As aspiring CPAs in Illinois gear up for their licensure journey, it’s important to recognize the broader context of the accounting profession’s landscape. According to a survey highlighted by the Journal of Accountancy, optimism is on the rise in the business world, with 66% of surveyed CEOs forecasting higher revenue growth and 65% anticipating increased profitability in 2024. This positive outlook suggests it’s a great time to become a CPA!
This guide to Illinois CPA Exam & License Requirements will provide essential information on navigating this promising yet challenging field, offering insights into the educational and experiential pathways, exam preparation strategies, and the evolving demands of the accounting profession.
General Illinois CPA Licensure Requirements
Illinois CPA license requirements are less strict than most, however, they do require 150 semester hours before you can sit for the CPA exam. Canadians often take the exam here because the state does not require a Social Security Number and is open to applicants via IQEX.
Illinois CPA Certification Snapshot
For new candidates seeking CPA certification in Illinois, the Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) outlines a comprehensive process:
- Review Education Requirements: Candidates must hold a degree from an institution recognized by the Board and accredited by CHEA, USDE, or other approved organizations, and have earned 120 semester credit hours. Options for evaluation depend on the degree and its accreditation.
- Open an Online Account: Essential for managing the application and examination process.
- Apply for Credentials Evaluation: Submit your qualifications for assessment to determine eligibility.
- Submit Official Transcripts: Required from every post-secondary institution attended.
- Results Letter: After evaluation, candidates receive an email either approving them to sit for the exam or outlining any deficiencies.
- Initial Exam Request and NASBA Account Setup: Essential steps before scheduling the exam.
- Pay Exam Fees and Schedule Exams: Fees must be paid, and exams are scheduled through Prometric using the Notice to Schedule (NTS).
- Pass All CPA Exam Sections: A critical step in the certification process, this may require getting a CPA review course that fits your budget, learning style and schedule. If you start studying now, you will get a nice jump start on the material and will be better prepared to pass your first CPA exam!
- The UAA Model Rules have no immediate effect on state board rules. However, the Illinois Board is working to provide a 30-month extension for unexpired exam credits as of January 1, 2024. This work involves pursuing a rule change through the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in Springfield. This is a lengthy process and as a result, the ILBOE is unable to establish a firm starting date. Once the rule is passed, we will announce details on our website.
- Meanwhile, everyone who has an unexpired exam credit as of January 1, 2024 will have that credit extended to June 30, 2025.
- Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam: Submit the completion certificate to the ILBOE.
- Apply for a License: After passing all exam sections and meeting all requirements, apply for licensure at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
* Note, although currently, CPA exam credits expire after 18 months, this could soon change. According to the Illinois licensure website:
The UAA Model Rules have no immediate effect on state board rules. However, the Illinois Board is working to provide a 30-month extension for unexpired exam credits as of January 1, 2024. This work involves pursuing a rule change through the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in Springfield. This is a lengthy process and as a result, the ILBOE is unable to establish a firm starting date. Once the rule is passed, we will announce details on our website. Meanwhile, everyone who has an unexpired exam credit as of January 1, 2024 will have that credit extended to June 30, 2025.
CPA Exam Requirements for Illinois
The CPA licensure requirements in Illinois are less stringent in certain aspects. This makes Illinois an attractive choice for Canadian candidates, as the state does not require a Social Security Number and accommodates applicants through IQEX. Additionally, Illinois has no minimum age requirement and does not require U.S. or state residency for CPA licensure, further broadening its accessibility to a diverse range of candidates.
Illinois Education Requirements
In Illinois, to sit for the CPA exam, candidates must complete 150 credit hours and meet one of the following criteria:
- Graduate Degree in Accounting: Obtain from a school accredited by AACSB or ACBSP.
- Graduate Degree in Business: From an accredited institution.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business:
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate level, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting.
- Business courses: 24 credit hours at either level.
- General Bachelor Degree:
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate level, with at least one course in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, or managerial accounting.
- Business courses: 24 credit hours at either level.
