Chapter Accy 2

Accy 2.305(3) (3) If more than one candidate is involved in a connected offense of cheating on an examination, each candidate knowingly involved in the cheating is subject to penalties.

Accy 2.305(4) (4) Other jurisdictions to which a candidate may apply to take the certified public accountant examination during a period of suspension of the right to take the examination shall be notified of the penalty levied in Wisconsin.

Accy 2.305 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1993, No. 455, eff. 12-1-93; cr. (1) (e) and (f), Register, March, 1996, No. 483, eff. 4-1-96; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 3.09 and am. (1) (intro.), (a) to (d), (2), (4), cr. (1) (g) Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.306 Accy 2.306 Professional ethics examination.

Accy 2.306(1) (1) A candidate for a certified public accountant certificate shall successfully pass an open book professional ethics examination on statutes and rules governing the practice of public accounting in Wisconsin.

Accy 2.306(2) (2) The passing grade on the professional ethics examination is 80.

Accy 2.306(3) (3) A candidate who fails to achieve a passing score on the professional ethics examination is not eligible for reexamination for 30 days following notification of the failure. A candidate who fails to achieve a passing score upon reexamination is not eligible for another reexamination for 90 days following notification of the reexamination failure.

Accy 2.306 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1993, No. 455, eff. 12-1-93; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 3.10 Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.307 Accy 2.307 Examination review.

Accy 2.307(1) (1) An applicant for the certified public accountant examination may request a review of his or her examination from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

Accy 2.307(2) (2) An applicant who fails the professional ethics examination may request a review of the examination. The following conditions apply:

Accy 2.307(2)(a) (a) The applicant shall file a written request to the board within 30 days of the date on which examination results were mailed and pay the fee under s. SPS 4.05.

Accy 2.307(2)(b) (b) Examination reviews are by appointment only and shall be limited to one hour.

Accy 2.307(2)(c) (c) Reviews shall be conducted prior to the time an applicant applies to retake the examination.

Accy 2.307(2)(d) (d) An applicant may review each failed examination only once.

Accy 2.307(2)(e) (e) The examination may be reviewed by telephone. During a telephone review an applicant shall be provided with the statute or administrative code reference number and the topic of the test questions the applicant failed.

Accy 2.307(2)(f) (f) An applicant may not be accompanied during the review by any person other than the proctors.

Accy 2.307(2)(g) (g) Bound reference books shall be permitted in the review.

Accy 2.307(2)(h) (h) Applicants may not remove any notes from the review. Notes shall be retained by the proctor.

Accy 2.307(2)(i) (i) The proctor shall not respond to inquiries by the applicant regarding allegations of examination error.

Accy 2.307 History History: Cr. Register, March, 1996, No. 483, eff. 4-1-96; correction in (2) (a) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2011 No. 671; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 3.11 and am. (1) Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.308 Accy 2.308 Transfer of scores. Applicants who have passed all or part of the uniform certified public accountant examination in another jurisdiction but who have not yet received their certified public accountant certificate shall be able to transfer scores in subjects passed to Wisconsin provided that:

Accy 2.308(1) (1) Scores transferred must be certified to the board by the other jurisdiction and must be passed in accordance with rules applicable to Wisconsin candidates.

Accy 2.308(2) (2) Transfer of scores must be accepted by board action and the applicant notified in a manner similar to the action on scores for Wisconsin applicants.

Accy 2.308 History History: 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 7.04 (1) and am. Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

subch. V of ch. Accy 2 Subchapter V — Experience

Accy 2.401 Accy 2.401 Review of candidate’s experience.

Accy 2.401(1) (1) Following the successful passing of each section of the uniform CPA examination and upon written request by a candidate, a candidate’s experience shall be reviewed by the board. The written request shall include employer verification statements and information on experience to update the experience data already in the candidate’s file. Such evaluation will determine whether the candidate qualifies at that time under the requirement of having at least one year of public accounting experience or its equivalent, the sufficiency of the experience or the equivalency to be judged by the board. The board shall inform the candidate if additional experience is needed. Upon gaining the required additional experience, the candidate shall notify the board and provide verification.

Accy 2.401(2) (2) Experience may consist of providing any type of services or advice using accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or related consulting skills.

Accy 2.401 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.01, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; r. (4), Register, April, 1986, No. 364, eff. 5-1-86; renum. and am. (1), r. (2) and (3), Register, February, 1990, No. 410, eff. 3-1-90; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.02 and am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. (title), (1) from Accy 5.01 and am., cr. (2) Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.402 Accy 2.402 Experience evaluation.

Accy 2.402(1) (1) The board shall evaluate public accounting experience and equivalent experience at each regularly scheduled board meeting. Evaluations may be made at special meetings, but normally will not be scheduled at such meetings.

