How do I get my Illinois real estate broker's license?

General Requirements

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma.
3. Have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer ID number.

If you meet these qualifications, earn your Illinois real estate broker's license in five easy steps.

Step 1: Complete the pre-license course

Sign up for the Illinois 75-hour Pre-license Broker Course. Select one from the state's list of approved education providers.

The curriculum is broken into two courses: Broker Pre-License Topics (60 hours) and Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles (15 hours). The course has a required final exam with a minimum passing score of 75% to complete the pre-license education course.

Step 2: Applying for the State Exam

You have up to two years after completing your pre-license course to apply to take the Illinois state exam.

PSI administers Illinois's Real Estate Broker Licensure Exam. Schedule your exam directly by visiting http://www.psiexams.com/ or calling 855-340-3893. The broker exam fee is $55. You will directly pay PSI for the exam.

Refer to the Illinois Real Estate Commission License Examination Candidate Bulletin for information on examination schedules, site locations, exam security, reporting, and preparation.

Step 3: Take and Pass the State Exam

The Illinois broker licensure exam is divided into two sections. These include:

1. National section of 100 items. A passing score is a scaled score of 75 points.
2. State section of 40 multiple-choice items. A passing score is a scaled score of 75 points.

The total time allowed is 3.5 hours.

Students must pass both portions to pass the overall exam. When you pass, the score report will include license application instructions.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Managing Broker

In Illinois, all brokers must work under the supervision of a Managing Broker. You will need to be sponsored by a Managing Broker to submit your license application.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

You have one year after successfully passing the state license exam to apply for a broker's license with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) using the Online Services Portal.

Your application must include:

• If applicable, any court documentation and sworn statements regarding any positive responses on the screening form
• Verification of any license held in any regulated profession in any other state
• Information about your sponsoring broker
• Your official score report from PSI
• The initial application fee of $125

Once IDFPR approves your applications, you’re ready to practice real estate in Illinois. Congratulations!