No. A college degree is generally not required to pursue an Illinois real estate broker license. You do need to meet the state’s current eligibility requirements and complete the required prelicensing education.
Illinois broker candidates are generally required to complete 75 hours of prelicensing education and pass the state licensing examination. The education requirement is separate from the exam and from receiving a license: completing classes alone does not authorize you to practice real estate.
Licensing eligibility and application requirements are set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Check current IDFPR guidance for the requirements that apply to your circumstances before beginning the licensing process.
If you are considering a real estate career, start by confirming that you meet Illinois's current eligibility requirements. Then choose an appropriate prelicensing course, complete the required education, and prepare for the licensing examination. After passing, you must complete the applicable licensing and application steps before practicing as a broker.
A college degree is not a substitute for required prelicensing education, and a real estate course by itself does not grant a license. For an overview of Illinois real estate education options, visit Illinois Broker Academy.