Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in accounting, finance, and business consulting. Illinois CPAs enjoy competitive salaries, professional prestige, and diverse career paths throughout the state’s robust business environment.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the Illinois CPA journey, from meeting education requirements to maintaining your license. Whether you’re a college student planning your career path or a working professional seeking advancement, you’ll find the specific requirements, timelines, and resources needed to achieve CPA certification in Illinois.
Step 1: Illinois CPA Education Requirements
The Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) requires all CPA candidates to complete specific educational benchmarks before sitting for the CPA exam. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your academic journey efficiently.
Core Education Requirements
To qualify for the Illinois CPA exam, you must complete:
- 150 semester hours of college education (225 quarter hours)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 30 semester hours in accounting courses
- 24 semester hours in business-related courses
- 2 semester hours in ethics coursework
Qualifying Accounting Coursework
Your 30 hours of accounting must include advanced courses beyond the introductory level:
Business Course Requirements
The 24 hours of business courses must cover diverse areas:
Pro Tip: Many Illinois universities offer integrated 5-year programs that combine bachelor’s and master’s degrees, efficiently meeting the 150-hour requirement while providing specialized accounting knowledge.
Online CPA Education Options in Illinois
Illinois embraces online education for CPA candidates, offering flexibility for working professionals and distance learners. The ILBOE accepts coursework from accredited online programs, provided they meet the same standards as traditional programs.
Top Accredited Online Options:
- Southern New Hampshire University – AACSB-accredited online accounting programs with CPA track
- Liberty University – Flexible online bachelor’s and master’s in accounting
- Arizona State University Online – Comprehensive CPA-eligible programs
- University of Massachusetts Online – Advanced accounting programs with CPA preparation
When choosing an online program, verify:
- Regional accreditation status
- AACSB or ACBSP business accreditation
- Specific coursework meets Illinois requirements
- Faculty hold CPA licenses and advanced degrees
Step 2: Illinois CPA Exam Requirements and Process
The Uniform CPA Examination tests your knowledge across four comprehensive sections. Illinois candidates must pass all four parts within an 18-month rolling window.
CPA Exam Sections and Structure
*MCQ = Multiple Choice Questions; TBS = Task-Based Simulations
Illinois CPA Exam Application Process
- Verify Education Requirements – Submit official transcripts to NASBA for evaluation
- Complete Application – Apply through the Illinois Board of Examiners
- Pay Fees – Application fee: $175; Exam fees: approximately $350 per section
- Receive NTS – Notice to Schedule arrives within 3-6 weeks
- Schedule Exams – Book testing appointments at Prometric centers
Illinois CPA Exam Pass Rates and Success Strategies
Illinois candidates historically perform above the national average:
Success Strategies from Illinois CPAs:
- Dedicate 300-400 hours of study time total
- Use comprehensive review courses (Becker, Wiley, Roger CPA)
- Join the Illinois CPA Society study groups
- Take sections strategically based on your strengths
- Schedule exams during less busy work periods
Step 3: Experience Requirements and License Application
After passing the CPA exam, Illinois requires professional experience before granting licensure. This ensures new CPAs have practical skills beyond academic knowledge.
Illinois CPA Experience Requirements
You must complete one year (12 months) of full-time experience that includes:
- 2,000 hours of qualifying work
- Direct supervision by a licensed CPA
- Experience in providing accounting services to employers or clients
- Verification from the supervising CPA on official forms
Qualifying Experience Types
License Application Process
- Complete Experience – Document all qualifying hours
- Obtain Verification – Supervising CPA completes verification forms
- Submit Application – File with ILBOE including:
- Application form and $200 fee
- Official exam scores
- Experience verification
- Character references (3 required)
- Ethics exam certificate
- Background Check – FBI fingerprint check required
- Receive License – Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks
Illinois CPA Reciprocity
Illinois maintains reciprocity agreements with most states, allowing CPAs to transfer their licenses. Requirements include:
- Valid CPA license in good standing
- Meeting Illinois education requirements
- Passing score on the Uniform CPA Exam
- Completing the Illinois ethics course
- Application and fees
States with streamlined reciprocity include neighboring Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri.
