{"id":14489,"date":"2025-11-21T12:15:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T20:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intuitblog.com\/?p=14489"},"modified":"2025-11-24T08:19:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T16:19:01","slug":"how-to-become-a-cpa-in-illinois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/how-to-become-a-cpa-in-illinois\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a CPA in Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This guide breaks down the entire path step by step: education requirements, the CPA Exam process, timelines, costs, and the jobs available once you\u2019re licensed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Points<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Illinois requires 150 semester hours of education, including specific coursework, to become a CPA.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can sit for the CPA Exam after 120 hours, but you\u2019ll need 150 to get licensed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must complete 1 year of supervised work experience and pass the AICPA ethics exam before applying for your license.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CPA Exam includes 4 sections, and candidates have 30 months after passing their first section to pass the rest.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illinois does not require residency to become a licensed CPA.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CPA Eligibility Requirements in Illinois&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois sets a few minimum requirements for becoming a licensed CPA:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Education: <\/strong>150 total semester hours (bachelor\u2019s or higher) with specific accounting and business coursework&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exam: <\/strong>Pass all 4 sections within 30 months (after ILBOE approves you to test)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethics: <\/strong>Complete the AICPA Professional Ethics course\/exam&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experience: <\/strong>1 year of relevant, full-time accounting work (or the part-time equivalent)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, we\u2019ll walk through each step in more detail, from completing your education to applying for your license.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Your CPA License in Illinois&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming a licensed CPA in Illinois isn\u2019t just about passing a test. It\u2019s a journey that takes time, effort, and persistence. But once you understand the process, each step is clear and achievable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll go through 2 main stages:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Certification, Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE):<\/strong> This is where you prove you\u2019ve met the education requirements, pass the CPA Exam, and complete the Ethics Exam. Once certified, you receive a CPA certificate number.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Licensing, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR):<\/strong> After certification, you apply for your license with IDFPR. This step requires your work experience and makes you a fully licensed CPA who can practice.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1: Complete Education Requirements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you can earn your CPA certificate, you must complete 150 semester hours of college credit. Depending on which pathway you follow, you may be able to sit for the CPA Exam after completing 120 hours and then finish your coursework before applying for your certificate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilboe.org\/education-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\">educational requirements<\/a> through several different pathways, depending on your degree and the accreditation of your programs:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option 1: Graduate degree in accounting<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need a graduate degree specifically in accounting (like a master\u2019s in accounting) from a school that\u2019s properly recognized by the Illinois Board. The accounting program must have special accreditation, specifically either:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, OR&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option 2: Graduate degree in business or accounting<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A graduate degree in either business (like an MBA) or accounting from a school whose business department has AACSB or ACBSP accreditation&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> This is different from Option 1. Here, it\u2019s the business department that needs accreditation, not necessarily the accounting program specifically.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At least 30 semester hours specifically in accounting courses, which must include at least:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 course in financial accounting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 course in managerial accounting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 course in tax&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 course in audit&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exam at 120 hours:<\/strong> You can sit for the CPA Exam at 120 hours as long as you have completed 24 semester hours in accounting (including 1 course in tax and 1 in audit)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option 3: General bachelor\u2019s or non-accredited graduate degree<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need 1 of these degree options:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A bachelor&#8217;s degree in anything (accounting, history, engineering, whatever) from a regionally accredited school&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A graduate degree in accounting or business from a school that does NOT have AACSB or ACBSP accreditation for its business\/accounting programs&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A graduate degree in something other than accounting or business (like a master&#8217;s in education, engineering, etc.) from a regionally accredited school&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, you must have:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30 semester hours in accounting courses, including at least 1 course each in:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial Accounting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managerial Accounting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audit&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>24 semester hours in business courses, including:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2 credit hours in business communication&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 credit hours in business ethics&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exam at 120 hours:<\/strong> You can sit for the CPA Exam after 120 hours as long as you\u2019ve completed 24 semester hours in accounting (including 1 class in tax and 1 class in audit) and 12 semester hours in business.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Apply for and Pass the CPA Exam&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve met the educational requirements, you can apply for the exam through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilboe.org\/exam-application\/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Board of Examiners.