Illinois requires a state-level cpa license. The licensing authority is State Board of Accountancy. The median salary is $84,670 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Illinois requires a cpa to hold a state license. Prepare and examine financial records, ensure taxes are paid properly, and provide financial planning advice. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Accountancy.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | 150 semester hours of college education (typically bachelor's + 30 additional hours) |
| Experience Details | 150 semester hours of college education (typically bachelor's + 30 additional hours) |
Illinois requires passing the Illinois CPA Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $344.
| Exam Name | Illinois CPA Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Uniform CPA Examination |
| Application Fee | $344 |
Getting licensed as a cpa in Illinois takes 12 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $344 and renewal fees of $344 every 2 years. Continuing education of 40 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $344 |
| License Renewal | $344 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 40 hours |
CPAs in Illinois earn a median salary of $84,670, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Illinois |
| National average | $86,080 |
Yes — Illinois requires a state-level cpa license. Prepare and examine financial records, ensure taxes are paid properly, and provide financial planning advice.
The required exam is the Illinois CPA Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $344.
The median annual salary for cpas in Illinois is $84,670. The national median is $86,080.
Illinois requires 40 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 12 months including experience requirements.