Thanks! From the research I've done so far, no licensing is needed to open a business as a bookkeeper in Illinois. However, I believe you do need a CPA to open a business as a certified accountant (not that I would open such a business without it). I feel that having both bachelors and masters in accounting will give me an advantage as a bookkeeper over those that have little training. I plan on stressing this in my advertising and when meeting with potential clients.