7 answers
Nurhy
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How was the path obtaining your CPA?
What were the requirements and how was the time studying? Materials for free or paid?
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7 answers
Shilpa Kurup
Finance
2
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Shilpa’s Answer
Path to Obtaining a CPA in Wisconsin
1. Education Requirements
To sit for the CPA Exam in Wisconsin:
120 credit hours are required to apply for the exam.
These must include 24 semester hours in accounting (beyond introductory level), covering:
Financial accounting
Cost or managerial accounting
Taxation
Auditing
Accounting Information Systems (AIS)
To obtain the CPA license:
You must complete 150 credit hours total, which typically means additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree.
2. CPA Exam
The CPA Exam consists of four sections.
You can take them one at a time, but all must be passed within an 18-month rolling window.
3. Experience Requirement
2,000 hours (about one year) of supervised accounting experience is required.
This must be under a licensed CPA and can include various accounting services3.
4. Ethics Exam
Wisconsin requires passing an open-book ethics exam with a minimum score of 802.
Time Spent Studying
Most candidates spend 300–400 hours preparing for all four CPA exam sections.
Study time varies based on background, work schedule, and familiarity with the material.
Study Materials: Free vs. Paid
Paid Options (most common and comprehensive):
Becker, Wiley, Surgent, Gleim, and Roger CPA Review.
These range from $1,500 to $3,000 for full review packages.
Free Resources:
YouTube channels (e.g., Farhat’s Accounting Lectures)
Reddit communities (r/CPA)
Some universities offer free or discounted materials to alumni.
1. Education Requirements
To sit for the CPA Exam in Wisconsin:
120 credit hours are required to apply for the exam.
These must include 24 semester hours in accounting (beyond introductory level), covering:
Financial accounting
Cost or managerial accounting
Taxation
Auditing
Accounting Information Systems (AIS)
To obtain the CPA license:
You must complete 150 credit hours total, which typically means additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree.
2. CPA Exam
The CPA Exam consists of four sections.
You can take them one at a time, but all must be passed within an 18-month rolling window.
3. Experience Requirement
2,000 hours (about one year) of supervised accounting experience is required.
This must be under a licensed CPA and can include various accounting services3.
4. Ethics Exam
Wisconsin requires passing an open-book ethics exam with a minimum score of 802.
Time Spent Studying
Most candidates spend 300–400 hours preparing for all four CPA exam sections.
Study time varies based on background, work schedule, and familiarity with the material.
Study Materials: Free vs. Paid
Paid Options (most common and comprehensive):
Becker, Wiley, Surgent, Gleim, and Roger CPA Review.
These range from $1,500 to $3,000 for full review packages.
Free Resources:
YouTube channels (e.g., Farhat’s Accounting Lectures)
Reddit communities (r/CPA)
Some universities offer free or discounted materials to alumni.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Nurhy
Kayla Quinn, CPA
4
Answers
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
I agree with all the answers so far! Getting your CPA license is a big commitment, but it's definitely worth it. Some days can be tough, but keep believing in yourself. You know this stuff! For me, doing things over and over really helped. If I had trouble with a topic, I'd keep working on it until it felt easier.
Don't worry about failing. It's normal to fail a few exams because they're challenging. If you don't pass, take your time, get back up, and try again when you're ready. That way, you won't lose what you learned the first time. Each test is different, so maybe you just got one that didn't match your strengths. Stay positive and keep going.
Best wishes from someone who failed two CPA exams but is now a CPA success story!
Don't worry about failing. It's normal to fail a few exams because they're challenging. If you don't pass, take your time, get back up, and try again when you're ready. That way, you won't lose what you learned the first time. Each test is different, so maybe you just got one that didn't match your strengths. Stay positive and keep going.
Best wishes from someone who failed two CPA exams but is now a CPA success story!
Shannon Wei
Auditor
4
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Nurhy,
I am in Texas so CPA requirements might be a little different but I think Shilpa went into great detail but def look up and confirm the specific requirements for the CPA for your state. For my experience, I was in an integrated program at my university and I was about to knock out 3/4 sections before starting full-time with PwC. For PwC, the firm pays for Becker and gives you 40 hours per year of dedicated study time for the CPA. For my sector, they are rolling out a program over the summer to integrate 2 days per week built into their schedule (if receive approval from their development leader and client schedule allows) and 128 hours to help associates to obtain their CPA which I think is pretty neat.
As for time studying, it really depends on the section and how you study. Currently trying to pass FAR and it's def a beast (at least for me lol) but I know it will all be worth it. Best of luck to you!
I am in Texas so CPA requirements might be a little different but I think Shilpa went into great detail but def look up and confirm the specific requirements for the CPA for your state. For my experience, I was in an integrated program at my university and I was about to knock out 3/4 sections before starting full-time with PwC. For PwC, the firm pays for Becker and gives you 40 hours per year of dedicated study time for the CPA. For my sector, they are rolling out a program over the summer to integrate 2 days per week built into their schedule (if receive approval from their development leader and client schedule allows) and 128 hours to help associates to obtain their CPA which I think is pretty neat.
As for time studying, it really depends on the section and how you study. Currently trying to pass FAR and it's def a beast (at least for me lol) but I know it will all be worth it. Best of luck to you!