Step 4: Best CPA Programs in Illinois
Illinois hosts numerous excellent accounting programs designed to prepare students for CPA success. These programs combine rigorous academics with practical preparation.
Top-Ranked 4-Year Accounting Programs
Integrated 5-Year CPA Programs
Several Illinois universities offer accelerated programs combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees:
- UIUC MAS Program – Master of Accounting Science in one additional year
- DePaul BSB/MSA – Combined business and accounting degrees
- NIU Integrated Program – Seamless 150-hour pathway
- Loyola BBA/MSA – Ethics-focused integrated curriculum
Choosing the Right Program
Consider these factors when selecting your CPA program:
- Accreditation – Ensure AACSB accounting accreditation
- CPA Pass Rates – Review program-specific success rates
- Career Services – Evaluate recruiting relationships and job placement
- Location – Consider proximity to internships and future employers
- Cost vs. ROI – Balance tuition with starting salaries and career prospects
- Faculty Credentials – Look for professors with CPA licenses and industry experience
Step 5: Illinois CPA Continuing Education Requirements
Maintaining your Illinois CPA license requires ongoing professional development through continuing professional education (CPE).
Annual CPE Requirements
Illinois CPAs must complete 120 CPE hours every three years, including:
- Minimum 20 hours per year (no maximum)
- 4 hours of professional ethics every three years
- Up to 60 hours of self-study allowed
- Excess hours carry forward one year
Qualifying CPE Activities
Recommended CPE Providers in Illinois
- Illinois CPA Society – Local seminars and online courses
- AICPA – National programs and certificates
- Major Firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG training programs
- Universities – Executive education and certificate programs
- Online Platforms – Surgent, Becker, Kaplan CPE courses
Step 6: Illinois CPA Salary Information
Illinois CPAs enjoy competitive compensation reflecting the state’s diverse economy and major business centers. Salaries vary significantly based on location, experience, and industry sector.
Illinois CPA Salary by Experience Level
CPA Salary by Industry in Illinois
Regional Salary Variations
Salary Insight: Illinois CPAs working in Chicago’s financial district typically earn 15-20% more than the state average, but must factor in higher living costs and commute expenses.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CPA in Illinois
How long does it take to become a CPA in Illinois?
The typical timeline is 5-7 years total: 4-5 years completing the 150-hour education requirement, 6-18 months studying for and passing the CPA exam, and 1 year gaining qualifying experience. Fast-track students in integrated programs may complete requirements in as little as 5 years.
Can I sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 hours in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after completing 120 semester hours (bachelor’s degree), provided they have met the specific accounting and business course requirements. However, you cannot receive your CPA license until you complete all 150 hours.
What is the total cost of becoming a CPA in Illinois?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including: exam application fees ($175), exam section fees (~$1,400 total), review course ($2,000-$4,000), license application ($200), and miscellaneous costs. This excludes education expenses.
Does Illinois accept online accounting degrees for CPA requirements?
Yes, Illinois accepts online degrees from regionally accredited institutions. The coursework must meet the same accounting and business hour requirements as traditional programs. Ensure your online program is properly accredited before enrolling.
How often do I need to renew my Illinois CPA license?
Illinois CPA licenses must be renewed annually by September 30th. Renewal requires completing continuing education requirements (averaging 40 hours per year), paying the renewal fee ($115), and maintaining good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Can I transfer my CPA license to Illinois from another state?
Yes, Illinois offers CPA reciprocity for license holders from states with substantially equivalent requirements. You’ll need to submit an application, verify your current license, complete an Illinois ethics course, and pay applicable fees. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks.
What happens if I don’t pass all CPA exam sections within 18 months?
If you don’t pass all four sections within the 18-month window, you lose credit for the earliest passed section. You must retake that section and pass it again to complete the exam. Plan your exam schedule strategically to avoid this situation.
Are there any Illinois-specific ethics requirements?
Yes, Illinois requires 4 hours of ethics CPE every three years for license renewal. Additionally, CPA candidates must complete a board-approved ethics course as part of their initial education requirements, covering both AICPA and Illinois-specific ethical standards.
