Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Business
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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Tied to business.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$79,300 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$79,300Hourly estimate
$38.133% below national median
Difference: -$2,380
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#19 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $96,580 |
| #4 | California | $96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $79,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $78,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $74,290 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $73,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $72,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $77,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,030 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,410 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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/.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.