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. PassTheCPANow currently covers the three Core sections (FAR, REG, AUD); BAR/ISC/TCP discipline coverage is in development. 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...
You still have to pass the hardest part — the exam itself. PassTheCPANow teaches pattern recognition for $79, versus $1,800–$6,000+ for traditional courses.
890 pattern-based MCQs • 60 textbook chapters • Lifetime access