Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam Overview
The Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Illinois calls entry-level licensees "brokers" rather than "salespersons," and requires both national and state exam portions.
Passing this exam qualifies you to work as a real estate broker in Illinois—home to over 12.6 million residents including the Chicago metro area, one of the nation's largest and most active real estate markets.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 140 multiple-choice (100 national + 40 state) |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% on each section |
| Exam Fee | $58 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 75 hours required |
| Testing Vendor | PSI Services |
| License Term | 2 years |
Why Get Licensed in Illinois?
- Chicago market — Third-largest city in the US
- Large population — Over 12.6 million residents
- Diverse markets — Urban, suburban, and rural opportunities
- Strong economy — Major corporate headquarters
- Growing suburbs — Continuous development opportunities
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. IDFPR & Licensing (20%)
Department Regulations:
- IDFPR authority and structure
- Real Estate License Act of 2000
- Sponsoring broker requirements
- Managing broker responsibilities
- License renewal requirements
License Types:
- Broker license (entry level)
- Managing broker license
- Leasing agent license
- Sponsorship requirements
- Post-license education
Violations and Penalties:
- Grounds for license revocation
- Disciplinary procedures
- Fines and sanctions
- Administrative hearings
- Appeals process
2. Agency Law (25%)
Brokerage Relationships:
- Designated agency (Illinois default)
- Dual agency requirements
- Exclusive buyer agency
- Seller agency
- Transaction coordination
Fiduciary Duties:
- Obedience
- Loyalty
- Disclosure
- Confidentiality
- Accounting
- Reasonable care and skill
Agency Disclosure:
- Brokerage agreements required
- Written disclosure timing
- Consent for dual agency
- Customer vs. client distinction
- Ministerial duties
3. Contracts & Disclosures (30%)
Attorney Review:
- 5-business-day attorney review period
- Modification or disapproval rights
- Contract voidability
- Timeline requirements
- Documentation practices
Residential Real Property Disclosure:
- Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act
- 23-item disclosure report
- Material defects
- Known conditions
- Radon disclosure requirements
Purchase Contracts:
- Offer and acceptance
- Earnest money requirements
- Contingencies
- Financing provisions
- Inspection periods
Lead Paint Disclosure:
- Pre-1978 properties
- EPA requirements
- Disclosure forms
- Ten-day inspection right
- Record retention
4. Property Law & Fair Housing (25%)
Illinois Human Rights Act:
- State protected classes
- Broader than federal Fair Housing
- Enforcement by IDHR
- Penalties and remedies
- Exemptions
Protected Classes Comparison:
| Federal | Illinois Additional |
|---|---|
| Race | Sexual orientation |
| Color | Marital status |
| Religion | Military status |
| National origin | Order of protection status |
| Sex | Ancestry |
| Familial status | Unfavorable military discharge |
| Disability | Arrest record |
Types of Ownership:
- Fee simple
- Life estates
- Joint tenancy (four unities)
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety
Property Taxes:
- Tax assessment process
- Exemptions (homestead, senior)
- Tax liens and sales
- Multiplier system
- Assessment appeals
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | IDFPR regulations and licensing | 15-18 |
| Week 2-3 | Agency law and relationships | 18-22 |
| Week 3-4 | Contracts and disclosures | 20-24 |
| Week 4-5 | Property law and fair housing | 15-18 |
| Week 5-6 | Practice exams and review | 15-18 |
Total recommended study time: 80-100 hours (plus 75-hour pre-licensing)
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the Illinois Real Estate exam.
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Illinois-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master Attorney Review Period
Illinois has a unique attorney review provision:
- 5-business-day period after contract execution
- Either party's attorney can modify or disapprove
- Contract becomes binding after period expires
- Know the exact timeline requirements
- Understand what triggers the period
2. Understand Designated Agency
Illinois defaults to designated agency:
- Broker designates agents for each party
- Avoids dual agency conflicts
- Know when consent is required
- Managing broker's role
- Documentation requirements
3. Know the Illinois Human Rights Act
Broader protections than federal law:
- Additional protected classes
- State enforcement through IDHR
- Higher penalties possible
- Exemptions differ from federal
- Heavily tested on state portion
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Illinois Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 75% each section |
| Pre-licensing | 75 hours |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE requirement | 12 hours/2 years |
| Attorney review | 5 business days |
| Exam questions | 140 (100+40) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring attorney review — Unique to Illinois, heavily tested
- Confusing agency types — Designated agency is default
- Missing dual portion format — Must pass BOTH national and state
- Underestimating Human Rights Act — Broader than federal
- Skipping disclosure requirements — 23-item disclosure critical
- Not practicing both sections — 140 questions total
After Passing Your Exam
- Submit license application to IDFPR
- Pay application fee ($150)
- Obtain sponsoring broker before activation
- Complete background check ($50-100)
- Maintain CE requirements (12 hours/2 years)
- Begin your real estate career in Illinois
2026 Illinois Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Updated IDFPR regulations
- New disclosure requirements
- Digital transaction standards
- Fair housing training updates
- Continuing education changes
Start Your Illinois Real Estate Career Today
The Illinois Real Estate Broker license opens doors to one of the nation's most dynamic markets. With Chicago and its extensive suburbs, the Illinois market offers tremendous opportunities. With proper preparation, you can pass both exam sections on your first attempt.
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Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- Attorney review specifics
- Illinois Human Rights Act guide
- AI-powered study assistance
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