A new law expands the options available for CPA licensure in Wisconsin.
Before the legislation was passed, Wisconsin required CPA candidates to take one of two pathways to earn a CPA license.
Candidates needed either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with at least 150 credit hours, along with one year of relevant work experience and the successful completion of all portions of the Uniform CPA Exam to become licensed.
There was a decline in first-time CPA Exam candidates after the 150-credit requirement was implemented, with the decline aggregating over multiple years.
This new pathway allows candidates to earn a CPA license with a bachelor’s degree, completion of the CPA Exam and two years of relevant work experience instead of the 150 credits previously required. This option supports earlier entry into the workforce and ongoing skill development as internship and apprenticeship opportunities continue to grow, according to the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
