How to Get Your Real Estate License in Illinois

Are you wondering how you get your real estate license in Illinois? This is an exciting first step toward joining one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries in the Prairie State. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the entire licensing process into manageable steps, covering requirements, costs, timelines, and insider tips to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking for a complete career change or want to add real estate expertise to your professional toolkit, you’ll learn everything you need to know about obtaining your Illinois real estate license.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you can begin your journey to become a licensed real estate agent in Illinois, you must meet several basic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: You need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Legal Status: You must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Background Check: Illinois requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check.
• Residency: You don’t need to be an Illinois resident to get licensed in the state, but you must maintain a valid address where the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) can reach you.

Step 2: Complete the Required Pre-License Education

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education before you can take the state exam. This coursework must cover specific topics mandated by the state:

Required Course Topics:

• Real estate law and regulations.
• Property ownership and land use controls.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Financing and real estate mathematics.
• Real estate contracts and agency relationships.
• Property management and landlord-tenant law.
• Fair housing and ethical practices.

Choosing a School: Select an Illinois-approved real estate school. Options include:

• Traditional classroom instruction.
• Online courses.
• Hybrid programs combining online and in-person elements.

Course Duration: Most students complete their 75 hours over 4-8 weeks, depending on their schedule and the format they choose.

Cost: Pre-license courses typically range from $300 to $800, depending on the provider and format.

Step 3: Apply for Your License and Schedule the Exam

Once you’ve completed your pre-license education, you can apply for your license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Application Process:

• Create an account on the IDFPR website.
• Complete the online application form.
• Submit proof of your completed 75-hour education.
• Pay the application fee (currently $75).
• Undergo the required background check.

Exam Scheduling: After your application is approved, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your exam with PSI Services, the testing provider for Illinois real estate exams.

Exam Fee: The state exam costs $65, paid directly to PSI Services when you schedule your test.

Step 4: Pass the Illinois Real Estate License Exam

The Illinois real estate license exam consists of two portions: a national section and a state-specific section.

Exam Format:

• National portion: 85 questions.
• Illinois state portion: 40 questions.
• Total time allowed: 4 hours.
• Passing score: 75% on each section.

Exam Topics:

• Property ownership and land use.
• Laws of agency and fiduciary duties.
• Property disclosure and environmental issues.
• Contracts and relationships.
• Property valuation and appraisal.
• Financing.
• Transfer of title.
• Practice of real estate.
• Real estate calculations.

Preparation Tips:

• Use practice exams and study guides.
• Focus extra attention on Illinois-specific laws and regulations.
• Review real estate math problems thoroughly.
• Consider taking an Illinois test prep course if you need additional support.

Real Estate Exam Prep Platforms

To maximize your chances of passing the Illinois real estate exam on your first attempt, consider using a professional exam prep platform like Lexawise. Quality exam prep tools can make the difference between passing and failing, especially given the 75% passing score requirement for both portions of the exam.

Lexawise offers a complete exam preparation package specifically designed for real estate licensing exams:

• 4,500+ Exam-Like Questions – Practice with questions that mirror the actual exam format and difficulty.
• 800+ Vocabulary Flashcards – Master essential real estate terminology.
• 500+ Math Questions – Build confidence with real estate calculations.
• Unlimited Practice Tests – Take as many full-length practice exams as needed. 
• Live Exams with Timer – Simulate actual testing conditions. 
• Quizzes by Topic – Focus on specific areas where you need improvement.
• Flag Questions to Review Later – Mark difficult questions for focused study. 
• 2025 Rules & Regulations – Stay current with the latest requirements. 
• National + State Questions – Coverage for both exam portions. 
• 100 Expert Audio Lessons – Learn on-the-go with audio content. 
• Save Test Progress, Finish Later – Flexible study sessions.

Investing in quality exam prep materials can save you time, reduce stress, and help ensure you pass on your first attempt, allowing you to start your real estate career sooner.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Illinois, all new real estate agents must work under a sponsoring broker. You cannot practice real estate independently as a new licensee.

What to Look For:

• A broker with a good reputation and strong market presence.
• Comprehensive training and mentorship programs.
• Fair commission splits and fee structures.
• Marketing support and lead generation systems.
• A positive company culture that aligns with your values.

Commission Structures: Most new agents start with splits ranging from 50/50 to 70/30 in the agent’s favor, improving with experience and production.

Step 6: Complete Post-License Requirements

Illinois has specific requirements for new licensees during their first years of practice.

Post-License Education: Within your first year, you must complete 15 hours of post-license education covering:

• 10 hours of applied real estate principles.
• 5 hours of broker management and supervision.

Continuing Education: After your first renewal, you’ll need 12 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.

License Renewal: Illinois real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is currently $75.

Step 7: Launch Your Real Estate Career

With your license in hand and a sponsoring broker secured, you’re ready to start building your real estate business.

Essential First Steps:

• Set up your business systems (CRM, email, phone).
• Create professional marketing materials.
• Build your online presence and social media profiles.
• Network within your community and industry.
• Consider specializing in specific property types or market segments.

Building Your Client Base:

• Start with your sphere of influence (friends, family, colleagues).
• Partner with other professionals (mortgage lenders, home inspectors, contractors).
• Join local real estate associations and networking groups.
• Develop a consistent marketing and lead generation strategy.

Professional Development:

• Consider pursuing additional certifications (GRI, ABR, CRS).
• Attend industry conferences and training seminars.
• Find a mentor in the industry.
• Stay updated on market trends and technology.

Final Tips for Success

Getting your real estate license is just the beginning of your journey. Success in real estate requires dedication, continuous learning, and excellent people skills. Consider these final recommendations:

• Choose your sponsoring broker carefully, as they’ll play a crucial role in your early career development.
• Be prepared for irregular income initially, and have financial reserves to support yourself during your first months.
• Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just making sales.
• Stay compliant with all continuing education and renewal requirements.
• Consider specializing in a niche market to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Ready to take the first step? Start researching approved real estate schools in Illinois and begin your 75-hour pre-license education today. Your new career in real estate awaits!