<\/a> It will evaluate your transcripts and send you a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilboe.org\/notice-to-schedule-and-scheduling\/\" target=\"_blank\">Notice to Schedule (NTS)<\/a> when approved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/cpa-exam\/\" >CPA Exam<\/a> includes 4 parts: 3 Core sections and 1 Discipline section of your choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Core sections:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Auditing and Attestation (AUD)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulation (REG)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 discipline section of your choice:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business Analytics and Reporting (BAR)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information Systems and Controls (ISC)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each section is scored out of 99, and you\u2019ll need a 75 or higher to pass. Once you pass your first section, you\u2019ll have 30 months to complete the remaining 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Fulfill Work Experience Standards&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois requires you to complete 1 year of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Qualifying experience can include accounting, attest, tax, consulting, financial advisory, or management advisory services. You can complete this in public accounting, corporate finance, government agencies, or even education, as long as the work involves CPA-level skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Complete Ethics Requirement&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before applying for your license, you\u2019ll need to pass the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilboe.org\/certification\/certification-process\/\" target=\"_blank\">AICPA Professional Ethics for CPAs course and exam<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need a score of 90% or higher to pass. The course is self-paced and online, so you can complete it alongside your work experience or right after your exams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Apply for Your Illinois CPA License&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve earned certification from the ILBOE, you can apply for your CPA license through the <a href=\"https:\/\/idfpr.illinois.gov\/profs\/pa.html\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation<\/a>. The ILBOE sends your certification to the IDFPR, and after IDFPR updates its systems, you can submit your license application.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Illinois Is a Two-Tier CPA State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois follows a two-tier system for CPA designation. That means there are two distinct steps in becoming a CPA: certification and licensure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve met all education, exam, and ethics requirements, the Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) issues your <strong>CPA certificate.<\/strong> This certificate allows you to call yourself a CPA, but it doesn\u2019t grant the right to practice public accounting or perform attest services, ike audits or reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To practice as a licensed CPA in Illinois \u2014 meaning you can legally sign or supervise attest reports \u2014 you must apply for <strong>licensure<\/strong> through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hold a CPA <strong>certificate<\/strong> but choose not to obtain a <strong>license<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need to register with IDFPR instead. Registered CPAs can still use the CPA title, but they cannot perform attest functions or represent themselves as licensed practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>Some organizations require an active CPA license rather than a registration for certain roles or services. This distinction aligns with IRS guidance, which recognizes active CPA and law licenses for representation before the IRS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA in Illinois?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates might spend 6 to 7 years from college to license. But your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on your school, schedule, and study habits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the typical timeline:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong>: Earning the required 150 semester hours usually takes 5 years, especially if you\u2019re adding a master\u2019s degree or extra coursework after your bachelor\u2019s.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CPA Exam<\/strong>: Once you\u2019ve been approved to test, plan for 6 to 12 months of study to pass all 4 sections. Some candidates might knock it out in 4 months. Others might use the whole 30-month testing window.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work experience<\/strong>: You\u2019ll need 12 months of full-time work under a licensed CPA, which many people complete while studying or right after the exam.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethics and licensing<\/strong>: The AICPA ethics coursework and exam are self-paced and theoretically could be finished in a few days. The licensing application process may take another 6 to 8 weeks to process.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Costs of CPA Licensure in Illinois&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The total cost to become a CPA in Illinois varies depending on how you approach education, prep, and licensing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CPA Exam Fees <\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Application fee<\/strong>: $120 if applying for 4 exam sections ($40 for 1; $76 for 2; $108 for 3)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total exam cost (all 4 sections):<\/strong> $900 (about $225 per section)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retake fees<\/strong>: Same price per section&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total<\/strong>: $1,020 or more, depending on how you navigate the application process and the number of retakes necessary&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Education Costs<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This varies big time. A 4-year degree in the US costs about $109,000 at a public in-state school, $183,000 out-of-state, and $226,000 at a private college, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/educationdata.org\/average-cost-of-college\" target=\"_blank\">Education Data Initiative<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A full master\u2019s program at a public school <a href=\"https:\/\/educationdata.org\/average-cost-of-a-masters-degree\" target=\"_blank\">averages nearly $52,000<\/a> in the US, while earning a degree at a private school averages just over $62,000. That said, many candidates choose a less expensive path by picking up extra credits through community colleges or accredited online courses at a few hundred dollars per credit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CPA Review Course (Optional, But Helpful)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most candidates prepare for the CPA Exam by taking a review course. Depending on the provider, expect to spend $2,000 to $5,000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ethics Exam<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois is among the many states that require CPA candidates to take an ethics exam\u2014specifically, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/cpe-learning\/course\/professional-ethics-the-american-institute-of-certified-public-accountants-comprehensive-course-for-lic\" target=\"_blank\">AICPA ethics exam<\/a>. It\u2019s administered online as a self-study course and costs either $250 or $320, depending on whether you\u2019re an AICPA member.