WICPA Membership Information
The premier membership for Wisconsin accounting and business professionals, educators and students that will help you:
Stand out from the crowd
Need to keep pace with the latest changes in the constantly evolving world of accounting? Want to connect with the best of the best? How about enjoy exclusive savings on a wide range of products and services?
The WICPA is the ultimate resource for current, future and retired accounting professionals, providing the unique advantages necessary to reach new heights throughout your career – from high school to the corner office, as well as after retirement.
- Credibility: As a WICPA member, you stand out to employers, clients, peers and the community at large as being committed to the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and advancing of the profession.
- Development: With our extensive catalog of continuing professional education opportunities, you can gain the knowledge and expertise needed to create limitless career opportunities and remain connected to the latest developments in the profession at special member-only pricing.
- Resources: From cutting-edge information to discounts on the solutions and services that keep you moving forward, the WICPA sets a powerful standard for professional and personal value.
- Networking: Gain exclusive access to more than 7,000 colleagues and peers who can provide the guidance, support and experience to make the most of your connection to the profession.
Stand tall as a member of the premier accounting association in Wisconsin
WICPA membership speaks volumes about your dedication to your profession. As a member, you let others know you're part of an elite group of accounting professionals. You are among the best of the best.
- Be Recognized: By proudly displaying your WICPA membership on your ads, websites and email signatures, one look tells clients, colleagues and employers that you're serious about your profession. It demonstrates you put in the time and effort needed to stand out in the accounting field.
- Showcase Your expertise: As a WICPA member, you can share your knowledge and successes by contributing information and articles for our publications and in our member-only online community, WICPA Connect. You can also present at seminars, conferences and breakfast meetings throughout the state. There's no question that participation with the WICPA can help your reputation and establish vital career contacts. Plus, you're able to help advance the understanding of others in the profession.
- Increase Your Visibility: CPA members receive a free listing in the Find a CPA Directory. A widely used public resources, this online directory promotes our members to individuals and businesses looking for specific areas of service and expertise.
Steadily advance your knowledge and career opportunities
Keeping pace with constantly changing accounting updates and issues is a daunting task. But the WICPA is uniquely equipped to help. No matter what your interest or area of expertise, we have the continuing education and leadership development tools to keep you on the cutting edge of your craft.
- Published Updates: Through our emails, bimonthly and biannual print and digital magazines, educational videos, and more, you will efficiently and effectively get invaluable expert insights into the trends and upcoming changes that continue to reshape the profession.
- Unmatched CPE: Learn online and in person how the latest developments impact your current and future roles and organizations. Numerous CPE opportunities on specialized topics presented by leading experts enable you to focus your professional development efforts where they will benefit you the most. What's more, members receive special savings on nearly all WICPA CPE events.
Gain access to unique savings on business-critical products and services
We don't stop at just providing ongoing education resources and career development opportunities. We understand just how much accounting professionals appreciate the bottom line and value, so that's why we've used our strengths to negotiate serious savings on products and services with our Affinity Partners.
Leverage connections to further your development and career
When you take your place as a WICPA member, you're part of a support network of more than 7,000 accounting and business professionals, educators and students. Speak with fellow members and the one thing you consistently hear is how valuable this network is for advice, information, perspective and career advancement opportunities.
- Strength in Numbers: With more than 7,000 of the best-and-brightest accounting minds in the business on your side, you never have to go at it alone. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, you gain the expertise, support and guidance to help you get the answers and the help you need.
- Your Go-To Resource: Networking as a WICPA member has many advantages. It can lead to new job opportunities for you or help you uncover talented professionals when it's time to find a new employee.
- A Powerful Voice: We have a proven track record of monitoring and protecting public policy issues that impact the accounting profession and helping ensure a healthy business climate by working with government regulatory agencies and other organizations.
CPA
An individual who has obtained a certificate as a CPA from the Accounting Examining Board of the State of Wisconsin or from a similar legally constituted authority in another state, possession or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia; CPA members are eligible voting members.
Affiliate Business Professional
An individual who holds a post secondary degree in accounting or business and has not obtained a certificate as a CPA.
Retired or Part-Time
An individual who is working less than 20 hours per week or less than 1,000 hours per year.
Unemployed or Leave-of-Absence
An individual who is currently unemployed but is actively seeking work or on a leave-of-absence.
High School Educator
An individual who is a full-time accounting or business high school educator or guidance counselor that has demonstrated an interest in furthering the study of accounting, finance or commerce and has not obtained a certificate as a CPA.
