How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois
75 hours of pre-licensing education, then the PSI exam. State fees come to $268, on top of a course starting at $199.
Requirements set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
The steps, in order
- 1
Check you're eligible
Illinois requires you to be at least 18. Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
- 2
Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires 75 hours from an approved school before you can sit the exam.
- 3
Pass the PSI licensing exam
Illinois uses PSI. The exam is 140 questions, split 100 national and 40 state. The exam fee is $58.
- 4
Submit fingerprints and a background check
Illinois charges $60 for fingerprinting and the background check.
- 5
Apply for your license
The application fee is $150, paid to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- 6
Keep the license current
Illinois requires 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew.
Worth knowing about Illinois
IL issues 'Broker' license as entry level — there is no separate salesperson license. Must work under a Managing Broker. 45hr post-license education required before first renewal.
Next steps
Illinois Real Estate License FAQ
How many hours of real estate school does Illinois require? ▾
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit the licensing exam.
How much does a Illinois real estate license cost? ▾
Illinois charges $268 in state fees: $58 exam fee, $150 application fee, $60 fingerprinting. Your course is the other half of the cost and is priced by the school, not the state.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Illinois? ▾
You must be at least 18 and have: High school diploma or GED, complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education, and pass the PSI licensing exam.
What is on the Illinois real estate exam? ▾
Illinois uses PSI. The exam is 140 questions: 100 on national real estate practice and 40 on Illinois law.