Matthew Roynan
Human Resources
3
Answers
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Nurhy,
I am a PA CPA (currently inactive). I would advise you to check your state's requirements for a CPA requirement. Generally, there is an education requirement of number of hours/credits, the exams, and then an experience requirement. I was fortunate enough to have my company pay for my materials/exams, some companies will offer this as a perk! The materials & exams can be pricy, but they are well worth it.
Studying was a challenge but doable with good time management. I found it helpful to make a brief "study tracker" where I tracked the day I studied, number of hours, and content covered. It helped me track when I felt like I had slowed down and needed to pick up the pace for studying. Utilize all the materials available - for me, flashcards and practice exams were particularly useful for retaining information that I consistently missed. My advice would be to start with FAR as it's the longest most material covered but do whatever works best for your schedule.
Good luck!
I am a PA CPA (currently inactive). I would advise you to check your state's requirements for a CPA requirement. Generally, there is an education requirement of number of hours/credits, the exams, and then an experience requirement. I was fortunate enough to have my company pay for my materials/exams, some companies will offer this as a perk! The materials & exams can be pricy, but they are well worth it.
Studying was a challenge but doable with good time management. I found it helpful to make a brief "study tracker" where I tracked the day I studied, number of hours, and content covered. It helped me track when I felt like I had slowed down and needed to pick up the pace for studying. Utilize all the materials available - for me, flashcards and practice exams were particularly useful for retaining information that I consistently missed. My advice would be to start with FAR as it's the longest most material covered but do whatever works best for your schedule.
Good luck!
Satya Sesha Sai Casukhela
Finance and Commercial Operations
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Satya Sesha Sai’s Answer
I am from India and completed my Chartered Accountancy (CA) in 1989, which is similar to the CPA. Achieving this certification was challenging, requiring three years of internship at a public accounting firm. During this time, I worked long hours preparing audit findings, financial statements, and reports, while also studying for difficult exams.
Throughout my training, I stayed busy by reading study materials, attending seminars, and keeping up with the latest business news. I also took a course in operations research and linear programming to boost my confidence. Most of my learning was self-driven, fueled by my passion for the subject.
During exam preparation, I dedicated 8-10 hours a day to studying. Attending seminars helped me understand complex topics faster. I also recommend using local libraries for access to a wide range of books, which can save money.
In today's digital age, many online resources and courses are available. I suggest regularly reading recommended materials, applying your knowledge during internships, and improving your communication skills. Engage with fellow students and professionals to enhance your understanding. The more effort you put in, the greater the rewards in your career.
Lastly, ensure you have adequate funding for your studies to avoid any setbacks. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow.
Best regards.
Throughout my training, I stayed busy by reading study materials, attending seminars, and keeping up with the latest business news. I also took a course in operations research and linear programming to boost my confidence. Most of my learning was self-driven, fueled by my passion for the subject.
During exam preparation, I dedicated 8-10 hours a day to studying. Attending seminars helped me understand complex topics faster. I also recommend using local libraries for access to a wide range of books, which can save money.
In today's digital age, many online resources and courses are available. I suggest regularly reading recommended materials, applying your knowledge during internships, and improving your communication skills. Engage with fellow students and professionals to enhance your understanding. The more effort you put in, the greater the rewards in your career.
Lastly, ensure you have adequate funding for your studies to avoid any setbacks. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow.
Best regards.
Veronica Soto
Human Capital
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Hi! If you have an internship lined up or a full time offer at a company/firm, I suggest you ask first if they pay for materials like Becker to study for your CPA. Many public accounting Firms offer assistance but will not reimburse if purchased ahead of your full time offer. I personally passed all 4 parts of the CPA in a 7 month timespan. I began studying right after my first busy season (around March) and had a very intense summer. I would work full time, study about 4 hours every evening during the work week, and then study almost 12 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday. Ultimately, I used Becker and was done by September. It was not easy but I was happy that it never lingered over my head. If I can do, anyone can!
Ayisha Gimala
Senior Associate (Accounting Firm)
6
Answers
Springfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Ayisha’s Answer
Hi Nurhy!
It's great to see you starting your journey toward becoming a CPA. For details on the requirements, check out the NASBA website (https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/wisconsin/). Some accounting firms even pay for your study materials if you get a job offer, so it's a good idea to start looking for internships early. This way, you might secure a job offer by the time you graduate, which could help with the costs.
Remember, passing the CPA exam takes dedication and persistence (just like all other license exams). There are many excellent study resources available to help you prepare. Most of the exam topics are covered in college accounting programs, so the sooner you start reviewing after college, the easier it will be to recall what you've learned.
Good luck on your path!
It's great to see you starting your journey toward becoming a CPA. For details on the requirements, check out the NASBA website (https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/wisconsin/). Some accounting firms even pay for your study materials if you get a job offer, so it's a good idea to start looking for internships early. This way, you might secure a job offer by the time you graduate, which could help with the costs.
Remember, passing the CPA exam takes dedication and persistence (just like all other license exams). There are many excellent study resources available to help you prepare. Most of the exam topics are covered in college accounting programs, so the sooner you start reviewing after college, the easier it will be to recall what you've learned.
Good luck on your path!