Illinois

Applying for the Uniform CPA Examination

Please visit the Illinois Board of Examiners website for more information.

1. Apply through your state board of accountancy.
2. You will receive an email stating you have been found eligible for the CPA Exam and that you must submit payment for your payment coupon before issuance of your NTS.
3. Sign up for an Okta account using the CPA Mobile App or through the web at https://dashboard.nasba.org. Please refrain from using work or school emails when creating your account.

4. After creating your Okta account, you will receive a verification email which you will use to activate your Okta account.
5. You will then be asked to “Set up security methods”. If you select “Google Authenticator” please pay attention to the instructions on your mobile device as to where the verification code is being stored. Your device may default to “Passwords” (Apple) or ask to “Open with” (Android). If you choose to save to “Passwords” or select a different application to “Open with” then that is where you will retrieve your six-digit verification code each time you sign in.
6. Now you will be able to log into your NASBA Application Dashboard.
7. Click the CPA Portal button. You will see two options, ‘New Candidate’ or ‘Existing Candidate.’
8. You will select “Existing Candidate” and enter your candidate information to complete your CPA Portal enrollment. You will use the Jurisdiction ID from your eligibility email. You will then receive a second email which is used to verify your enrollment into the CPA Portal.

Note: Once completed, you will have access to your CPA Portal. The CPA Portal will be your CPA Examination Homepage where you can submit payments for all payment coupons, view and print your receipts for payments made through NASBA, Notice to Schedules (NTS), and Score Notices.

9. To obtain your NTS you must click “Payments and Receipts” then click “Pay for Payment Coupon Payment”

Note: Payment coupons have an expiration date. If your coupon expires before payment is submitted, you will need to submit a new application through your state board. Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) validity period does not begin until payment is completed.

Note: Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) will be available to view/print from your CPA Portal within four business days of paying your coupon. If you do not receive your NTS, call a NASBA Candidate Service Associate at 1-866-MY-NASBA or [email protected].

10. To apply for additional exam sections, you would need to submit a new application through the Illinois Board of Examiners website for more information.

Transcripts

If you have completed educational requirements at accredited institutions outside the U.S:

• NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES) is the only acceptable evaluation service for international transcripts. There are no exceptions.
• You must request a course-by-course evaluation for the purpose of taking the CPA Exam in Illinois. Any other evaluation will be denied.
• Education from schools located outside the U.S. with U.S. regional accreditation must be evaluated by NIES.

Payment Coupon

This service allows you to pay the Exam fees via a NASBA Payment Coupon. The NASBA Payment Coupon is sent to you via the contact preference as indicated on your application/registration. If you have not received a NASBA Payment Coupon, you cannot pay the Exam fees via this service.

You need your Payment Coupon and credit card to proceed.

You should receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) within four business days of paying your Exam fee. If you do not receive your NTS, call a NASBA Candidate Service Associate at 1-866-MY-NASBA or [email protected].

You will not be able to schedule an Exam appointment or take the Exam without a valid NTS.

Whom Should I Contact?

Contact NASBA: For questions about receiving/replacing your NTS, payment coupons (if applicable) and general comments about the test center where you took the Exam:

Contact Prometric: For questions about scheduling, rescheduling or canceling your Exam appointment:

For questions about name and/or address changes, Exam scores and eligibility to take the Exam:

• Contact the Board of Accountancy you submitted your application to directly, OR
• Contact the Board designee (e.g., CPA Examination Services) to which you submitted your application.

Applicants with Disabilities

In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, examination administration accommodations are available, should you qualify. You must submit requests for ADA testing accommodations directly to your state board of accountancy for processing.

Review this list of pre-approved items: https://www.prometric.com/pre-approved-items , as accommodations are not required for any of the pre-approved items. Effective May 1, 2023, Prometric began to allow candidates to bring water (still/non-carbonated) into the test room during their exam (All water must be in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other test aids during the security check.)

** Make sure ALL approved accommodations are listed on your Notice to Schedule and show up on Prometric’s website when scheduling your exam appointment. **