Key Takeaways
- Illinois Broker license requires 75 hours of pre-license education
- The pre-license education includes 60 hours of coursework plus 15 hours of Applied Real Estate Principles (interactive)
- The exam has 140 questions: 100 national + 40 state, with a 75% passing score required
- Application fee is $150, exam fee is $58, total startup costs are $558-$1,208
- Managing Broker requires 2 years experience and 45 additional hours of education
Last updated: January 2026
Illinois License Requirements
Illinois has specific requirements for Broker, Managing Broker, and Leasing Agent licenses.
Broker License Requirements
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Sponsorship | Must work under Managing Broker |
| Background | No disqualifying felonies |
| SSN/ITIN | Required |
Pre-License Education
Complete 75 hours of approved education:
| Component | Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles | 60 | Online or in-person |
| Applied Real Estate Principles | 15 | LIVE only (in-person or webinar) |
| Total | 75 |
Important: The 15-hour Applied course MUST be completed live—it cannot be self-paced online.
Education Topics
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| License law | Illinois Real Estate License Act |
| Agency | Relationships and disclosure |
| Contracts | Illinois contracts and forms |
| Fair housing | Federal and Illinois laws |
| Property | Ownership and transfer |
| Finance | Lending and mortgages |
Examination
The exam is administered by PSI:
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| National section | 100 questions |
| State section | 40 questions |
| Total questions | 140 |
| National time | 150 minutes |
| State time | 90 minutes |
| Total time | 3.5 hours |
| Passing score | 75% (scaled) on each section |
| Format | Computer-based |
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | $300-$900 |
| Exam fee | $58 per attempt |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Background/fingerprinting | $50-$100 |
| Total startup | $558-$1,208 |
Managing Broker Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years as licensed Broker |
| Education | 45 additional hours |
| Exam | Managing Broker exam |
| Sponsorship | None required (can supervise) |
Leasing Agent Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 15 hours |
| Scope | Leasing only (no sales) |
| Sponsorship | Under Managing Broker |
| Exam | Leasing agent exam |
Continuing Education
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE per renewal | 12 hours |
| Core course | 6 hours (includes 2 hrs Fair Housing) |
| Electives | 6 hours |
| Sexual harassment prevention | Required within electives |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Next deadline | April 30, 2026 |
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