How to Pass the Illinois Real Estate Exam in 2026

Like Colorado, Illinois does not have a salesperson license. The entry-level license is called "Broker," and a higher tier called "Managing Broker" is available for those who want to supervise other agents. The Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) administers the licensing program, and the exam is delivered by Pearson VUE.

Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

Illinois requires 75 hours of IDFPR-approved education:

Real Estate Broker Pre-License Topics (15 topics covering Illinois law, agency, contracts, property, finance, and ethics)

Interactive coursework including case studies and applied exercises

Your education provider will issue a certificate of completion that you need for your exam application.

Step 2: Know the Exam Format

Total Questions: 140 multiple-choice

National Portion: 100 questions

State Portion: 40 questions

Time Limit: 210 minutes (3.5 hours)

Passing Score: 75% on each portion

Exam Fee: $58

Administered By: Pearson VUE

Step 3: Master Illinois-Specific Content

Illinois License Law (Article 10 of the Real Estate License Act of 2000)

License types: Broker, Managing Broker, Leasing Agent

Sponsoring broker requirements

License renewal and continuing education

IDFPR disciplinary procedures

Illinois-Specific Agency

Designated agency

Dual agency with written consent

Ministerial acts vs. fiduciary duties

Illinois disclosure requirements

Key Topics Real Estate License Act of 2000: This is the primary law governing real estate practice in Illinois. Know the key provisions, prohibited practices, and IDFPR's enforcement authority. Condominium Property Act: Illinois has extensive condo law. Know the disclosure requirements for condo sales, the role of the condo association, and buyer's rights. Illinois Land Trust: Illinois is one of the few states that commonly uses land trusts. Know the basic structure, the role of the trustee, and how beneficial interests work. Transfer Tax: Illinois charges a state transfer tax, and many municipalities charge additional transfer taxes. In Chicago, the combined transfer tax is $7.50 per $500 of the sale price. Know how to calculate these. Chicago-Specific Rules: If the exam references Chicago transactions, know about the city's TISH (transfer inspection) requirements and the Chicago RLTO (Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance).

Step 4: Study Strategy

Weeks 1-2: National content (property, financing, agency, contracts) Week 3: Illinois state law, License Act, condo law, and land trusts Week 4: Practice exams — target 80%+ before scheduling

Step 5: Exam Day

Schedule at pearsonvue.com. Testing centers are available in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and other cities throughout Illinois.

Arrive 30 minutes early

Two forms of ID required

Results are immediate

After passing, apply for your license through the IDFPR and find a sponsoring broker.

Start your Illinois exam prep with Click2CE — practice questions, AI Tutor, and a money-back pass guarantee.