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.
CPA Exam Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam students must first fulfill these qualifications and requirements:
- Minimum age: None
- U.S. Residency NOT required
- State Residency NOT Required
Illinois Education Requirements
150 credit hours plus ONE of the following:(1) Graduate Degree in Accounting from school accredited by AACSB orACBSP
(2) Graduate Degree in Business from accredited school
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad level or 15 hours at graduate level. Must include the following subjects: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
(3) Bachelor Degree in Business
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad or graduate level, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
- Business courses: 24 credit hours (undergrad or grad level)
(4) Bachelor Degree (general)
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad or graduate level, with at least ONE course in: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
- Business courses: 24 credit hours (undergrad or grad level)
IL CPA License Requirements
Education
- Same as above
Work Experience
- 1 year of public accounting experience verified by an active licensed CPA
- Must accumulate experience AFTER passing the CPA exam
Ethics Exam
- Passing of the AICPA Ethics Exam
Illinois CPA Exam Fees
The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in Illinois is $743 plus the initial $120 application fee. The re-examination application fees vary depending on the number of sections you are retaking.
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $195.35 |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | $176.25 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $195.35 |
| Regulation (REG) | $176.25 |
| Application Fee: | $120 |
*Special Fees: Credential evaluation fee for first-time candidates varies between $175-$250
**Important Note: You should not apply and pay for exam sections that will not be taken within six months because your Notice to Schedule (NTS) in Illinois expires 6 months after issuance.
Additional CPA License Requirements
- Pass all 4 sections of the CPA exam with a score of 75% or higher
- Complete verified accounting work experience
- Pass the Ethics exam
- Fill out and submit all required CPA license application paperwork
- Pay the CPA license application fee
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
Illinois Education Requirements
150 credit hours plus ONE of the following:(1) Graduate Degree in Accounting from school accredited by AACSB orACBSP
(2) Graduate Degree in Business from accredited school
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad level or 15 hours at graduate level. Must include the following subjects: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
(3) Bachelor Degree in Business
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad or graduate level, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
- Business courses: 24 credit hours (undergrad or grad level)
(4) Bachelor Degree (general)
- Accounting courses: 24 credit hours at undergrad or graduate level, with at least ONE course in: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting
- Business courses: 24 credit hours (undergrad or grad level)
What’s Next?
Now that you have started the CPA exam application process, your next step is to find a CPA review course that fits your budget, learning style and schedule.
It can take several weeks for your application to be processed so don’t waste that valuable time waiting to hear back from your state board. 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!
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