College Student
An individual who is a student attending college pursuing an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree or coursework to qualify to sit for the CPA exam.
High School Student
An individual who is a student attending high school enrolled in accounting or business courses.
Membership is based on the WICPA's fiscal year, which runs from May 1 to April 30. Dues are billed annually in March for the coming membership year. Membership dues may be prorated based on the time of the year you join. If applicable, payment must be submitted with your application.
| CPA | $350 |
| Affiliate Business Professional | $210 |
| Retired or Part-Time | $70 |
| Unemployed or Leave-of-Absence | $60 |
| High School Educator | $50 |
| College Student | Free |
| High School Student | Free |
Am I a member immediately after submitting an application?
Completing an online membership application and checking out will upgrade your status to a WICPA member immediately in most cases. Mailed or faxed membership applications can sometimes take up to two business days to process. If you have any questions or are not able to access members-only features and tools, please contact our Membership Department at 262-785-0445.
Do I have to be a CPA to be a WICPA member?
There are membership categories available for both CPAs and non-CPAs, including all accounting and business professionals, as well as students and educators. We encourage you to check out the Membership Types above to learn more.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks payable to the WICPA or credit cards including, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
Do you have auto-pay available for annual dues renewal?
Convenient automatic payment options will be coming soon to make membership renewal seamless and easy.
How can I get involved after joining?
There are a variety of ways for members to be involved in the organization and in your community. You can network with members and other business professionals by attending our professional development and social events, by joining a committee, and by engaging in conversation and sharing resources with fellow members through WICPA Connect, our members-only online community. There are also several volunteer opportunities available to members throughout the year that you can express your interest for in your My WICPA profile.
How do I notify the WICPA if my work status or contact information has changed?
Address and contact information changes can be made online in your My WICPA profile. Employment status changes such as retirement, working part-time and leave of absence can be made by contacting the WICPA Membership Department at 262-785-0445 or via email.
How can I determine if my membership dues have been paid?
You can view your membership dues balance in your My WICPA Dashboard.
Are WICPA membership dues and license renewal the same thing?
WICPA membership dues and license renewal are two separate fees and two separate organizations. WICPA membership dues are invoiced yearly by the WICPA. The license renewal is a biannual fee charged by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and is necessary to keep an active license in Wisconsin. Contact DSPS at 608-266-2112 or click here.
How do I check when my Wisconsin CPA license expires?
You can check the expiration date of your Wisconsin CPA license through the Wisconsin DSPS license search.
How can I resign my membership and does this affect my license status?
You can resign your status as a WICPA member by phone at 262-785-0445; by email; or by written notice to WICPA, W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Suite 201, Waukesha, WI 53188.
Membership with the WICPA does not affect licensing status. A resigned member may reinstate membership with a reinstatement fee of $30, though, in some cases, a new membership application may need to be completed.
Can I keep my membership if I leave my current employer?
Yes. Your WICPA membership follows you through your renewal date. When you begin your new position, please update your My WICPA profile or contact our Membership Department at 262-785-0445, and we can update your information for you.
Are my WICPA membership dues tax-deductible?
WICPA dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but they may be deductible as a business expense. WICPA estimates that 3% of your dues are not deductible due to lobbying activities on behalf of its members.
What are the CPE membership requirements?
All WICPA members, with the exception of students and retired members, are required to complete:
- A minimum of 20 CPE credits annually.
- 80 total CPE credits, including 3 ethics credits, during each 2-year reporting period.
For more details and what qualifies for CPE credit, please see CPE Requirements & FAQs.
I joined in the middle of the year, do I still need to complete the full membership CPE requirement?
New members do not need to complete the CPE requirements for the join year. However, you must complete a minimum of 40 CPE credits the following year, including the required 3 Ethics credits.
Do the membership CPE requirements apply to students or retirees?
Students do not need to fulfill the CPE membership requirement until moving to Affiliated Business Professional or CPA membership status. Retired members (working less than 1,000 hours per year) are also not required to meet the CPE membership requirement unless an active CPA license is retained.
What happens if I don't meet the membership CPE requirements?
In the event a member does not meet the CPE requirements, membership will be terminated. Requests for an extension or waiver with a reasonable explanation such as a health condition, foreign residency, military service or stay-at-home parent status changes can be submitted and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How can I contact the WICPA with additional questions?
If you have additional questions, let us know by emailing our Membership Department or by calling Lily Keller at 262-785-0445 ext. 4511.
