CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT License in Wisconsin
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in Wisconsin, you must earn a degree and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. A person is deemed in CPA practice when holding out as skilled in accounting or maintaining an office for public accounting. The Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees licensing. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT certification in Wisconsin
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT license in Wisconsin. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Wisconsin licensing board.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT Salary in Wisconsin
Entry Level
$56,360
Median
$78,150
Experienced
$126,180
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT in Wisconsin.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT Licensing in Wisconsin: What to Know
Wisconsin requires a degree and the Uniform CPA Exam. A CPA holds themselves out to the public as skilled in accounting and qualified to render professional service, or maintains an office for public accounting, or uses the CPA title or designation. No CE is listed for renewal. The Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees licensing. Wisconsin's manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare sectors are the primary CPA employers, with Milwaukee and Madison as the main markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT license cost in Wisconsin?
- The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT license in Wisconsin?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT license in Wisconsin?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.