What is the difference between a certificate and a license for a CPA?
A. A person must have both a Wisconsin certificate and license to practice as a CPA in Wisconsin. The Board issues certificates and the Department issues licenses. To qualify for a certificate a person must have at least 150 semester hours of post high school education, a bachelor’s or higher degree with a concentration in accounting or its equivalent, at least one year’s of public accounting experience or its equivalent and has passed the examination of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those requirements must be met in the order in which they are listed. Once those requirements have been met, a person may apply to the Board for a certificate. The Board will evaluate the applicant’s experience to see if it is sufficient. If the Board is satisfied that the experience is sufficient, the Board will grant the applicant a certificate. A certificate is permanent unless revoked and it does not have to be renewed. See Wis. Stats., § 442.03 and 442.04(1), (4) and (5) and
Related Questions
- My Tennessee CPA firm has an audit client in South Carolina. Must I obtain a South Carolina certificate and license in order to serve my South Carolina clients?
- My supervisor has a CPA certificate but does not have a current license to practice since he has not completed the CPE requirements. Does my experience count?
- How do I receive application forms for a CPA certificate or a CPA firm license?
