CPA Requirements Overview for Illinois

To become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Illinois, aspiring accountants must meet specific requirements set forth by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. These CPA requirements in Illinois include passing the CPA exam and fulfilling educational criteria.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in various areas of accounting, including financial accounting. Additionally, CPAs in Illinois must fulfill ongoing educational obligations, completing a designated number of hours of continuing professional education to maintain their CPA licenses.

This ensures that professionals stay updated on the latest industry standards and practices. Meeting these CPA requirements involves dedication and commitment to completing the required coursework.

CPA Exam Requirements for Illinois

CPA Exam Requirements Illinois – Overview
Educational Hours Required for Exam	150 Semester Hours
Educational Hours Required for Licensure	150 Semester Hours
Residency Required	Not required
Degree Required	Bachelor’s or Master’s
Minimum Age	Not required
Application Fee	$40.00 – $120.00
Additional Requirements	Illinois Board of Accountancy Site

Uniform CPA Examination and Certification

The Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination is a standardized test that all aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs) must pass to obtain a CPA certification in the United States. To be eligible to take the examination, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, with a minimum number of hours in accounting coursework.

Specific requirements vary by state, but most also mandate relevant work experience under a licensed CPA., often in areas like auditing and managerial accounting.

Passing the examination and meeting all state-specific licensing requirements qualifies you to become a registered CPA. This prestigious designation helps demonstrate expertise in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law.

It also signifies your adherence to a strict code of business ethics and professional conduct. Earning your Illinois CPA certification opens doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in various business environments, including public accounting, industry, and government.

Education Requirements for Becoming a CPA in Illinois

Meeting the CPA education requirements is crucial to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Candidates typically need at least a graduate degree in accounting or a related field to qualify for the CPA exam.

Additionally, candidates must pass the AICPA ethics exam before or after the CPA exam completion. The ethics exam is an open-book exam that assesses candidates’ understanding of ethical standards in the accounting profession.

After meeting the educational prerequisites, candidates can sit for the uniform CPA exam. This comprehensive exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge and skills across various accounting and business topics.

Successfully passing the CPA exam is a significant milestone in the journey toward becoming a licensed Illinois CPA.

Concentrations, Credits, and Course Acceptance

Understanding concentrations, credits, and course acceptance is essential for meeting Illinois CPA license requirements. Candidates must ensure they have completed the necessary semester hours to be eligible for the Uniform CPA examination. This typically includes a specified number of hours in accounting and other business-related subjects.

Candidates must also provide official transcripts from their higher education institution to verify their completed coursework. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the exam sections and the application process outlined by the American Institute of CPAs.

Candidates can navigate the path toward becoming a licensed CPA in Illinois by carefully reviewing these requirements and ensuring compliance.

Featured Online Accounting Programs

Explore featured online accounting programs to meet the CPA exam and licensure requirements set by the Illinois Board of Accountancy.

These programs offer flexible options for candidates pursuing a graduate degree or seeking to fulfill their educational requirement:

• Programs cater to individuals with varying educational backgrounds, including those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related fields.
• They provide comprehensive coursework to fulfill the semester hour requirements mandated by the board.
• Additionally, online programs often offer continuing professional education (CPE) opportunities to meet ongoing CPE requirements after obtaining a certification.

By enrolling in these online programs, candidates can prepare effectively for the CPA exam and fulfill the correct education requirement outlined by the Illinois Board.

Applying for a CPA Certification and Scheduling the Exam

Earning your Illinois CPA certificate involves meeting qualifications mandated by your state’s Board of Accountancy. These typically encompass completing 150 semester hours of business courses, passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, and gaining relevant work experience in accounting. Up-to-date information on specific requirements and the application process can be found on your state board’s website.

Once you meet the eligibility criteria and apply for your CPA certification, you can schedule your examination to sit for the uniform Examination. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) administers the examination. You’ll find details about scheduling and testing centers on their website.

CPA License Requirements Illinois

Take The Uniform CPA Exam

To obtain a CPA license in Illinois, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the Illinois Board of Accountancy. Here’s what you need to know about taking the exam:

• The Uniform CPA Exam assesses candidates’ knowledge of various subjects, including financial accounting and auditing.
• Candidates must fulfill scholarly requirements before sitting for the exam, such as obtaining a graduate degree and completing the required semester hours.
• Additionally, candidates must pass the AICPA ethics exam and meet other eligibility criteria set by the Illinois Board to be eligible to sit for the exam.

