The CPA exam cost in Chicago ranges from $1,200–$1,900 in 2026, depending on exam section fees, application fees, study materials, and preparation costs. Illinois candidates pay a one-time $120–$200 application fee, plus $344.80 per exam section, totaling $1,379.20 for all four. Additional expenses include $150–$350 for registration, $50–$150 for score transfers, and $300–$900 for review courses. Many candidates also spend $50–$150 on study tools, practice banks, or flashcards. Altogether, most Chicago CPA candidates invest around $1,200–$1,900 to fully prepare for and complete the exam process.

CPA exam costs in Chicago range from $1,200–$1,900 in 2026. Learn application fees, section prices, review course costs, and total expenses for Illinois CPA candidates.

How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost in Chicago?

The CPA exam cost in Chicago includes several state-specific fees such as the application fee, exam section fees, registration charges, and optional score services. Along with these mandatory costs, most candidates also purchase exam prep materials, practice tools, and review courses. While the base exam fees are standardized nationwide, Illinois-specific requirements affect the total cost. Understanding each fee category helps Chicago candidates budget accurately for the entire CPA exam journey.

Illinois CPA Exam Application Fee

Before sitting for any CPA exam section, Chicago candidates must pay the Illinois application fee. This fee is paid to the Illinois Board of Examiners to verify transcripts, education, and eligibility. The cost varies depending on the applicant’s academic background and whether additional document checks are required.

The application fee is a one-time payment and is not refundable, making it essential for candidates to ensure all documents are complete before submitting their application.

Illinois CPA applicants pay an application fee of $120–$200, depending on document complexity and evaluation levels.
Candidates who require international transcript evaluations may pay $50–$150 extra, depending on credential verification agencies.
Reapplication fees apply if documents are incomplete or if years pass without examination progress, costing $50–$100 per reprocessing.
Applicants who have multiple prior degrees or complex transcript histories may incur additional costs depending on processing time and required evaluation steps.

Exam Section Fees (4 Parts)

The CPA exam includes four sections: AUD, FAR, REG, and ISC (replacing BEC). Each Chicago candidate must pay for all four parts. These exam fees are standardized across the U.S. and do not vary by location. Illinois candidates pay the same per-section fee as other states.

Each exam fee is paid to NASBA and covers the cost of creating, administering, and securing the exam. Candidates must pay again if they fail a section and need to retake it.

Each CPA exam section in Illinois costs $344.80, making the total exam fee $1,379.20 for all four parts.
Retaking any section adds another $344.80, increasing total costs depending on pass rates and preparation levels.
Candidates scheduling multiple sections at once must pay for each during registration, making upfront costs higher.
The fee includes Prometric testing charges, administrative support, and secure exam delivery across centers.

Registration and Re-Registration Fees

Illinois requires candidates to pay registration fees before scheduling specific CPA exam sections. These fees depend on how many sections candidates sign up for in a single batch. Registering for more sections at once reduces cost per section and simplifies scheduling.

Registration fees are non-refundable and must be paid again whenever a candidate’s Notice to Schedule expires or when new exams are added.

Registering for one section costs around $75–$100, depending on Illinois rules for that testing year.
Registering for two sections averages $120–$150, offering slight savings compared to single-section fees.
Registering for all four sections at once typically costs $200–$250, making it the most cost-efficient method.
Re-registration fees must be paid if exam windows expire, costing $75–$200 depending on the sections re-added.

CPA Review Course and Study Material Costs

Most Chicago CPA candidates purchase review materials to prepare effectively for all four exam sections. The cost varies widely depending on the brand, depth of content, and whether extras such as tutoring or live classes are included.

While not mandatory, review courses significantly improve pass rates, making them one of the largest but most beneficial expenses for CPA exam candidates in Chicago.

Full CPA review courses cost $500–$900 for basic packages that include video lessons, questions, and practice banks.
Premium packages from top providers range from $1,000–$1,800, including coaching, analytics, simulations, and performance reports.
A single-section course may cost $200–$350, useful for candidates retaking individual parts.
Additional study tools such as flashcards, question banks, and mock exams cost $50–$150 depending on provider and platform.

Prometric Testing Center Costs

While the CPA exam fee covers Prometric’s standard testing cost, some specific requests add additional charges. These fees apply if candidates need special accommodations, rescheduling flexibility, or last-minute booking changes.

Chicago has multiple authorized Prometric centers, each following uniform pricing and scheduling rules that apply nationally.

Rescheduling exam dates more than 30 days in advance typically costs $0, offering flexibility for early adjustments.
Rescheduling within 30 days may cost $35–$50, depending on Prometric’s current policies.
Last-minute rescheduling within 24 hours costs $100, adding cost for unexpected schedule conflicts.
Canceling or missing an exam forfeits the entire section fee, requiring candidates to pay $344.80 again for a retake.

Illinois Score Reporting and Transfer Fees

Illinois offers optional services for candidates who need additional score handling, such as extra score reports or transferring scores to another state licensing board. These fees apply only to special cases but are important to consider for long-term planning.

Many candidates use these services when moving out of Illinois or switching state boards due to changes in residency or job opportunities.

Additional score reports cost $30–$50 depending on how many copies a candidate orders.
Score transfers between state boards cost $50–$150, depending on the destination jurisdiction.
Score verifications or reviews cost $75–$150, used mainly by candidates disputing questionable results.
Document authentication services cost $20–$40, often used for international licensing requirements.

Total CPA Exam Cost in Chicago

When combining exam fees, registration costs, prep materials, and optional services, most Chicago candidates fall into a predictable range. Though the base exam itself costs just over $1,300, preparation and administrative fees increase the real investment.

Candidates pursuing multiple study subscriptions, retakes, premium courses, or scheduling adjustments may see higher total costs.

Minimal cost candidates who self-study spend around $1,200–$1,450, covering exam fees and basic registration.
Standard candidates using review courses spend $1,500–$1,900, covering all exam fees plus solid study materials.
Retake candidates or those using premium coaching packages may spend $2,000–$2,800, depending on repetition and advanced tools.
Most Chicago candidates aim for $1,200–$1,900, which covers the average cost of passing all four CPA exam sections.

Summary Table

Cost Category	Typical Cost (Chicago 2026)
Application Fee	$120–$200
Exam Section Fees (4 Total)	$1,379.20
Registration Fees	$75–$250
Review Courses	$500–$900
Study Tools	$50–$150
Score Services	$30–$150
Total CPA Exam Cost	$1,200–$1,900

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to take all CPA exam parts in Chicago?

The four CPA exam sections cost $1,379.20 total, not including application or registration fees.

2. Is the CPA exam more expensive in Illinois than other states?

The exam section fees are the same nationwide, but Illinois application and registration fees differ slightly from other states.

3. How much do CPA review courses cost?

Most candidates in Chicago pay $500–$900 for a complete course, or up to $1,800 for premium packages.

4. Do I need to pay again if I fail a CPA exam section?

Yes. Retaking a section costs $344.80 plus new registration fees.

5. How long are CPA exam scores valid in Illinois?

Scores are valid for 18 months, and you must pass all sections within this rolling window.

6. Can I get a refund for CPA exam fees?

No. Exam fees are non-refundable even if you cancel or miss the exam.

7. Does Chicago require extra fees beyond exam costs?

No. CPA exam fees are statewide, and Chicago does not charge additional local fees for exam candidates.

CPA Exam Cost in Chicago IL [2026 Guide]