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Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation’s (IDFPR) Division of Real Estate issues real estate broker licenses to individuals meeting the criteria below. There is no “salesperson” or “agent” license in Illinois. Those who wish to conduct the business of buying and selling real estate must complete the steps listed on this guide.
Questions about this information or obtaining a Residential Leasing Agent or Managing Broker license should be sent to [email protected].
Meet IDFPR minimum qualifications
Minimum Age: 18
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED
Identification: SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number AND government-issued photo ID
Step 1: Complete 75 required hours of Broker Pre-License coursework
Those seeking a first-time real estate license in Illinois must take the 75 hours of mandatory coursework to sit for the broker licensing exam. Our coursework can be purchased in a 75-hour package or individually and can be completed online and/or in a classroom. After completion of the coursework, and passing the exam, the license is issued by IDFPR.
Required Illinois Broker Pre-License education includes: 60-hour Broker Pre-License Topics and 15-hour Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles. Products listed as “75-hour” include both required courses.
Step 2: Pass State & National Licensing Exam (administered by PSI)
Within two years of completing your pre-license education, register for and take the real estate licensing exam with PSI (the license exam administrator). It is recommended that you thoroughly review the Illinois Real Estate Examination Program Candidate Handbook before registering. Click here for instructions to register for your PSI Student ID.
State portion: 40 multiple-choice questions
National portion: 100 multiple-choice questions
Allowed attempts: Four
Exam fee: $58 each attempt
Passing Score Report: passed exam valid for one year
Step 3: Obtain Managing Broker sponsorship
Illinois brokers work under the sponsorship and supervision of a managing broker, so you will need to ask a managing broker to sponsor your license before you submit your application.
Step 4: Complete IDFPR online application process
Register: IDFPR’s online portal at online-dfpr.micropact.com/
Upload: Pre-License transcript(s) – valid for two years
Passing Score Report: passed exam valid for one year
Application fee: $150 application
Confirmation: Managing Broker confirms sponsorship
Step 5: IDFPR confirms information and issues license
If you have any questions in regards to the issuance of your license, please contact IDFPR at (800) 560-6420 or by email at [email protected].
Broker license FAQs
Illinois REALTORS® provides cost-effective paths to get an Illinois real estate broker license. Your individual costs will depend upon which courses you choose whether you select add-on products such as exam preparation tools, and how many exam fees you must pay.
Example:
Online Pre-License Package with ebook – $519
State Examination Fee – $58
Initial License Application Fee – $125
Be prepared for additional start-up costs and the ongoing expenses of doing business such as membership fees, ad costs, license renewal fees, and other operating expenses.
You can apply for a real estate license after completing your pre-license education and passing the state and national licensing exam. Education options range from 2-week accelerated classes to 6 months online, self-guided learning.
Pre-License courses expire 180 days from the date of purchase.
If you do not pass the state exam after completing your courses, you may retake the exam three times. If you do not pass the exam on the fourth attempt, you must retake the pre-license coursework before registering again for the exam.
If you do not pass the licensing exam after completing your courses, you may retake the exam up to three times (on different days). If you do not pass the exam on the fourth attempt, you must retake the pre-license coursework before registering again for the exam.
Email [email protected] for more information on retaking the education.
