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.
Qualifying CPA Business Courses at College of DuPage
It is recommended that CPA candidates choose from the following College of DuPage courses. All courses listed below qualify to meet the 24-semester hour/36-quarter business hours requirement.
- Business
- Business 1100 Introduction to Business 3 semester hours
- Business 2200 Business Budgeting 3 semester hours
- Business 2210 Principles of Finance 3 semester hours
- Business 2255 International Business 3 semester hours
- Business 2260 International Finance 3 semester hours
- Business Law
- Business Law 2211 Business Law I 3 semester hours
- Business Law 2212 Business Law II 3 semester hours
- Economics
- Economics 2201 Macroeconomics and the Global Economy 3 semester hours
- Economics 2202 Microeconomics and the Global Economy 3 semester hours
- Management
- Management 2210 Principles of Management 3 semester hours
- Management 2220 Organizational Behavior 3 semester hours
- Marketing
- Marketing 2210 Principles of Marketing 3 semester hours
- Philosophy
- Philosophy 1114 Business Ethics 3 semester hours
- Grid Comparing CPA Exam to Qualifying Courses at College of DuPage
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
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