Illinois Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for Illinois
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 75 hours of IDFPR-approved pre-licensing education, divided into two courses.
Required Courses (75 hours total):
- • Broker Pre-License Topics (60 hours)
- • Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles (15 hours)
Course completion valid for 2 years from completion date.
State Examination
Exam Name
Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
National portion: 100 questions (150 min); State portion: 40 questions (90 min)
Passing Score
75 (scaled score) on each section
Exam Fee
$58
Retake Policy: Up to 4 attempts within 2-year eligibility window; $58 per attempt; if one section fails, only retake that section; after 4 failures must retake 75-hour course
Background Check
Type: Fingerprint-based background check
Cost: $60
Sponsoring Broker
Must work under a licensed Illinois managing broker
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $58 |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Fingerprinting | $60 |
| Total Fees | $268 |
Application $150 + Exam $58 + Fingerprinting ~$60 = ~$268. Pre-licensing education costs $300-$650 additional.
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$200
CE Required
12 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
12 hours of continuing education required every 2 years
License Reciprocity
Reciprocity applications accepted until December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, all out-of-state licensees must complete 30-hour Illinois Endorsement Course to be eligible for Illinois exam.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Official Website
- (888) 473-4858
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Upgrade to Broker
Illinois uses a single 'Broker' license level. Managing Broker designation requires additional education and experience.
- • years experience required
- • additional education hours
Last verified: 2026-01-12