Illinois
Certified Public Accountant CE & renewal requirements in Illinois (2026)
120 CPE per renewal, on a 36-month renewal cycle with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Public Accountancy).
Renewal cycle
Every 36 months
Triennial; reporting period Oct 1 - Sep 30 triennially, license renews Sep 30; first renewal period after initial licensure is CPE-exempt
Continuing education
120 CPE per renewal
120 CPE hours per 3-year cycle, including 4 hrs professional ethics and 1 hr sexual harassment prevention training; excess hours do not carry to next cycle
- Ethics
- Sexual Harassment Prevention
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Public Accountancy) · Verified July 5, 2026
Rules change — always confirm current requirements with your board before relying on this page. Visit Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Public Accountancy)
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- How often do cpas renew their license in Illinois?
- Triennial; reporting period Oct 1 - Sep 30 triennially, license renews Sep 30; first renewal period after initial licensure is CPE-exempt
- How many CPE do I need in Illinois?
- 120 CPE per renewal. 120 CPE hours per 3-year cycle, including 4 hrs professional ethics and 1 hr sexual harassment prevention training; excess hours do not carry to next cycle
- Where do I renew my Certified Public Accountant license in Illinois?
- Through Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Public Accountancy). We verified these details on 2026-07-05 — always confirm with the board before your deadline.
- Is this page official?
- No — Credlark is an independent organizational tool, not the licensing board. This page cites its source and check date; use it to plan, then confirm with your board.