Information for CPA Exam Candidates
The CPA designation opens doors to diverse careers, providing individuals with the flexibility to accomplish just about anything in the business world. The following information is provided to help students chart their path toward the coveted title of “Certified Public Accountant.”

Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin
The new Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin replaces the previous Information for Uniform CPA Examination Candidates booklet. The Bulletin provides basic information about the computerized CPA examination, effective April 2004. This document helps candidates understand changes in the examination and provides guidance on the overall CPA examination process: applying to take the exam, scheduling and taking exam sections and receiving grades.

To view the Uniform CPA Examination Bulletin, click on the following link:
www.cpa-exam.org/cpa/bulletin.html.

Up-to-date Information about the Computerized CPA Exam
The best place to find up-to-date information on the CPA exam (general exam information, content specifications for the various sections of the computerized exam, examples of exam questions, etc.) is the AICPA website.

State Board of Accountancy Requirements
The educational requirements vary depending upon the state in which a student plans to apply to sit for the exam. Links to State Board Requirements may be found by clicking on the link below. This page includes a link to an interactive map on NASBA's web site that contains CPA licensure requirements for each of the 54 U.S. jurisdictions. NASBA will continue to update this information as it become available.

Illinois CPA Exam Education Requirements
Access information on the requirements for candidates for the Illinois CPA Exam by clicking on the following links:
Illinois Board of Examiners
Illinois CPA Exam Requirements (PDF file)
Provisional Approval for CPA Exam Eligibility Memo (PDF file)

Review the course requirements to take the Illinois CPA Exam that are available at College of DuPage at:
Qualifying Accounting Courses at College of DuPage (PDF file)
Qualifying Business Courses at College of DuPage (PDF file)

View a grid comparing each part of the CPA exam to qualifying accounting and business courses at College of DuPage at:
Grid Comparing CPA Exam to Qualifying Courses at College of DuPage (PDF file)

Additional Certification Ethics Exam Requirement in Illinois
Effective January 1, 2005, Illinois candidates are also required to pass a separate ethics exam on the rules of professional conduct before they will be certified by the Illinois Board of Examiners as CPAs. This requirement must be fulfilled by completing the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct Self-Study Course. Access information about the AICPA course at:
Illinois Board of Examiners Required Exam on Rules of Professional Conduct (PDF File)

International Candidates
Students who have attended educational institutions outside of the United States need their transcripts evaluated. For more information, visit: International Students.

Tutorial and Practice Test
To take a practice test, visit: Tutorial and Practice Test

CPA Review
An extensive amount of information is covered on the exam. A review course might help you achieve that passing grade.
Northern Illinois University CPA Review

Additional Web Sites
The following web sites provide additional information as you prepare to become a Certified Public Accountant.
The CPA Exam
Illinois Board of Examiners
The CPA Exam Alert
Bureau of Labor Statistics