Accy 2.402(2) (2) The board shall review the candidate’s experience on written request by the candidate. Among the areas of experience that may be considered by the board are the following:

Accy 2.402(2)(a) (a) Experience in accounting in industry and government may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it requires high levels of knowledge, competence and judgment.

Accy 2.402(2)(b) (b) Experience in teaching accounting may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it is at an advanced and specialized level of accounting. Courses taught in areas other than accounting do not qualify as public accounting experience.

Accy 2.402(2)(c) (c) Experience in law may be considered equivalent to public accounting when it is at a level with responsibility for independent accounting decisions and requires high levels of accounting knowledge, competence and judgment.

Accy 2.402 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.02, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.03 and am., cr. (2) (a) to (c) Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 5.02 Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.403 Accy 2.403 Public accounting experience. An individual must have at least one year of public accounting experience or its equivalent as determined by the board. Experience shall be acquired after the applicant has satisfied one of the requirements under s. Accy 2.303. This experience must have been acquired within 5 years prior to applying for the certification as a certified public accountant.

Accy 2.403 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.03, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; CR 01-047: am. Register December 2002 No. 564, eff. 1-1-03; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.04 Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 5.03 and am. Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16; EmR1618: emerg. am., eff. 9-26-16; EmR1713: emerg. am., eff. 6-23-17; CR 17-064: am., Register March 2018 No. 747 eff. 4-1-18.

Accy 2.404 Accy 2.404 Experience; general.

Accy 2.404(1) (1) The nature and level of an employee’s position or job title and position description is considered.

Accy 2.404(2) (2) Part-time employment can be counted proportionately, but normally is given little weight. If part-time employment is combined with full-time employment, the full-time employment is normally given the most weight.

Accy 2.404(3) (3) No more than one day of experience is allowed for any calendar day.

Accy 2.404 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.07, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; am. Register, December, 1978, No. 276, eff. 1-1-79; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.08 and am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 5.04 Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.405 Accy 2.405 Bookkeeping and elementary individual tax return preparation. Bookkeeping and elementary individual tax return preparation are generally not considered to be qualifying experience.

Accy 2.405 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.08, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.09 and am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 5.05 Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 2.406 Accy 2.406 Judgment. Experience evaluations are based on the judgment of the board.

Accy 2.406 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; renum. from Accy 5.11, Register, October, 1976, No. 250, eff. 11-1-76; CR 03-071: renum. from Accy 5.12 and am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: renum. from Accy 5.07 Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

subch. VI of ch. Accy 2 Subchapter VI — Licensure

Accy 2.501 Accy 2.501 Requirements for renewal and reinstatement of individual licenses.

Accy 2.501(1) (1) Renewal before 5 years. An individual certified public accountant who files an application for renewal of a license within 5 years after the renewal date may renew his or her license by filing with the board all of the following:

Accy 2.501(1)(a) (a) An application for renewal on a form prescribed by the department that includes the applicant’s representation under penalties of perjury that, during the 2-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant has completed at least 80 continuing professional development credits meeting the requirements under s. Accy 2.602.

Accy 2.501(1)(b) (b) The fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a), Stats., and the applicable late renewal fee specified in s. 440.08 (3) (a), Stats.

Accy 2.501(2) (2) Renewal after 5 years. An individual certified public accountant who files an application for renewal of a license 5 years or more after the renewal date may renew his or her license by filing with the board all of the following:

Accy 2.501(2)(a) (a) An application for renewal on a form prescribed by the department that includes the applicant’s representation under penalties of perjury that, during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant has completed at least 120 continuing professional development credits meeting the requirements under s. Accy 2.602.

Accy 2.501(2)(b) (b) The fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a), Stats., and the applicable late renewal fee specified in s. 440.08 (3) (a), Stats.

Accy 2.501(2)(c) (c) Verification of successful completion of examinations specified in s. Accy 2.301 or education specified in s. Accy 2.202 or both as may be prescribed by the board.

Accy 2.501(3) (3) Reinstatement.

Accy 2.501(3)(a) (a) Notwithstanding the board’s authority under s. 442.12 (1) (g), Stats., to grant a hearing pursuant to an application in writing and notice, an individual certified public accountant who has a license with unmet disciplinary requirements and who has failed to renew the license within 5 years after the renewal date, or an individual whose license has been surrendered or revoked, may apply for reinstatement of his or her license. The request shall be in writing and be accompanied by all of the following:

Accy 2.501(3)(a)1. 1. The materials and fee specified in sub. (2) (a) to (c).

Accy 2.501(3)(a)2. 2. Evidence of completion of disciplinary requirements, if applicable.

Accy 2.501(3)(a)3. 3. Evidence of rehabilitation or change in circumstances warranting reinstatement of the credential.

Accy 2.501(3)(b) (b) The board shall grant reinstatement of a license following an application for reinstatement under par. (a) if the board determines the individual has satisfied the requirements under par. (a) 1. to 3. and the board determines reinstatement is warranted.

