Illinois CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA
Want to learn all about the CPA Exam?
Illinois CPA Requirements
The Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) maintains the standards of the Uniform CPA Exam by verifying candidates' academic credentials, permitting them to take the exam, and issuing certificates of CPA Exam Completion.
| Social Security Requirements | No |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | 150 hours (including B.A.) |
| Pass the Exam | Score 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | 1 year |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | AICPA Ethics Exam |
| International CPA Examination Program | Participant |
Educational and Credit Hours
- A graduate degree or higher in accounting or business from a board-recognized institution with either or both Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation.
- Candidates must complete 120 semester hours of education to sit for the CPA Exam, with 24 semester hours dedicated to accounting (including taxation and audit) and 12 semester hours of business-related courses.
- However, you can also apply for the CPA Exam by fulfilling the 150 semester-hour requirement through a baccalaureate or higher education.
- In this case, you must complete 30 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business-related courses.
Work Experience Requirements
You need at least one year of experience in the accounting field. It can be in either the public or private sector. Experience doesn't need to be under the supervision of a Certified Public Accountant. It can be gained through work in any sector of the economy, such as government, industry, universities, or public practice.
Illinois CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
The initial application fee depends on how many exam sections you are applying for. You need to pay $255 for each section as an application fee.
| Initial Application Fee | |
|---|---|
| 1 Exam Application | $40 |
| 2 Different Exam Applications | $76 |
| 3 Different Exam Applications | $108 |
| 4 Different Exam Applications | $120 |
*Please make sure you choose the number of exams you can take in six months because we do not offer refunds.
| Illinois CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $120 | |
| Exam Section Fees (four sections) | $1,020 | |
| Total: | $1,140 | |
*Pass the three core sections - AUD, FAR, and REG, and one discipline section - BAR/ISC/TCP
Illinois is a two-tier state. Naturally, the licensing process varies a little in other states. Once you are done with the ethics exam, the AICPA will send your score to ILBOE. Within 3 days of receiving your ethics exam score, you will get an email with an official certification letter.
The certification letter contains your certificate number. You can apply for a license through IDFPR with the certificate number. Candidates with both international and domestic credits must submit applications, fees, and supporting materials to both NASBA and ILBOE. The application fee to become a certified public accountant is $120.
License Renewal Requirements
Individual CPA licenses expire on September 30 every 3 years. Your license can be renewed up to two months before its expiration date. The renewal fee is $40 per year.
Continuing Education Requirements
A licensed CPA must complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every 3-year renewal period. These 120 hours have to include at least 4 hours of a professional ethics course. There is a CPE requirement exemption for all the CPA licenses for the first renewal following the actual issuance of the license. Licensees must preserve CPE data for a minimum of six years.
Illinois CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release and Scheduling
Let's go over exam dates, score release procedures, and some effective scheduling techniques to help you on your journey to becoming a CPA.
Exam Dates & Score Release
Illinois CPA candidates can apply for the exam year-round based on their preferences. The AICPA releases the CPA Exam score release dates every two years. We suggest that you refer to these dates when scheduling your exams so that you can plan accordingly.
Exam Section Scheduling
Here is a brief, step-by-step guide to the application process.
