In Illinois, the entry-level real estate license is called a broker license. People often use “real estate agent” to describe someone who helps clients buy, sell, or lease property, but it is not the name of Illinois’s entry-level license.
Usually, the difference is in how the terms are used. “Real estate agent” is a common description of someone working in real estate. In Illinois, that person generally holds a broker license. So someone described as an agent in conversation may legally be an Illinois broker.
A broker’s license is the credential that allows a qualified person to engage in real estate activities under Illinois law. To practice, a broker generally works with a sponsoring brokerage. The license, required education, examination, and application process are part of becoming an Illinois real estate professional.
A managing broker is a higher-level Illinois license for professionals who meet additional requirements. Managing brokers can take on brokerage management and supervisory responsibilities. An entry-level broker does not automatically have managing broker status, and becoming a managing broker is not required for every real estate career.
The term “REALTOR®” is different from both “agent” and “broker.” It refers to membership in the National Association of REALTORS®, not a separate Illinois real estate license.
If you are considering a real estate career, start with the Illinois real estate education overview to learn about the licensing pathway and relevant education.