Key Requirements at a Glance
Education Hours
150
Accounting Coursework
30 accounting + 24 business
Work Experience
1 year
Ethics Exam
AICPA Ethics Exam
Illinois-Specific Notes
One of the largest CPA populations. Straightforward 150-hour requirement.
Official State Board
The Illinois State Board of Accountancy is the authoritative source for licensure requirements, application forms, and status updates.
Visit Illinois State Board →Opens ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/023/02300001sections.html in a new window.
Becoming a CPA in Illinois: The Three E's
Every U.S. jurisdiction, including Illinois, requires candidates to satisfy three core requirements — Education, Examination, and Experience — plus an ethics component in most states.
Education
Illinois requires 150 of education, including 30 accounting + 24 business. Many candidates complete this with a bachelor's degree plus additional accounting coursework or a master's program.
Examination
All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination: three Core sections (FAR, REG, AUD) plus one Discipline (BAR, ISC, or TCP). The exam is identical in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions. Prepare with PassTheCPANow for $79 →
Experience
Illinois requires 1 year of qualifying work experience. Most jurisdictions accept experience in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
Ethics
Ethics requirement: AICPA Ethics Exam. Most states use the AICPA Professional Ethics course, but several (New York, Texas, California, Washington, Louisiana) require state-specific ethics education.
Now That You Know the Requirements...
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