How to Get a CPA License in Illinois

• Education requirement: 150 semester hours with a baccalaureate degree. Must include 30 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business.. Many providers offer online options, giving you flexibility to study on your own schedule.
• The licensing exam: The Uniform CPA Examination is administered by NASBA/Prometric. You'll need to score at least 75 on each section to pass. Study materials and practice exams are available from most education providers.
• Already licensed in another state? Illinois participates in CPA Mobility. Substantial equivalency recognized.
• Background check required: Illinois requires a criminal background check as part of the application process. Plan for additional processing time and fees.
• Online application available: Illinois accepts online applications, which can speed up processing time.
• Ongoing requirements: Once licensed, you'll need 120 hours of continuing education every 3 years. 120 hours of CPE every 3 years, including 4 hours of ethics.

How Illinois Compares

Illinois requires 150 hours of pre-license education for cpas. This is close to the national average of 150 hours. The average total cost in Illinois is around $2,250, compared to the national average of $2,199. Illinois's 3-year renewal cycle is longer than the national average of 1.8 years.

• Choose your education provider carefully: Compare prices, format (online vs. in-person), and reviews. Some providers offer exam prep materials bundled with the course, which can save you money. Check the Illinois Board of Examiners website for a list of approved providers.
• Don't rush the exam: With 150 hours of required coursework, consider a structured schedule — completing one course at a time helps avoid burnout. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before scheduling your test date.
• Use a CPA review course: The Uniform CPA Exam is notoriously difficult. Invest in a reputable review course (Becker, Roger, Wiley, etc.) and create a structured study schedule. Most candidates spend 300-400 hours total studying across all four sections.
• Budget for the full process: Beyond the $1,500-$3,000 in fees, plan for CPA review courses ($1,500-$3,500), study materials, and potentially the 5th year of college to reach 150 credit hours. Many employers offer CPA exam reimbursement — ask about this during job interviews.
• Budget approximately $3,000 for your Illinois license: This includes $120 in application fees, $344 for the exam, and education costs. Once licensed, plan for $150 in renewal fees every 3 years.