Teacher lectures to accounting class

Certified Public Accountant Exam

The Certified Public Accountant (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 CPA.

Exam Information

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICAP) digital brochure provides basic information about the computerized CPA examination and can help you understand changes in the examination and provide guidance on the overall CPA examination process including applying to take the exam, scheduling and taking exam sections and receiving grades.

Educational Requirements

CPA educational requirements vary depending upon the state in which a student plans to apply to sit for the exam. Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for licensure requirements. For information on Illinois requirements, visit the Illinois Board of Examiners. 

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.

International Candidates

Students who have attended educational institutions outside of the United States need their transcripts evaluated. Visit the Illinois Board of Examiners for more information.

Tutorial and Practice Test

Get more familiar with the CPA exam by taking a practice test through AICPA. A review course is recommended to help you prepare for the exam.

Contact Information

Maureen McBeth, Program Chair
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1451
(630) 942-2879
Email: mcbeth@cod.edu

Eric Seidelman, Program Support Specialist
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1E10
(630) 942-3573
Email: seidelmane@cod.edu

Anika Collins, Program Advising
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1454D
630) 942-3961
Email: collinsa555@cod.edu

Business and Applied Technology Division
Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 1034
Phone: (630) 942-2592