How to become a CPA in Wisconsin 2026

To meet the Wisconsin requirements to sit for the CPA exam, the Wisconsin CPA education requirements must be attained first. For Wisconsin applicants, candidates should have a degree with a minimum of 120 semester hours that includes coursework either in accounting or business subjects. Twenty-four of that semester’s hours must be in accounting, covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems, and management accounting. Another twenty-four hours must be in business and economics courses other than accounting. An additional 30 semester hours will have to be met for the application for a CPA license.

After completion of education requirements, register to NASBA for the exam application. Have all your official transcripts sent directly from your college or university to CPA Examination Services (CPAES) at CPA Examination Services – WI, PO Box 198469, Nashville, TN 37219. If your school offers official electronic transcripts, they may be emailed to etranscript@nasba.org.

Wisconsin’s current NASBA fees include a $96.00 education evaluation application Fee, a $146.00 exam application fee, and the $262.64 exam section fee.

Click here to see a breakdown of the Wisconsin CPA exam costs.

Wait for your application to be approved and once accepted, NASBA will email or mail you the Notice to Schedule (NTS). Upon receiving the NTS, schedule your exam online through Prometric. You are able to apply for one or more sections of the examination at a time.

Candidates should only apply for a section if they are ready to take it within the NTS validity window, because fees are forfeited if the section is not taken in time.

The CPA exam consists of three core sections, and candidates would need to select one of the three disciplines to demonstrate deeper skills and knowledge, allowing candidates to choose a specialization. There is no set order in which the exam portions must be completed. You must pass each section with a score of 75 or higher within 18 months.

After passing the exam, to qualify for licensure and become a CPA, candidates must complete the Wisconsin CPA experience requirement.

Candidates must complete at least one year of qualifying accounting experience. Wisconsin requires applicants to document that experience on the Experience Record and submit Verification of Employment and Experience, and the Board evaluates whether the experience meets the qualifying standard.

Wisconsin requires all CPA licensure applicants to pass the Wisconsin ethics examination as part of the Wisconsin CPA ethics exam requirement. The exam is online, consists of 50 questions on Wisconsin statutes and administrative code, requires a score of 80 to pass, and currently costs $75.

Apply for a Wisconsin CPA license through LicensE, Wisconsin’s online licensing system. Wisconsin no longer treats the PDF form as the primary application method for new applications.

For Wisconsin licensees, renewal is December 14th of each odd-numbered year. For licensees to be able to renew, a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is mandatory prior to the official renewal application.

Wisconsin CPA licenses renew on December 14 of each odd-numbered year. The current renewal fee is $43, or $68 if late.

Licensees must complete at least 80 CPE credits that contribute to growth in professional knowledge and professional competence. Of the 80, at least 20 credits shall be completed during each 12-month period. The 80 CPE credits shall include at least 40 CPE credits from formal learning activities. Three of the CPE credits must be related to ethics. New licensees are not required to undergo CPE requirements the year they joined. At the time of each renewal, an applicant will have to sign a statement certifying that the CPE credit hours required have been completed. See further details on the requirements here.

The board will give a notice of renewal to each licensee holder at least 30 days prior to the renewal date of the credential. The licensee can renew online or on paper. Contact the board at (608) 266‑2112 for paper renewal. Failure to renew for the reason that you were unable to receive the notice is not valid. See guidelines for renewal here.

Wisconsin CPA licenses renew on December 14 of each odd-numbered year. The current renewal fee is $43, or $68 if late.