Illinois Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
No prior experience required for broker license
Alternative Pathways:
Managing brokers require 2+ years of active broker experience and 45 additional education hours.
Education Requirements
Complete 75 hours of pre-license education from an IDFPR-approved school. Can be completed online.
Required Courses:
- 75 hours of IDFPR-approved pre-licensing education
New brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education by the first applicable renewal deadline.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
National portion: 100 questions (150 minutes); Illinois portion: 40 questions (90 minutes), four hours total.
Passing Score
70% national; 75% Illinois portion. The national percentage is equivalent to the previously reported scaled score of 75.
Exam Fee
$58
Retake Policy
Can retake upon failure; passed exams valid for 1 year
Fees
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Examination Fee | $58 |
| Listed Fees | $208 |
Listed fees cover the $150 application and $58 exam only. Any additional screening charge is unverified. Education, post-license courses, and other provider costs are not included.
A routine fingerprint requirement and its cost are unverified in the official broker sources reviewed. Follow current IDFPR application instructions; disclose convictions and provide requested supporting documents.
Timeline
Complete Pre-License Education
Complete 75 hours of approved coursework
4-6 weeks
Prepare for Exam
Study and prepare for state examination
1-3 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take and pass the PSI broker examination
1-2 weeks
Find Sponsoring Broker
Secure sponsorship from a licensed managing broker
1-4 weeks
Submit Application
Apply for broker license with IDFPR
1-3 days
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$200
CE Hours Required
12 hours
Online Renewal
Available
Regular renewal requires 12 CE hours: six core and six elective, including sexual-harassment prevention. New brokers follow the first-renewal post-license requirements instead; check the current IDFPR fact sheet for the applicable cohort.
Post-License Requirement: 45 hours required. by the first renewal deadline. The 2026 fact sheet sets April 30, 2026 for licenses first issued November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2025, and April 30, 2028 for licenses first issued on or after November 1, 2025.
Reciprocity Agreements
Reciprocity ended January 1, 2026. Eligible out-of-state licensees apply by endorsement, including approved endorsement education, the Illinois-law examination, and sponsorship for active status.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Official Website
- (888) 473-4858
- fpr.realestate@illinois.gov
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