Illinois Broker Licensing How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois

In Illinois, the entry-level real estate license is called a broker license. To begin, meet the state’s eligibility requirements, complete the required 75 hours of prelicensing education, pass the licensing examination, and apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You also need a sponsoring broker to practice real estate.

Explore Illinois Real Estate Education

Steps to Get an Illinois Real Estate License

  1. Check eligibility. Review current Illinois requirements before enrolling. Eligibility rules and application procedures are set by the state and may change.
  2. Complete 75 hours of prelicensing education. This required education prepares you for the licensing examination and introduces the knowledge needed to begin a real estate career. A course is one step in the process; completing it does not itself give you a license.
  3. Register for and pass the licensing examination. The exam covers real estate topics relevant to Illinois licensure. Prepare for both the examination and its registration and scheduling requirements.
  4. Submit your application to IDFPR. Follow the current application instructions and provide the required information and documentation.
  5. Arrange sponsorship before practicing. Passing the exam and receiving a license are distinct from being ready to conduct real estate business. You need an appropriate sponsoring broker to practice.

For current eligibility details, application instructions, fees, and examination procedures, consult IDFPR and the examination provider. Requirements can change, so confirm them as you progress.

What to Know Before You Start

The phrase “real estate agent” is commonly used, but Illinois calls its entry-level license a broker license. People searching for a real estate license in Illinois are generally looking for the education and licensing steps described above.

Prelicensing education, exam preparation, the state examination, and the license application are related but separate parts of the process. Completing a 75-hour course does not automatically qualify you to practice, and passing the examination does not replace the application and sponsorship steps.

If you are comparing real estate schools or Illinois real estate classes, confirm that the course meets the applicable prelicensing education requirement and fits your learning needs. Illinois Broker Academy provides Illinois-focused educational guidance for people preparing to enter the profession. Visit the Illinois Real Estate Education homepage to explore the academy’s resources.