Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,150 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#23 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $78,150, Certified Public Accountants in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $81,680. Wisconsin ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$78,150Hourly estimate
$37.574% below national median
Difference: -$3,530
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#23 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $96,580 |
| #4 | California | $96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $78,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $81,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $74,290 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $79,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $77,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Michigan | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $93,310 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,280 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $90,770 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $76,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.
What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Wisconsin is $78,150. Salaries range from $56,360 (10th percentile) to $126,180 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in Wisconsin earn 4% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of $78,150.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 25,060 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.