Illinois Experience Requirements for Licensure

To receive a CPA certification in Illinois, candidates must meet specific experience requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

These requirements ensure that candidates have acquired the necessary practical skills and knowledge to practice as licensed CPAs. Here’s what you need to know about experience requirements:

• Participants are typically required to accumulate a certain number of work hours in areas such as financial accounting and auditing under the supervision of a licensed certified public accountant.
• Additionally, candidates must complete at least one hour of professional ethics education as part of their experience requirement.
• It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific experience requirements outlined by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to ensure compliance when applying for certification.

Licensure – Undergraduate degree in accounting from a regionally accredited institution

In Illinois, persons who wish to become certified public accountants must normally hold an undergraduate accounting degree from a recognized regional university. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices.

Here’s what you need to know about this pathway:

• Candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting are eligible to pursue the Illinois CPA license certificate and fulfill other CPA exam requirements.
• With this credential, individuals can pursue various career opportunities in areas such as financial advisory and public accounting. Additionally, maintaining the licensure often involves completing continued education courses from an approved sponsor to stay updated on business communication and ethics.

Maintain Your License Certification Through Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

Maintaining your registered CPA certification is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to professional development. Here’s what you should know about Continuing Professional Learning:

• Stay up-to-date: Complete a specific number of hours in accounting-related CPE courses each year, as mandated by your state’s accrediting body. Ensure some coursework covers ethics, including certain types of harassment prevention training.
• Renew on time: Meeting renewal requirements is crucial. These may vary by state, especially for registered CPAs in public practice compared to other business settings. Be aware of any additional CPE requirements in your state, such as those in business law or auditing.

Illinois CPA license Certification renewal requirements

Renewing your registered CPA certification in Illinois involves fulfilling specific requirements set by the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS). These requirements apply to all practicing CPAs except for those undergoing their first renewal.

The Illinois CPA certification renewal process typically involves completing 120 hours of continuing professional education (C.P.E.) over three years. Be sure to include ethics and sexual harassment prevention training within those hours.

CPA Exam and Licensure: Illinois FAQs

What are the General Requirements for Becoming a CPA?

• Illinois CPA requirements entail fulfilling educational requirements, as well as residency, and examination criteria.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution is mandatory, with at least 150 semester hours of credit.
• Aspiring CPAs must pass the CPA Exam and complete relevant work experience to obtain an Illinois CPA certificate.
• Candidates from outside Illinois must undergo a credentials evaluation application to ensure compliance with state standards.
• CPA prep courses aid in exam readiness, covering topics like business ethics and an accounting concentration.
• Upon meeting all prerequisites, individuals can apply to become a registered CPA in Illinois, joining a respected community of financial professionals.

What are Illinois CPA Licensure Requirements?

• To obtain a CPA license in Illinois, participants must pass the uniform CPA exam.
• This comprehensive test assesses knowledge in various areas including business communication and consulting skills.
• Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in management advisory and the business environment.
• CPAs are entrusted to provide sound advice involving financial matters, making ethical conduct paramount.
• Fulfilling these requirements enables individuals to become a CPA, equipped to navigate complex financial landscapes with expertise.

How much does it cost to become a CPA in Illinois?

Becoming a licensed CPA in Illinois involves several expenses. Firstly, candidates must meet the CPA exam requirements, which include application fees, exam fees, and study materials. These costs can vary but typically amount to several hundred dollars.

Additionally, preparation courses to ensure success in the exam may come with a price tag. Once a CPA certificate is acquired, ongoing expenses include management advisory and continuing education courses to maintain competency in the field.

Furthermore, CPAs must anticipate the cost of their first renewal cycle, which includes renewal fees and any required professional development activities.

It’s advisable to budget for membership fees to professional organizations like the American Institute of CPAs, which offer valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Additional Information

While we do our best to keep all of this information up to date you are welcome to visit and or contact that Illinois Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.

Illinois State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 1120 E. Diehl Road, Suite 107 Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (815) 753-8900 Fax: (815) 753-8953
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ilboe.org
Application form: Illinois CPA Application Form