Illinois Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide

Illinois has a unique licensing structure compared to most states — it issues "broker" licenses (not "salesperson" licenses) to new licensees, who then work under a "managing broker." Here's the complete step-by-step guide to getting licensed.

Understanding Illinois License Types

Broker: The entry-level real estate license in Illinois. A broker can assist clients in real estate transactions but must work under the supervision of a managing broker. In other states, this role is called "salesperson."

Managing Broker: The supervising-level license. A managing broker operates a real estate firm, supervises brokers, and is responsible for the brokerage's trust account, advertising, and compliance. In other states, this is like a "principal broker" or "designated broker."

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good moral character
• No disqualifying criminal history (reviewed by IDFPR)
• No Illinois residency or U.S. citizenship requirement

Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

Enroll in an IDFPR-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course. This course must be from an approved Illinois real estate school.

Illinois's 75-hour broker pre-license course covers: - Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454) - Agency law and disclosure requirements - Contracts, purchase agreements, and contingencies - Property transfer, title, and deeds - Finance fundamentals (mortgage types, LTV, RESPA/TRID) - Illinois fair housing law (13 protected classes) - Residential Real Property Disclosure Act - Radon Awareness Act - Trust account management - Real estate math

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion required for your license application.

Step 3: Pass the Illinois PSI Exam

After completing pre-license education, schedule your exam at psiexams.com.

Exam details: - 100 national + 40 state = 140 total questions - 4-hour time limit - 75% passing score = 105 correct out of 140 - Both sections graded separately

Exam fee: Approximately $55 for national + $32 for state (verify current pricing at psiexams.com — Illinois is priced differently from many states)

Illinois PSI testing centers are located throughout the state, with many locations in the Chicago metro, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois.

Step 4: Apply for Your Broker License with IDFPR

After passing both sections, apply to IDFPR: - Complete the online broker application via idfpr.illinois.gov - Upload proof of pre-license education completion - Upload your PSI score report - Pay the application fee - Authorize a background check - Provide your sponsoring managing broker's information

Your broker license is inactive until a managing broker sponsors you. You cannot practice real estate without managing broker affiliation.

Step 5: Be Sponsored by a Managing Broker

Your license cannot be activated without a sponsoring managing broker. The managing broker submits sponsorship documentation to IDFPR. Once approved, your license is active.

Step 6: Renewal and Continuing Education

- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years - CE requirement: 12 hours per renewal cycle - 4 hours of Core B (IDFPR-required topics) - 8 hours of electives (from approved providers) - CE must be from IDFPR-approved providers - Failure to renew or complete CE results in license expiration

Key Facts to Memorize for the Exam

• License types: broker (entry-level) and managing broker (supervisor)
• Pre-license: 75 hours (broker)
• Renewal: every 2 years
• CE: 12 hours per cycle (4 Core B + 8 elective)
• Governing law: 225 ILCS 454 (Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000)
• Regulator: IDFPR (no real estate commission in Illinois)

Upgrading from Broker to Managing Broker

After 2 years of active experience as a broker, you may pursue the managing broker license: - Complete the managing broker pre-license education (45 hours of managing broker-specific coursework, in addition to prior education) - Pass the managing broker PSI exam - Meet the 2-year experience requirement - Apply through IDFPR

Ready to pass the Illinois exam? Practice with Illinois-specific questions at [CARealestate.com/states/illinois](https://carealestate.com/states/illinois).