CPA Exam
Certification
The Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) protects the public interest by evaluating academic credentials, approving candidates to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam, and issuing a certificate of CPA Exam Completion to individuals who pass the Uniform CPA Exam and the AICPA Ethics Exam.
New and Returning Candidates
New Candidates
Learn about the CPA requirements and the approval process.
Approved Candidates
Learn about testing and the certification process.
Returning Candidates
Resume your testing, verify your credentials and more.
ILBOE Announcements
Score Release
Scores for October 24 to November 15 have been released. The next score release date is December 16 for tests taken between November 16 and December 8.
Official paper score notices with the comparative performance report are mailed out 2-3 weeks after the score release date.
New Education Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2023, candidates who request Option #4 can be approved to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam upon earning 120 semester credit hours including 24 hours in accounting with at least one course in Audit and one course in Tax. The candidate must also have a minimum of 12 hours of business courses and a baccalaureate degree. Provisional approval will be available as well for students completing these requirements in the final term in which they receive a degree. To be approved under Options 1 or 2, candidates must meet the current (2022) requirements.
In order to be certified, all Option #4 candidates will still need a total of 150 semester hours of earned credit, a total of 30 hours of accounting including courses in tax, audit, managerial and financial accounting. Students will also need a total of 24 hours of business including three hours of business ethics and two hours of business communication. Finally, all candidates must also complete the AICPA Ethics course.
CPA Exam 2024 Infrastructure Changes
The AICPA has approved multiple structural changes to the CPA Exam effective in 2024 with the launch of the Evolution-aligned exam. For details click here.
New CPA licensure model moves forward
NASBA and the AICPA Governing Council have voted to support the CPA Evolution initiative. This initiative seeks to design and implement a new approach to CPA licensure.
FAQ
Have a question for us? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we at ILBOE get:
Don’t see an answer to your question? Please click here to see all frequently asked questions.
How do I get started?
To begin, create an online account submit the application that best reflects your education, and ask every post-secondary school you have attended to send in your official transcript.
Does work experience need to be included with my transcripts?
Work experience gained during an internship as part of a post-secondary school’s degree requirements will most likely count toward your credentials evaluation. Work experience not earned at a post-secondary school may be relevant when you apply for a license with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
How will I know if I am approved or found deficient?
Upon making your application, you will be asked to provide an email address. The ILBOE sends all communications to that email address.
How do I get Provisional Approval?
Provisional approval is automatically granted if you are eligible. Be sure to list your current classes on your credentials evaluation application.
How do I get an NTS?
An NTS is the last step of the application process. You cannot get an NTS until your credentials have been evaluated and you have been approved to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam.
Can I make an appointment to talk to someone about my credentials?
No. The ILBOE does not provide advisement services.
