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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $81,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $74,290 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $79,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Michigan | $77,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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 | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $90,770 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $115,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $50,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. 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.