Wisconsin licensure law goes into effect

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a bill into law on April 3, establishing an additional pathway to CPA licensure. 

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The law, which has now taken effect, allows candidates to qualify for their CPA license with a bachelor’s degree, two years of work experience and passing the CPA exam. The two existing pathways will remain in effect: a master’s or bachelor’s degree, 150 credit-hours, one year of work experience and passing the CPA exam.

The Wisconsin Institute of CPAs worked with Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Robert Wittke on the bill, the 2025 Wisconsin Act 166.

“The number of new CPAs entering the profession remains a hot topic and is a challenge for firms and organizations, both large and small,” WICPA president and CEO Tammy Hofstede said in a statement. “Tackling the workforce development issue is complex and includes many variables, and making a CPA license more accessible is critical to ensuring the future of the profession.”

Wisconsin is the latest of dozens of states to introduce or pass similar legislation as part of a national effort to address the talent shortage and make the accounting profession more accessible to college students.