Illinois Real Estate Licenses
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of obtaining an Illinois real estate license, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It caters to everyone in the state, with a focus on providing extra resources for major cities like Chicago (IL).
We cover the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge needed to excel in Illinois’s real estate industry.
Don't Become a Realtor If...
If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Illinois, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, Illinois allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 75 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). These courses include:
- Broker Pre-License Topics (60 hours)
- Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles (15 hours)
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Application Fee: $125
Post-Licensing Education
Complete 45 hours of post-licensing education within the first two years of licensure. This education is necessary for maintaining your license.
Continuing Education
To maintain your license, complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years before renewing your license. This includes mandatory courses and elective courses to stay updated with industry changes and legal requirements.
Illinois Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
Illinois offers a range of excellent online real estate education options, with most major providers offering digital courses. Kaplan stands out as a top choice, surpassing Colibri with its impressive pass rates, high customer satisfaction, and top-notch course materials.
If you’re interested in exploring other alternatives, we’ve secured special discounts for additional programs. The CE Shop is the most budget-friendly option, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can maximize your savings.
While all the courses are competitively priced, Kaplan remains our top recommendation due to its strong reputation and high success rates.
If you’re looking to start your real estate career on the right foot, it’s definitely worth considering.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Illinois, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.
Pros
- Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.
Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.
2. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Illinois students, with live online and self-paced formats.
Pros
- Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
- Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.
Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.
3. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Illinois students.
Pros
- Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
- Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.
Cons
- Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.
Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Chicago:
- Chicago Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- DePaul University: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Springfield:
- Springfield Real Estate Academy: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Lincoln Land Community College: Provides in-person real estate education.
Peoria:
- Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Illinois offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for an Illinois real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Illinois offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of the national portion of the Illinois real estate exam.
You will need to pass the Illinois state-specific portion of the exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Illinois, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 165 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Criminal Record
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Department will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized.
It’s recommended to contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $880 – $1,580 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $55 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $125 |
Post-Licensing Education | $200 – $400 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation:
- Street and Mailing Address: 320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, Illinois 62786
- Telephone: (800) 560-6420
- Email: fpr.realestate@illinois.gov
- IDFPR Real Estate Brokerage
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 75 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Illinois
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 75 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $55.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through an Illinois State Police-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, including the application fee of $125.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Illinois real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first two years of obtaining your license, complete 45 hours of post-licensing education.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Illinois.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Illinois Real Estate Agent Salary
In Illinois, real estate agents earn an average salary of $95,723 per year, with a typical range between $40,000 and $175,000.
The median salary is around $90,000, indicating a solid earning potential. Top agents, particularly in major markets like Chicago, can earn over $200,000 annually.
Illinois offers a diverse real estate market with a variety of opportunities across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The state’s moderate cost of living in many regions provides a favorable environment for real estate professionals, enhancing the overall value of their earnings.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Illinois if I have a felony?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Department for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Illinois?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Illinois?
The total estimated cost ranges from $880 to $1,580, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Illinois have reciprocity with other states?
Illinois has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Illinois state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Illinois involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Illinois.
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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.
