Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Illinois data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Becoming a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in Illinois means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Illinois regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

The initial price tag is $464, and renewal costs $372 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 80-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$464
Renewal Fee
$372
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

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Compare all states for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) All Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and a $464 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois? ▼
Illinois licenses certified public accountant (cpa)s who complete its requirements (1 year of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Illinois licensing board.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Illinois from another state? ▼
For certified public accountant (cpa)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Illinois licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Illinois require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing? ▼
Illinois does require a background check before issuing a certified public accountant (cpa) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois? ▼
Illinois ties continued certified public accountant (cpa) licensure to 80 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $372 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.