Accy 2.501 History History: 2015 Wis. Act 217: cr. Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16; CR 19-049: am. (1) (a), (2) (a) Register November 2019 No. 767, eff. 12-15-19.

subch. VII of ch. Accy 2 Subchapter VII — Continuing Professional
Education

Accy 2.601 Accy 2.601 Definitions. In this subchapter:

Accy 2.601(1) (1) “Compliance period” means the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal date under s. 440.08 (2) (a) 1., Stats.

Accy 2.601(2) (2) “CPE” means continuing professional education.

Accy 2.601(3) (3) “Inactive certificate holder” means an individual who holds an unrevoked certificate as a certified public accountant granted under s. 442.04 (1), Stats., and who does not hold a current license to practice as a certified public accountant issued under s. 442.08 (1), Stats.

Accy 2.601 History History: CR 19-049: cr. Register November 2019 No. 767, eff. 12-15-19.

Accy 2.602 Accy 2.602 CPE requirements for certified public accountants.

Accy 2.602(1) (1) Completion of CPE credits. During each compliance period, a licensee shall complete at least 80 CPE credits that contribute to growth in professional knowledge and professional competence. At least 20 CPE credits shall be completed during each 12-month period of each compliance period. The 80 CPE credits shall include not less than 40 CPE credits from formal learning activities meeting the requirements under s. Accy 2.603 (1) and (2).

Accy 2.602(2) (2) CPE related to ethics. Three of the CPE credits from formal learning activities required under sub. (1) or (5) shall be on the subject of ethics.

Accy 2.602(3) (3) Credit for formal and informal learning activities. Fifty minutes of participation in a formal or informal learning activity is equal to one CPE credit. CPE credits may be claimed in increments of one-tenth of a credit, which is equal to 5 minutes of participation in a formal or informal learning activity.

Accy 2.602(4) (4) Credit for CPE from another jurisdiction. A licensee holding a current unrevoked CPA license issued by any other United States CPA licensing jurisdiction shall meet the requirements under subs. (1) and (2) if the licensee is in compliance with the continuing professional education or continuing professional development CPA licensing requirements of the jurisdiction in which the other license is held.

Accy 2.602(5) (5) Exemption for new licensees and inactive certificate holders.

Accy 2.602(5)(a) (a) The requirements under sub. (1) are reduced by one-half for a compliance period during which a CPA is initially licensed during the first year of such compliance period, and do not apply to a compliance period during which a CPA is initially licensed during the second year of such compliance period.

Accy 2.602(5)(b) (b) The requirements under sub. (1) do not apply to an inactive certificate holder to whom all of the following apply:

Accy 2.602(5)(b)1. 1. The certificate holder does not practice as a certified public accountant within the meaning of s. 442.02 (1m), Stats.

Accy 2.602(5)(b)2. 2. The certificate holder does not use the title or designation of “certified public accountant” without the word “inactive.”

Accy 2.602(6) (6) Certification statement. At the time of each renewal, an applicant shall sign a statement certifying that the CPE credit hours required under this section have been completed.

Accy 2.602(7) (7) Carryforward of CPE credits. A licensee may carry forward from one compliance period to the next consecutive compliance period a maximum of 40 CPE credits that exceed the minimum number of credits required to satisfy requirements in the earlier compliance period, which credits may represent any combination of formal and informal learning activities and shall retain their character as formal or informal learning activity credits.

Accy 2.602(8) (8) Carryback of CPE credits. A licensee may carry back CPE credits earned during the first 12 months of a compliance period to the immediately preceding compliance period to the extent necessary to allow the individual to satisfy the CPE requirements for such preceding period, provided the individual does not count such carryback credits to satisfy CPE requirements for more than one compliance period.

Accy 2.602(9) (9) Failure to complete CPE credits. A licensee who fails to complete the requirements under this section may not practice in this state as a certified public accountant until the license is renewed or reinstated under s. Accy 2.501.

Accy 2.602(10) (10) Limitations on claiming CPE credits.

Accy 2.602(10)(a) (a) The number of CPE credits that may be claimed by an instructor, discussion leader, or speaker for preparation and presentation of a CPE learning activity may not exceed 3 times the number of credits awarded to individuals attending or participating in such CPE learning activity. CPE credits may not be claimed for any activity related to subsequent presentations of the same course unless the content has been substantially changed.

Accy 2.602(10)(b) (b) CPE credits for participating in a specific learning activity may not be claimed in more than one compliance period.

Accy 2.602(10)(c) (c) Successful completion of a one credit semester university or college course shall be equal to 15 CPE credits. Successful completion of a one credit quarter university or college course shall be equal to 10 CPE credits.

Accy 2.602(10)(d) (d) CPE credits may not be claimed for time devoted to studying for or taking the CPA examination.