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IL

Illinois Real Estate License Exam Guide 2026

Step-by-step requirements, exam details, state-specific topics, study tips, and approved course providers for aspiring Illinois real estate agents.

Always verify current requirements with the IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Requirements change.

At a Glance: Illinois Requirements

Requirement Details
Pre-License Education75 hours (Illinois-approved courses)
Minimum Age18 years old
Exam VendorPSI Exams
Total Exam Questions140 (100 (national) + 40 (Illinois))
Passing Score75% on each section (75/100 national, 30/40 state)
Exam Fee$55
License Application Fee$125
License RenewalEvery 2 years
Continuing Education12 hours
Regulatory BodyIL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Exam Note: Illinois requires a 75% passing score on each section of the 140-question PSI exam. The IL exam is structured as "Broker" (the entry-level license in Illinois — equivalent to salesperson in other states).

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Illinois License

1
Complete 75-hour IDFPR-approved pre-license course

Take a 75-hour Broker pre-license course from an IDFPR-approved school. Note: Illinois calls the entry-level license "Broker" (not salesperson).

2
Apply to PSI for the exam

Register at psiexams.com and pay the $55 exam fee. Schedule at a PSI testing center in Illinois.

3
Pass the 140-question exam

Score at least 75% on BOTH the 100-question national section AND the 40-question Illinois section. Both must be passed independently.

4
Apply for IL Broker license through IDFPR

Apply online at idfpr.illinois.gov. Submit exam scores, school certificate, and the $125 license fee. Background check is required.

5
Work under a sponsoring managing broker

New IL Brokers must work under a Managing Broker (the supervising license level) for at least 2 years before upgrading. Your Managing Broker must submit a sponsorship affidavit.

Illinois-Specific Exam Topics

In addition to the national real estate topics, the Illinois state section tests these state-specific concepts. This is where most candidates lose points — study these thoroughly.

Illinois Real Estate License Act (RELA)IDFPR rules and administrative codeIllinois agency disclosure and dutiesIllinois Residential Real Property Disclosure ActIllinois fair housing (Illinois Human Rights Act)Illinois contract law and offer/acceptanceIllinois property taxes (highest in U.S. for some counties)Illinois environmental disclosures (radon, lead)Chicago-specific rental and housing regulations
Also review national exam topics (contracts, agency, fair housing, math)

Approved Course Providers

  • The CE Shop — Online — IDFPR-approved 75-hour IL pre-license package.
  • Colibri Real Estate — Online IL courses.
  • Kaplan Real Estate Education — Online IL courses and exam prep.
  • Illinois REALTORS — Education programs and approved course providers.

Verify that any course you enroll in is currently approved by the IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before enrolling.

Free Study Resources

  • Quizlet — Search "IL real estate exam" for free flashcard decks
  • YouTube — Channels like Prep Agent and Real Estate License Wizard
  • PrepAgent.com — Free trial with practice questions
  • IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website — Official rules, law references, and exam candidate handbooks
  • Your pre-license school — Many providers include free practice exams

Illinois Real Estate Exam — FAQ

Why does Illinois call new agents "Brokers"?
Illinois restructured its licensing system — the entry-level license is now called "Broker" (what other states call salesperson), and the supervising level is "Managing Broker" (what other states call broker). This is just terminology — a new IL Broker still must work under a Managing Broker.
What is the IL Residential Real Property Disclosure Act?
Illinois sellers must complete a detailed disclosure form covering property condition, material defects, and environmental issues before listing. This is heavily tested and important to know for both the exam and your career.
How long do I have to work under a Managing Broker?
Illinois requires a 2-year supervised experience period before a Broker can upgrade to Managing Broker status. During this time, you may not work independently.
Is the Chicago market good for new agents?
Chicago is a major market with significant opportunity, but also significant competition. The suburbs (DuPage, Lake, Will counties) often have strong family-home markets that are good for newer agents.
What is the IL exam pass rate?
Roughly 55–60% of first-time IL exam takers pass. The 75% threshold (higher than the national 70% average) combined with the IL-specific content makes consistent practice essential.
Asad M Butt Realtor

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