CPA / Accounting License from Illinois to Nebraska: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy ↗
Yes — Nebraska recognizes CPA licenses from all states, including Illinois. Apply to the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
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Verdict
Full reciprocity
Nebraska recognizes substantial equivalency, so your Illinois CPA license clears the bar on its own — the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy cares that you are a CPA in good standing, not that your license came from Illinois. What remains is Nebraska-side: verification through CPAverify.org, the reciprocal application and fee, a background check, and any Nebraska ethics or rules-of-conduct exam. Do the mobility math first, though — if Nebraska is not becoming your principal place of business, practice privilege may let you work there without this application at all.
What changes, Illinois → Nebraska
| Illinois (current) | Nebraska (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 150 | 150 |
| Application fee | $120 ($120 Licensed CPA application fee (same for all methods, including endorsement); non-refundable) | $200 (initial certificate fee for a reciprocal certificate; unsuccessful applications incur a $100 administrative processing fee; statute caps the reciprocal fee at $400) |
| Processing time | IDFPR publishes no processing time; an application stays active for three years from receipt. | the Board does not publish a processing time for reciprocal certificate applications |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation | Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Nebraska sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Nebraska's current requirements on the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold a CPA certificate in full force and effect in at least one other US state.
- Be a resident of Nebraska, have a place of business in Nebraska, or be regularly employed in the state.
- Complete 150 semester hours in the required subject areas with a baccalaureate degree or higher.
- Submit the Authorization for Interstate Exchange of Examination and Licensure Information to the original board.
- If lacking the 150 hours, qualify instead under the 'Reciprocal 4 in 10' path (at least four years of experience in the practice of public accountancy within the preceding ten years).
- Pay the fees ($200 (initial certificate fee for a reciprocal certificate; unsuccessful applications incur a $100 administrative processing fee; statute caps the reciprocal fee at $400)) and allow the Board does not publish a processing time for reciprocal certificate applications.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Nebraska accept a Illinois CPA license?
Yes — Nebraska recognizes CPA licenses from all states, including Illinois. Apply to the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
Do I retake the CPA Exam moving from Illinois to Nebraska?
No — the Uniform CPA Exam transfers with your license. The Uniform CPA Examination is not retaken; the original state verifies the applicant's exam grades and successful completion via the Authorization for Interstate Exchange of Examination and Licensure Information (national lookup at CPAverify.org). Nebraska requires no separate state rules exam for reciprocal applicants..
Do I need a Nebraska license, or does mobility cover the move?
If Nebraska becomes your principal place of business, you apply to the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy for a reciprocal license. If you are only serving Nebraska clients from Illinois, practice privilege usually covers you with no Nebraska license, notice, or fee.
What does the Illinois-to-Nebraska move cost?
$200 (initial certificate fee for a reciprocal certificate; unsuccessful applications incur a $100 administrative processing fee; statute caps the reciprocal fee at $400) (initial certificate fee for a reciprocal certificate; unsuccessful applications incur a $100 administrative processing fee; statute caps the reciprocal fee at $400).
Can I keep my Illinois CPA license after licensing in Nebraska?
Yes — CPA licenses stack, and many CPAs hold more than one. Keep the Illinois license active (its renewal and CPE run separately) and mobility covers the states where you hold none.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy — Licensing Requirements / Apply for Certificate (residency, 150 hours, reciprocal certificate) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy — Reciprocal CPA Certificate Application (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy — '4 in 10' Reciprocal CPA Certificate Application (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — (065) Licensed CPA Application Checklist / User Guide (Endorsement method; substantial equivalency OR 4 years in 10; $120 fee all methods; no ethics exam) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — License qualifications for Certified Public Accountant (065), revised 09/2025 (endorsement path; exam certification sent directly to IDFPR) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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