including 2 hours of ethics. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
The Wisconsin Institute of CPAs offers CPE programming. Documentation should be retained for audit purposes. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.
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Start Practicing FreeFrequently Asked Questions
- Can I sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours in Wisconsin?
- Yes. Wisconsin allows candidates to sit with 120 hours, but 150 are required for licensure.
- What experience does Wisconsin accept?
- Wisconsin accepts experience in public, industry, government, or academic accounting under CPA supervision.
- What is Wisconsin's CPE requirement?
- Wisconsin CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years, including 2 hours of ethics.