How do I get a real estate license in Illinois?

To earn a Broker license in Illinois, complete the required pre-license education (75 hours), pass your school/course final exam, submit your application to the IDFPR with any required fingerprinting or background check, and pass the Illinois state licensing exam administered by PSI. Always confirm the current requirements with the IDFPR.

How many continuing education hours does Illinois require?

Illinois requires 12 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (every 2 years). Confirm current CE rules and deadlines with the IDFPR.

Who regulates real estate licensing in Illinois?

Real estate licensing in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Division of Real Estate ((888) 473-4858). It is the authoritative source for applications, rules, renewals, and license lookups.

Does Illinois require a proctored school final exam?

A proctored school final applies to certain delivery formats (for example, correspondence or home-study). Confirm the rule for your specific course format.

Illinois Real Estate Education

Illinois exam prep is available now for $59. State-approved pre-license and CE courses are coming soon — join the launch list. Plus official IDFPR resources.

Click2CE in Illinois

Available now

Exam Prep

$59

Illinois exam prep available now — 12-month access.

Start Illinois Exam Prep

Coming soon

Pre-License

State-approved Illinois pre-license education is coming soon. See the official requirements below.

Join the launch list

Coming soon

Continuing Education

State-approved Illinois continuing education is coming soon. See the official requirements below.

Join the launch list

Future Courses

Coming later

Broker License

Broker licensing education is coming later — join the launch list.

Join the launch list

Exam prep is a self-study tool and does not replace required pre-license education. Click2CE is approved by the Arizona Department of Real Estate for Arizona pre-license and Arizona CE courses. Additional state-approved courses are coming later.

Illinois at a Glance

Entry-level license

Broker

Pre-license hours

75 hours

State exam provider

PSI

Exam passing score

75%

CE per renewal

12 hours

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Regulator

IDFPR

CE reporting

CE tracked through IDFPR. License renewal at idfpr.illinois.gov.

School-final proctoring: Required for some course formats

How to Get Licensed in Illinois

1
Complete the 75-hour IDFPR-approved Broker pre-license education (60-hour Real Estate Topics plus a 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course).
2
Pass the school final exam (75% minimum) to receive your course completion.
3
Complete Live Scan fingerprinting through an approved vendor.
4
Pass the Illinois Broker licensing exam administered by PSI.
5
Secure a sponsoring Managing Broker.
6
Submit your Broker license application to IDFPR with the application fee.

Illinois CE Requirements

Total Hours

Mandatory

Elective

2-year

Renewal Cycle

Confirm current CE rules and deadlines with the IDFPR.

After You Pass: Keeping Your License

First renewal, post-licensing, and continuing education

New Illinois Brokers must complete a 45-hour post-license education course (three 15-hour courses) before their first license renewal instead of standard CE. After that, 12 hours of continuing education are required each 2-year cycle.

Post-license education

Required

SAE required

Not required

First-renewal hours

45 hours

Ongoing CE

12 hours

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Confirm post-licensing and renewal rules with the IDFPR before your first renewal deadline.

Illinois Resources & Official Links

Illinois Real Estate Commission Proctoring Requirements Forms & Official Links Broker License Guide

IDFPR Official WebsiteThe authoritative source for applications, rules, and renewals

Why Click2CE?

IDFPR Aligned

AI Tutor

Ask questions as you learn

Drive Mode Audio

Listen while you commute

Pass Guarantee

Unlimited retakes included

Requirements are summarized for general guidance and can change without notice. Always confirm the current rules, hours, fees, and deadlines directly with your state real estate commission before enrolling or renewing.

Verify directly with the state real estate commission before relying on this.

Last reviewed: June 25, 2026