How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois: A Step-by-Step Licensing Guide for 2025 

Becoming a real estate agent in Illinois offers a dynamic career path with flexible hours, strong income potential, and the ability to guide clients through homeownership, investment, or property sales. To start your journey, you’ll need to obtain an Illinois Real Estate Broker License—a process regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). 

Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to earning your real estate license in Illinois in 2025. 

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements for a Real Estate License in Illinois 

To qualify for a real estate broker license in Illinois, applicants must meet the following requirements:  

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Hold a high school diploma or GED 
• Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) 

These eligibility standards are mandated by the IDFPR, the state regulatory body responsible for real estate licensure. 

Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education 

Illinois requires aspiring real estate brokers to complete 75 hours of pre-license education from an IDFPR-approved real estate school. This coursework includes: 

• 60-Hour Broker Pre-License Topics Course 
• 15-Hour Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles Course 

These courses can be taken online or in-person, offering flexibility for full-time workers or career changers. Choose a provider recognized by the IDFPR to ensure compliance. 

Step 3: Pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam (Administered by PSI) 

Once you complete your 75 hours of education, the next step is to pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination, administered by PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.). 

Exam Format: 

• National Section: 100 multiple-choice questions 
• Illinois State-Specific Section: 40 multiple-choice questions 

To pass, you must achieve a scaled score of 75% or higher. You’ll register for the exam via the PSI website after your course provider submits your completion record to PSI electronically. 

Step 4: Choose a Sponsoring Managing Broker 

Before applying for your license, you must affiliate with a licensed Managing Broker in Illinois. This broker will act as your sponsor and supervise your activities as you begin your real estate career. 

Look for brokerages that align with your goals—whether you’re interested in residential real estate, commercial properties, or real estate investing. Many large brands (e.g., Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX) and boutique brokerages offer training programs and mentorship for new brokers. 

Step 5: Submit Your Illinois Broker License Application 

After passing the exam and securing a sponsoring broker, you must submit your Illinois Real Estate Broker License application through the IDFPR online portal. 

Required documentation includes: 

• Proof of 75-hour pre-license education completion 
• PSI passing score report 
• Sponsoring broker agreement 
• Government-issued ID 
• Payment of the $125 license application fee 

Once approved, your broker license will be issued, and your active license status will be listed in the IDFPR License Lookup system. 

Step 6: Complete 45 Hours of Post-Licensing Education 

All newly licensed brokers in Illinois must complete 45 hours of post-license education within their first license renewal cycle. 

Required coursework includes: 

• 15-Hour Broker Post-License: Transactional Issues 
• 15-Hour Broker Post-License: Risk Management & Discipline 
• 15-Hour Broker Post-License: Applied Broker Principles 
• 1-Hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training 

Failure to complete this education may lead to license suspension or penalties during the renewal process. 

Step 7: Launch Your Real Estate Career in Illinois 

With your license in hand, you’re ready to start your real estate career in Illinois. Your managing broker will guide your initial activities, such as: 

• Hosting open houses 
• Working with buyers and sellers 
• Leveraging the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) 
• Generating real estate leads through digital marketing 

Stay current with continuing education (CE) requirements, typically due every two years, to maintain your license in good standing. 

Start Your Real Estate Career in Illinois 

Becoming a licensed real estate broker in Illinois is an achievable goal with the right preparation. Begin by enrolling in an approved pre-licensing course, study for the exam, and connect with a brokerage that supports new agents.