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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Illinois

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Illinois

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Tied to business
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,300 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Illinois

With a median salary of 79,300, Certified Public Accountants in Illinois earn 3% below the national median of $81,680. Illinois ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,451

Median annual salary

$79,300

Hourly estimate

$38.13
3% below national median

Difference: -$2,380

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$51,690
  • P2525th percentile$64,360
  • P50Median$79,300
  • P7575th percentile$100,540
  • P9090th percentile$132,080

State vs National Median

State: $79,300
National: $81,680

Total employment: 54,690 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York101,780
#2New Jersey101,340
#3Massachusetts96,580
#4California96,360
#5Washington96,180

Nearby States Comparison

Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Illinois$79,300Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Wisconsin$78,150Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Iowa$74,290Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Missouri$73,210No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$72,220Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Indiana$77,410Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Illinois54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786

Phone: 2177828556

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Illinois

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$79,320No educational requirements6-24 months
Civil Engineer$97,640No educational requirements6-24 months
Financial Advisor$104,310Varies by state board6-24 months
Funeral Director$60,680Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Illinois?

Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.

What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois?

The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Illinois.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Illinois?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Illinois is 79,300. Salaries range from $51,690 (10th percentile) to $132,080 (90th percentile).

How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Illinois compare to the national average?

Certified Public Accountants in Illinois earn 3% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 79,300.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Illinois?

Illinois employs approximately 54,690 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Illinois from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in Illinois?

The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.