Illinois Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)
The Illinois real estate exam is administered by IDFPR and is distinctive because Illinois eliminated the 'salesperson' license category in 2011 — new licensees enter at the Broker level, and experienced brokers may upgrade to Managing Broker. This two-tier system is heavily tested on the state portion. Illinois also has specific designated agency rules and requires a detailed residential real property disclosure report under the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act.
Administered by: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) · 140 questions · Passing score: 75%
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Updated May 2026 · Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) exam outline
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Free Illinois Real Estate Practice Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these Illinois real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) exam and includes detailed explanations.
Q1. Which Illinois agency regulates real estate licenses?
Explanation
Real estate licenses in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Illinois does not have a separate Real Estate Commission; the IDFPR oversees all professional licensing.
Q2. In Illinois, the written disclosure of agency representation must be provided to the consumer:
Explanation
Illinois law requires brokers to provide the Disclosure of Information regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships at first substantive contact with a consumer. This ensures the consumer understands the broker's role before any significant information is exchanged.
Q3. In Illinois, the attorney review period in a residential real estate contract typically lasts:
Explanation
Illinois residential real estate contracts typically include a 5-business-day attorney review period (though this can vary by contract). During this period, either party's attorney can review, approve, or disapprove the contract.
Q4. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits lenders from discriminating in lending based on all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
ECOA prohibits credit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance income. Credit score is a legitimate financial underwriting factor and is not a protected class under ECOA.
Q5. In Illinois, which form of co-ownership is available ONLY to married couples and includes right of survivorship?
Explanation
Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available only to legally married couples. It includes the right of survivorship and typically provides protection from the creditors of one spouse.
Q6. A competitive market analysis (CMA) is typically prepared by a:
Explanation
A Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) is typically prepared by a real estate agent to help clients price a property for listing or make an offer. It is not a formal appraisal and is based on comparable sales data from the MLS.
Q7. The Illinois Human Rights Act provides fair housing protection that EXPANDS on the federal Fair Housing Act by adding which additional protected class?
Explanation
The Illinois Human Rights Act includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes for housing, going beyond the federal Fair Housing Act's seven protected classes.
Q8. In Illinois, which of the following deeds offers the GREATEST protection to the grantee?
Explanation
A general warranty deed offers the greatest protection to the grantee. The grantor warrants and defends title against all claims — not just those arising during the grantor's ownership. It includes covenants of seisin, quiet enjoyment, further assurance, and warranty.
Q9. A buyer in Illinois purchases a home for $320,000. The transfer tax is $1.50 per $500 of purchase price (or fraction thereof). What is the total transfer tax?
Explanation
Number of $500 increments = $320,000 ÷ $500 = 640. Transfer tax = 640 × $1.50 = $960. Using the values given ($320,000, $1.50), apply the appropriate formula.. The correct answer is $960.. This is a common calculation on the Illinois real estate exam.
Q10. Under CERCLA (Superfund), who can be held liable for cleanup of a contaminated site?
Explanation
CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) imposes joint and several liability on a broad group of potentially responsible parties (PRPs), including current owners, former owners, generators of hazardous waste, and transporters — regardless of fault.
Q11. A property owner who wishes to use their property in a way that is not permitted under current zoning must apply for a:
Explanation
Depending on the nature of the proposed use: a variance allows deviation from dimensional standards (setbacks, height); a special use permit allows uses that are conditionally permitted in the zone; and rezoning changes the property's zoning classification. The appropriate action depends on the specific circumstances.
Q12. A property manager's primary fiduciary duty is owed to:
Explanation
A property manager acts as an agent of the property owner and owes fiduciary duties primarily to the owner (principal). These duties include loyalty, care, obedience, disclosure, accounting, and confidentiality.
Q13. How many pre-license education hours are required to obtain an Illinois real estate broker license?
Explanation
Illinois requires 75 hours of pre-license education for a broker license. Note that Illinois licenses agents as 'brokers' (not salespersons) at the entry level, with a 'managing broker' designation for supervisory roles.
Q14. In Illinois, which of the following is permissible with written informed consent from both parties?
Explanation
Illinois permits dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) provided both parties give their written informed consent. Even in a dual agency relationship, the broker must still treat both parties honestly.
Q15. A buyer's offer is submitted and the seller responds with different terms. This is known as a:
Explanation
When a seller responds to a buyer's offer with different terms, this is a counteroffer. It terminates the original offer and creates a new offer from the seller, which the buyer may accept, reject, or counter again.
Q16. A point paid on a mortgage loan is equal to:
Explanation
One mortgage point equals 1% of the loan amount. Points can be paid to 'buy down' the interest rate (discount points) or charged as origination fees by the lender.
Q17. Real property generally includes all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
Real property includes land, buildings, improvements, and items that are permanently attached (fixtures). A garden statue that is not permanently attached is personal property (chattel), not real property.
Q18. Economic (external) obsolescence is best described as a loss in value due to:
Explanation
Economic (external) obsolescence is caused by factors outside the property, such as proximity to a noisy highway, industrial use nearby, declining neighborhood, or adverse economic conditions. It is generally incurable because the owner cannot control external factors.
Q19. Redlining is the illegal practice of:
Explanation
Redlining is the illegal practice of refusing to provide loans, insurance, or other financial services in geographic areas based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas. It violates the Fair Housing Act and the Community Reinvestment Act.