These requirements ensure that CPA candidates in Illinois have a robust educational background in both accounting and general business studies.
Work Experience
- 1 year of public accounting experience verified by an active licensed CPA
- Must accumulate experience AFTER passing the CPA exam
In Illinois, CPA licensure requires candidates to complete one year of public accounting experience. This experience must be verified by an active licensed CPA to ensure it aligns with professional standards. Importantly, candidates must accumulate this experience after passing the CPA exam. The work experience is designed to give candidates practical exposure to the accounting field, further solidifying the theoretical knowledge gained during their educational journey. This approach ensures that newly licensed CPAs in Illinois are not only academically prepared but also possess the hands-on experience necessary to excel in the dynamic field of public accounting.
Ethics Exam
- Passing of the AICPA Ethics Exam
In Illinois, CPA candidates are required to pass the AICPA Ethics Exam, an essential component of the CPA licensure process. This exam underscores the importance of ethical standards and professional integrity in the accounting profession. It assesses candidates’ understanding of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and their ability to apply ethical principles in various scenarios.
The AICPA Ethics Exam is a critical step in ensuring that all practicing CPAs adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the profession. The AICPA Ethics Exam course and corresponding materials are priced at $245, with a discounted rate of $189 available exclusively for AICPA members.
Illinois CPA Exam Fees
Summary of Exam Fees for Illinois CPA Candidates
In Illinois, CPA candidates face a structured fee schedule for the CPA exam application, along with additional charges related to the exam process:
- Exam Application Fees:
- For one exam section, the fee is $40.
- For two different exam sections, it’s $76.
- For three different exam sections, the cost is $108.
- And for four different exam sections, candidates pay $120.
- Additionally, there is a 3% credit card recovery fee on all transactions.
Candidates are advised to carefully select the number of exam sections they plan to take within a six-month period, as refunds are not offered.
- Payment Coupon (PC) Fees:
- The approximate cost for a Payment Coupon in Illinois is $299 per exam section. This fee is billed by NASBA for the selected exams on either the Initial examination request or the Re-Examination request. Discounts are given for AICPA, CIMA, and ICPAS members.
- The payment for the PC must be made within 90 days. The date of this payment marks the start of the candidate’s Notice to Schedule (NTS) validity, which lasts for six months from the payment date.
If the PC is not paid within 90 days, it becomes void. Candidates would then need to start anew by submitting a Re-Examination Request through their ILBOE account, along with the required fee. It’s important to note that no refunds are provided for tests on a lapsed Payment Coupon. This fee structure is an essential aspect of the CPA exam process in Illinois, and candidates need to plan their exam schedule and budget accordingly.
IL Exam Information and Resources
- Illinois CPA Educational Requirements
- Illinois CPA Exam Application Form
- Illinois CPA Candidate Information
- IL CPA License Application
For more details, please contact:
100 Trade Centre Drive – Suite 403
Champaign, IL 61820-7123
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 217-531-0950
Fax: 217-531-0960
The fees are structured based on the number of exam sections: $40 for one section, $76 for two, $108 for three, and $120 for four sections. Additionally, there’s a 3% credit card recovery fee.
No, refunds are not offered for the CPA exam application fees in Illinois. It’s crucial to choose the number of exam sections you can realistically take within six months.
A Payment Coupon is NASBA’s bill for the exam sections selected. In Illinois, it’s approximately $225 per section. Payment must be made within 90 days, and this payment date starts the six-month validity of your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
If the PC isn’t paid within 90 days, it’s voided. You’ll need to submit a new Re-Examination Request through your ILBOE account, accompanied by the respective fee. No refunds are given for tests on a lapsed PC.
The specific requirements vary based on the degree and its accreditation. Candidates need to have earned 120 semester credit hours. For a graduate degree in accounting or business, the program must be accredited by AACSB or ACBSP. Alternatively, a baccalaureate degree in any concentration from a recognized institution meets the requirements if the accounting or business department is not accredited by AACSB or ACBSP. Credits from schools without appropriate accreditation are not accepted.
Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades. As Seen On Forbes
