CPA LICENSURE · IL

Illinois

Verified. CARE checked this jurisdiction's requirements against an official or official-sourced page as of 2026-09-30. Requirements change — always confirm current details with the board before making a decision.

BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (licensing), with the Illinois Board of Examiners administering the Exam
idfpr.illinois.gov

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

To sit for the Exam: 120 semester hours, including 24 semester hours of accounting (including taxation and audit) and 12 semester hours of business-related courses. For certification: 150 semester hours total. Beginning January 1, 2027, Illinois plans to add two alternative pathways: a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration plus 2 years of experience, or a master's degree with an accounting concentration plus 1 year of experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At least one year of full-time experience (roughly 1,500+ hours annually, or 2,000 part-time-equivalent hours over more than one but less than four years), verified by a licensed CPA.

SEPARATE ETHICS EXAM REQUIRED?

Not yet independently verified by CARE — confirm with the board.

CAN YOU SIT FOR THE EXAM BEFORE FINISHING ALL EDUCATION?

Yes — candidates can typically sit for the Exam before finishing all coursework required for full licensure (e.g. at 120 semester hours, finishing the rest before licensure).

APPLICATION NOTES

Illinois splits exam administration (Illinois Board of Examiners, ilboe.org) from licensing (IDFPR) — candidates deal with both agencies at different stages. New pathways take effect January 1, 2027.

SOURCE

https://www.ilboe.org/education-requirements/ — accessed 2026-09-30

CARE CPA Prep prepares candidates for the national Uniform CPA Examination — the same Exam content regardless of where you plan to be licensed. This page is licensure-process information, not Exam content; for the Exam itself, see the six Exam sections, and for the general national pattern behind these state rules, see eligibility & experience requirements.

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