Illinois calls its entry-level real estate license a Broker, not a salesperson license. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Real Estate, oversees licensing. This guide walks you through the Broker prelicensing path, the exam, and the Managing Broker tier above it.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with IDFPR before applying.
Quick Overview
- AuthorityIDFPR
- Prelicensing75 Hours
- Exam VendorPSI
- RenewalEvery 2 Years
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the Illinois Real Estate Broker license include:
- Completion of the 75-hour prelicensing curriculum: a 60-hour Real Estate Topics course (any delivery format) and a 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course (classroom, live interactive webinar, or online distance education only, not fully self-paced).
- Passing the PSI Broker exam (state and national portions).
For the Managing Broker tier, applicants need an active Illinois broker license held for at least 2 of the past 3 years, plus 45 hours of Managing Broker prelicensing education. A one-time 45-hour Broker Post-License course is required within the first license renewal cycle. Out-of-state applicants may use a 30-hour endorsement curriculum instead of the full prelicensing course.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with IDFPR before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for the Illinois Real Estate Broker license typically involves these steps:
- Complete the 60-hour Real Estate Topics course and the 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course (75 hours total).
- Register for and pass the PSI Broker exam, which covers state and national content.
- Submit your license application to IDFPR through its online licensing portal.
- Within your first renewal cycle, complete the one-time 45-hour Broker Post-License course.
Steps can change, so verify the current process directly with IDFPR before applying.
- 3
Pass the real estate exam
PSI Services LLC administers the Illinois real estate exam under contract to IDFPR. The Broker exam is registered through PSI's test-taker portal; the Managing Broker and Leasing Agent exams use a separate PSI portal. The exam includes a state portion and a national portion. IDFPR does not publish a passing score on its own page; review the official PSI Illinois Real Estate Candidate Handbook for current details. Always confirm exam requirements with IDFPR or PSI, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Real Estate Broker
The current entry-level Illinois real estate license.
- 75-hour prelicensing
- PSI exam required
Real Estate Managing Broker
Advanced tier; supervises other brokers or runs an office.
- 2 of past 3 years active
- 45-hour prelicensing
Details
Experience
The entry-level Broker license does not require prior real estate experience, only the 75-hour prelicensing curriculum and passing the PSI exam. The Managing Broker tier does require experience: an active Illinois broker license held for at least 2 of the past 3 years is required before applying for Managing Broker prelicensing education and the Managing Broker exam.
Details
Fees
IDFPR does not publish a flat statewide fee figure for the Broker application, Managing Broker application, or license renewal directly on its real estate page. Confirm current fees directly through the IDFPR online licensing portal before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Illinois real estate licenses renew every 2 years. Brokers must complete continuing education outlined in IDFPR's dated CE Fact Sheet for Real Estate Brokers, including a 6-hour Core CE curriculum. Managing Brokers must additionally complete a 12-hour Broker Management CE curriculum. IDFPR publishes a new dated CE fact sheet each cycle, so confirm the current CE hour total on the current-year fact sheet before your renewal deadline. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with IDFPR.
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois' entry-level real estate license called salesperson?
No. Illinois retired the salesperson tier under the Real Estate License Act of 2000 as amended. The entry-level license is called Real Estate Broker; the supervisory tier above it is called Real Estate Managing Broker.
How many prelicensing hours are required for an Illinois Broker license?
75 hours total: a 60-hour Real Estate Topics course and a 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course. This replaced an older 90-hour requirement effective February 1, 2020.
What is required to become an Illinois Managing Broker?
An active Illinois broker license held for at least 2 of the past 3 years, plus 45 hours of Managing Broker prelicensing education and passing the Managing Broker exam through PSI.
How often do Illinois real estate licenses renew?
Every 2 years, with continuing education requirements detailed in IDFPR's dated CE Fact Sheet for Real Estate Brokers, including a 6-hour Core CE curriculum. Managing Brokers complete an additional 12-hour Broker Management CE curriculum.
Can an out-of-state real estate license transfer to Illinois?
IDFPR offers a License by Endorsement pathway for out-of-state licensees using 30-hour endorsement curricula for Broker or Managing Broker, along with a Non-Resident Consent Form. Confirm the current process directly with IDFPR.