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>License Application<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The initial licensing fee to become a CPA in Illinois is $120. After that, the state will charge you another $40 per year to keep your license current.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ongoing Costs<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois CPAs are required to complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 3-year license renewal period. Of the 120 hours, the state mandates that 4 hours focus on ethics. Costs vary depending on the provider and format\u2014self-study, webinars, or in-person seminars\u2014but most professionals can expect to spend a few hundred dollars each renewal cycle to meet the requirement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Career Outlook for Illinois CPAs&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming a CPA in Illinois opens doors in nearly every industry, from public accounting to corporate finance to government work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few career paths CPAs in Illinois commonly pursue:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public accounting firms (audit, tax, advisory)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate accounting (financial reporting, internal audit, controller roles)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government agencies (IRS, state\/local government, public boards)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Independent consulting or entrepreneurship&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote CPA roles through companies like Intuit&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering where this credential might take you, it\u2019s worth exploring the difference between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/enrolled-agent-v-cpa\/\" >CPAs and enrolled agents<\/a>. Both paths can build rewarding careers. It\u2019s all about what fits your skills and goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Illinois CPA Salaries: What to Expect<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Illinois, CPA salaries range depending on your location, specialty, and experience level. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/oes\/#\/area\/1700000\" target=\"_blank\">US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data<\/a> the average annual salaries for accountants and auditors in Illinois are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>10th-percentile earners: <\/strong>$51,690&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>25th percentile:<\/strong> $79,300&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>75th percentile<\/strong>: $100,540&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>90th percentile:<\/strong> $132,080&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re still deciding what kind of tax career is right for you, here\u2019s a helpful breakdown of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/career-path-tax-preparer\/\" target=\"_blank\">career path for tax preparers<\/a>, from entry level to expert.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs About Becoming a CPA in Illinois&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Once you\u2019re licensed, you can prepare tax returns for clients across the US. But keep in mind: Some states require additional registration if you\u2019re filing as an out-of-state CPA. If you\u2019re offering services in multiple states, it\u2019s smart to double-check local rules or work with a national platform that handles those compliance details for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Entry-level CPAs often start in the low $50,000s to $60,000s, according to BLS data. Experienced professionals and managers can make well into 6 figures. Salaries may climb even higher in high-demand markets like Chicago or in specialized areas such as audit, tax, or advisory.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How often can I retake the CPA exam?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t pass a section, you can retake it. There\u2019s no limit on the number of attempts. You just have to wait for your score to be released before reapplying for that section. Remember that once you pass your first section, you have 30 months to pass the remaining 3.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do you maintain your CPA license?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To keep your CPA license active in Illinois, you\u2019ll need to complete 120 hours of continuing professional education every 3 years, including 4 hours of ethics training. You\u2019ll also need to renew your license and pay a renewal fee.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Start Your CPA Career in Illinois&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about becoming a CPA in Illinois, there\u2019s no better time than now. You\u2019ve got the step-by-step roadmap. Now, it\u2019s all about taking action.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a role with real growth potential, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\" target=\"_blank\">apply now<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/tax-preparer-cpa-jobs-chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\">tax careers in Chicago<\/a> or remote roles with Intuit today. Join us in powering prosperity for millions of customers while building a future that grows with you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\/?id=20240216-ttl-us&amp;cid=seo_blog_tax-gu_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\"class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\"  target=\"_blank\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This guide breaks down the entire path step by step: education requirements, the CPA Exam process, timelines, costs, and the jobs available once you\u2019re licensed.&nbsp; Key Points&nbsp; CPA Eligibility Requirements in Illinois&nbsp; Illinois sets a few minimum requirements for becoming a licensed CPA:&nbsp; Next, we\u2019ll walk through each step in more detail, from completing your<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":151418443,"featured_media":14491,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rkv_browse_by_id":0,"rkv_cta_id":0,"rkv_optimize_for_pagespeed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"useModifiedDate":false,"customPublishDate":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[237496407],"tags":[],"intuit_collection":[],"intuit_series":[],"coauthors":[1399],"class_list":["post-14489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-intuit-experts"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a CPA in Illinois - Intuit Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Illinois? Learn from Intuit what CPAs do and the requirements and steps to earning your CPA license.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/how-to-become-a-cpa-in-illinois\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a CPA in Illinois - Intuit Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Thinking of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Illinois? 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