ILCPA Requirements 2026
Illinois CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Illinois
150
Credit Hours
1
Year Experience
$150
License Fee
120
CPE Hours/3 Years
Key Facts
- ✓150 credit hours required for licensure
- ✓Can sit for exam with 120 credits
- ✓3-year license renewal cycle
- ✓120 hours of CPE required every 3 years
Education & Experience Requirements
Verify Before Applying: Requirements shown are for informational purposes and may have changed. Always confirm current requirements with the official state board before beginning your application.
Education Requirements
Degree RequiredBachelor's degree
Total Credit Hours150
Accounting Credits30
Business Credits24
Additional Requirements:
- •Must include auditing, tax, and management accounting
Experience Requirements
Total Experience12 months (1 year)
SupervisionLicensed CPA
Acceptable Experience Types:
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
Education to Sit120 credits with accounting concentration
Minimum Age18 years
Residency RequiredNo
SSN RequiredYes
Licensing & CPE
Initial License Fee$150
Renewal Fee$150
Renewal Period3 years
CPE Hours Required120 per 3 years
Ethics CPE RequiredYes
Illinois State Board of Accountancy
Illinois Board of Examiners
Application Tips
- 1.Verify current requirements on the official state board website before applying
- 2.Have official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
- 3.Allow 4-6 weeks for application processing
- 4.Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
Disclaimer: Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois State Board of Accountancy before beginning your application. Last updated: 2026-02-06.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Illinois allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours. The full 150 hours are required for licensure.
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