Q20. A lis pendens is a legal notice that:
Explanation
A lis pendens ('lawsuit pending') is a recorded legal notice that warns prospective buyers and lenders that there is pending litigation that may affect the title or ownership of the property.
Q21. A broker lists a home for $275,000 and earns a 6% commission. The listing broker and selling broker split the commission 50/50. How much does each broker receive?
Explanation
Total commission = $275,000 × 6% = $16,500. Each broker's share = $16,500 ÷ 2 = $8,250. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $275,000 at 6%.. The correct answer is $8,250.. This is a common calculation on the Illinois real estate exam.
Q22. Asbestos-containing materials are most dangerous when they are:
Explanation
Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable — meaning it can be easily crumbled or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibers into the air that can be inhaled. Asbestos that is in good condition and undisturbed (encapsulated) is generally not an immediate health risk.
Q23. A nonconforming use is best described as:
Explanation
A nonconforming use is a land use that was lawfully established and operating before new or amended zoning regulations prohibited it. It is generally allowed to continue but may not be expanded, and if destroyed or abandoned, the nonconforming status may be lost.
Q24. Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, a landlord must return a residential tenant's security deposit within how many days after the tenant vacates?
Explanation
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, landlords must return a tenant's security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) within 30 days after the tenant vacates the premises, or within 30 days after the tenant provides a forwarding address, whichever is later.
Q25. In Illinois, the entry-level real estate licensee is called a:
Explanation
Illinois uses the term 'broker' for the entry-level real estate licensee. A person who wants to supervise other brokers or operate their own brokerage must obtain a 'managing broker' license.
1,500+ questions · Timed mock exams · Detailed explanations
Illinois Real Estate Exam — What to Expect
What Is On The Illinois Real Estate Exam?
The Illinois real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and tests both national real estate principles and Illinois-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 140 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75% to pass.
The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to Illinois — including regulations set by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Illinois agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.
Topics covered on the Illinois exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Illinois License Law, Fair Housing. Candidates who struggle on the IL exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but Illinois law questions require targeted preparation.
Official Illinois Exam Content Areas
Source: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) · Updated June 2026
| Content Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| National Section — 11 PSI topic areas (Illinois uses 100 questions, more than most PSI states) | 100 |
| Illinois State Section (RELA 2000, IDFPR structure, Managing Broker supervision, agency disclosure, Residential Disclosure Act, property tax proration) | 40 |
- ▸Illinois uses a 100-question national section (not 80 like most PSI states) — total exam is 140 questions (100 national + 40 state); plan additional study time for national content
- ▸Passing score is a scaled 75 (on a 0–100 scale) for both sections — this is a weighted scaled score, not 75 raw questions correct; administered by PSI
- ▸Illinois calls its entry-level license 'Broker' (not Salesperson) — all Brokers must be sponsored by a Managing Broker who is legally responsible for their supervision; this sponsorship structure is a tested topic unique to Illinois
- ▸Illinois real estate licensing is governed by the Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454) — the IDFPR administers it; the Illinois Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board oversees enforcement
- ▸Illinois state section covers RELA 2000 (225 ILCS 454), IDFPR and Managing Broker supervision requirements, written agency disclosure obligations, the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 77), and property tax proration
- ▸Illinois property taxes are paid in arrears — taxes for the current year are billed and paid the following year; this creates a standard proration obligation in every closing and is a frequently tested state-specific calculation topic
- ▸Source: Illinois IDFPR (idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/realest.asp), 225 ILCS 454 (RELA 2000), 765 ILCS 77, and PSI Candidate Bulletin #4655 (test-takers.psiexams.com)
Practice Illinois questions by topic — start with Illinois License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.
How Many Questions Are On The Illinois Exam?
The Illinois real estate salesperson exam has 140 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering Illinois-specific laws administered by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You have 4 hours to complete the exam.
Illinois Real Estate Exam Passing Score
You need a 75% to pass the Illinois real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Illinois is approximately 56%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the IL-specific portion. Our Illinois practice exam is built specifically around the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) exam outline.
Read our complete Illinois exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.
Most Difficult Topics On The Illinois Exam
These are the areas where Illinois candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.
Illinois eliminated the salesperson license in 2011. All new licensees enter as Brokers, and experienced Brokers may upgrade to Managing Broker. This two-tier system — and its implications for supervision and independence — is heavily tested.
Illinois's specific pre-license hour requirements, continuing education mandates, and license renewal procedures under IDFPR are tested on the state portion and are unique to Illinois.
Illinois's Residential Real Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to complete a specific disclosure form with defined exemptions. The exemptions and the buyer's remedies for non-disclosure are frequently tested.
Illinois has specific designated agency rules that differ from how designated agency works in other states. The Managing Broker's role in designating agents within the same firm is a commonly tested concept.
Illinois Real Estate Math
The Illinois real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the IL exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.
🧮 See all exam math formulas →How To Get Your Illinois Real Estate License
- 1Complete 75 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- 2Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and pay the required fees (exam fee: $46).
- 3Pass the Illinois real estate salesperson exam (140 questions, 75% to pass).
- 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Illinois law.
- 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
- 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Best Study Strategy For The Illinois Exam
Start with Illinois license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) make up a significant portion of the IL exam and are not covered in most national study materials.
Master the math early. The Illinois real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.
Take timed practice exams. The Illinois exam has 140 questions within a 4 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.
Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the IL exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of Illinois law.
Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but Illinois may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and Illinois-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.
Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.
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