Clerical Accounting Certificate, PDF file Accounting Certificate, PDF file Advanced Accounting Certificate, PDF file To be admitted to take the CPA Examination, a candidate in Illinois must have successfully completed at least 150 semester hours of acceptable credit, including a baccalaureate or higher degree, including a minimum number of hours in accounting and business courses. The Advanced Accounting certificate is designed for CPA Examination candidates who have already earned a degree with a business-related major (for example, management, marketing, etc.) other than accounting. Business Environment and Concepts Certificate, PDF file The Business Environment and Concepts certificate is designed for CPA Examination candidates who have a non-business baccalaureate degree. As stated above, to be admitted to take the CPA Examination, a candidate in Illinois must have successfully completed at least 150 semester hours of acceptable credit including a baccalaureate or higher degree, including a minimum number of hours in accounting and business courses. CPA Examination candidates having a non-business baccalaureate degree who then earn the Advanced Accounting certificate and the Business Environment and Concepts certificate will accumulate more than the minimum number of hours required. However, the courses required to earn this certificate are considered essential for successful CPA Examination candidates. An introductory computer information systems course, which includes coverage of word processing and spreadsheet applications, will not count toward the accounting or business hours requirements, but is also considered as essential. Review recommended sequences for each of the various certificates: • Recommended Sequence for Clerical Accounting Certificate (PDF file) • Recommended Sequence for Accounting Certificate (PDF file) • Recommended Sequences for Advanced Accounting Certificate (PDF file)