Illinois Real Estate Courses
Everything you need to know about being a real estate agent In Illinois.
Whether you’re looking to start your career in Illinois real estate or you’ve been in the industry for decades. Starting a real estate career in Illinois can feel complicated, we know. So, we’ve designed a guide that covers everything you should know about starting your career, securing your Post-licensing education, and maintaining your license. You can also visit our Illinois Real Estate Commission information page or Agent Essentials blog, which offers tons of resources and helpful information for every step of your real estate journey. No matter where you are in your career, we’re here to help!
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Online, self-paced Illinois real estate courses
Your guide to being a real estate salesperson (aka agent) in Illinois.
Why should you become a real estate salesperson in Illinois?
- High Salary Potential. You can make up to $90,000 a year as a real estate agent in Illinois. Or you can just sell one house a month and earn some play money!
- It's a People- Focused Industry. Do you enjoy networking, negotiating, and working with clients? You’ll have the opportunity to help others find the homes and properties of their dreams.
- Flexible Schedule. Are you tired of your 9-5 job? Work as often or as little as you want!
How do you obtain a broker license in Illinois?
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Take an approved 75-hour course that includes 60 hours of education and 15 interactive hours. Learn about the different package options for this course here.
- Pass the Course Exam. Finish all the course materials, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass the practice exam. Then, pass the final exam with a minimum score of 75%.
- Obtain Required Documents. You will have three and a half hours to complete a 140-question test that covers state and national requirements. You can find more information in the PSI Candidate Handbook. Remote proctoring is also available.
- Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination. You will have three and a half hours to complete a 140-question test that covers state and national requirements. You can find more information in the PSI Candidate Handbook. Remote proctoring is also available.
- Pick a Sponsoring Broker. Next, you need to find a sponsoring broker. This is the final requirement before you can apply for your real estate license.
- Complete the Application. Finally, you’ll need to apply for your broker license with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.
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What to do after your real estate license.
After you follow the steps above, you’ll officially become a real estate agent. That calls for celebration!
Eventually, you’ll need to complete your license renewal and Continuing Education. You may also desire to upgrade your education to a managing broker’s license. Here's everything you need to know about both processes.
Illinois real estate license renewal.
Illinois brokers and real estate agents must renew their licenses every two years by July 31st, in even years. In addition, brokers must complete their entire CE requirements before renewing their licenses.
Illinois Continuing Education requirements.
Brokers
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation requires all real estate brokers to complete Continuing Education, except for brokers who are renewing for the first time.
If you are a broker who received their license before May 1, 2022, you must complete 12 credit hours of core and elective CE, consisting of:
- 4-hour core course
- 8 hours of elective courses, including a Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Fortunately, you can complete your broker CE online at your own pace.
Managing Brokers
If you were issued a broker’s license before February 1, 2021, you will need 24 hours of CE courses, including:
- 12-hour Broker Management CE course
- 4 hours Core CE
- 8 hours Elective CE, including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
If you were issued a Managing Broker License between February 1, 2021, and January 31, 2023, you will need 12 hours of CE courses, including:
- 4 hours of Core CE
- 8 hours of Elective CE, including sexual harassment prevention training
If you were issued a managing broker license on or after February 1, 2023, you don’t need to renew.
You can complete your Continuing Education completely online.
Illinois Broker License | Managing Broker Upgrade
Interested in upgrading your education to become a managing broker? After completing your 45 hours of post-licensing, Illinois requires a 45-hour course to get your managing broker license. You can take your education completely online by enrolling in an IL Real Estate Broker License course.
You can learn more about the process for becoming a real estate broker in Illinois here.
If you’d like to learn more about Illinois Broker requirements, visit the FAQ section of our Illinois Real Estate Commission’s page.