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How to Get an Illinois Real Estate License
1. Enroll in accredited pre-licensing program
You must enroll in a state-accredited pre-licensing program to fulfill the state’s educational requirement. That’s where US Realty Training comes in. We are partnered with a leading, accredited real estate school that provides pre-licensing courses to earn your course certificates at a discount to you.
2. Earn your course certificates
After completing the pre-licensing program, you will receive your course certificates. Your certificates are proof that you have fulfilled the educational requirement and that you’re ready for the real estate exam.
3. Pass the real estate exam
Passing the real estate exam shows that you have learned and understood the necessary education to be a real estate agent. After passing, you are awarded your real estate license and can start your real estate career!
Program Pricing Options
We reviewed the best real estate licensing programs. That’s why we decided to partner with Kaplan to provide the best online real estate courses to get your license. To join the program, click the button below. Join our partnered online real estate broker's courses today! To get started, click the button below. Affiliate has an agreement with Kaplan to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. Affiliate is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by Kaplan and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to Kaplan.
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Hardcopy Book(s)-Optional Upgrade
(135 Hour DRE Requirement)
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Free Career Seminar 2/26 at 11am PT
Want to know what it's like to be a real estate agent? Join Robert Rico on Monday, February 26th at 11am PT for our FREE online Career Seminar.
You will get an insight into what this career is like, how to get started, and learn more about US Realty Training's programs. If you've thought about becoming a real estate agent, this is the best way to see if this career is right for you.
Tap the button below join now:
Live Training Locations
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What's Included
Hard-copy textbooks, course videos, and live training are available as add-ons for Real Estate Practice, Principles, and Finance.
REQUIRED COURSES:
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
The Online Only Program is an affordable, self-paced option offering the required online coursework in order to apply for the state exam and your real estate license. These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you will be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
Our user-friendly student portal is where you'll access your e-Books, review printable flashcards, take chapter quizzes, pass course final exams, utilize our state exam prep and so much more.
Each course includes 15 chapter videos
~Approximately 60 hours of video content UPDATED in 2025!
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
Video add-ons are the perfect way to get the live training experience on your own schedule. Watch recorded lectures of our trainers or our head instructor Robert Rico, whenever you want! These videos provide additional insights into critical concepts and vocabulary, and they cover commonly asked questions from past students. Add videos to your online only program or live training for the ultimate learning experience.
Videos available for:
Get the videos individually or bundle all three for a $20 discount. Tap the enroll button to get the videos today.
Need to miss a live training session? No problem! Pre-recorded chapter videos are available for purchase directly through your student portal.
This is our flagship training that puts you in an in-person or webinar classroom where you learn directly from an expert trainer, meet student peers, and learn from the best training curriculum in the state.
If you prefer a classroom experience, this is the program for you. Ask your questions in real time and get valuable answers.
Here's how the live training program works:
The Live Training + Online Program gives you the state-mandated textbook material plus supplemental* training to prepare you for a successful career in real estate. This 3-month program includes live instruction (Webinar or In-Person) and online coursework for the following REQUIRED COURSES:
These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you'll be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
FREQUENCY OF TRAINING -- (How many classes are included?)
If you choose weekdays - 2 times a week (6 two-hour sessions a month)
If you choose Saturdays - once a week (3 four-hour sessions a month)
Classes are held for the first 3 weeks of each month, and the 4th week you will have off to take the quizzes and complete the course final exam online.
DURATION OF CLASSES -- (How long do I have access to the classes?)
You will receive 3 consecutive months of training. You will cover 1 course a month. Concurrently, you receive 6 months of online access to the courses to read the e-Books, take chapter quizzes, and pass the course final exams. Keep in mind, the chapter quizzes and course exams are OPEN BOOK!
IN-PERSON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Varies depending on the location. Click the link above to check out the current list of in-person locations!
WEBINAR TRAINING SCHEDULE
• Mondays & Wednesdays: 10AM-12PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11AM-1PM, 6PM-8PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
*Supplemental Training is optional to the required online material and does not cover every topic in all 3 textbooks. This training, led by experienced realtors, will help you understand the important vocabulary and concepts from the textbooks, show you how they apply to day-to-day situations as an agent, and get your questions answered while networking with fellow classmates.
What to Expect
You must complete a 75-hour pre-license course approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before applying for a real estate license. We've partnered with a company to provide online pre-licensing courses that include chapter quizzes and a final exam, with opportunities for retakes if needed.
Topics included in the course:
FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Illinois
To make the process easier, here are the most common questions we get from students becoming agents about what it takes to get licensed and start a career in real estate.
1. How much does it cost to get an Illinois real estate license?
The total investment typically ranges from $750 to $1,200. This includes:
- 75-hour Pre-license Education: $300 – $650 (varies by provider).
- Examination Fee: $58 per attempt
- License Application Fee: $150 for a Broker license
- Fingerprinting/Background Check: Approx. $60.
2. How long does it take to get a real estate license in Illinois?
Most applicants complete the process in 3 to 4 months. This factors in about 4–6 weeks for the 75-hour coursework, 1–2 weeks for exam scheduling, and 1–3 business days for IDFPR to process your license application once submitted.
3. What are the requirements for an Illinois real estate license?
To qualify for a Broker license (the entry-level license in Illinois), you must:
- Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete 75 hours of approved pre-license education (60 hours of Broker Topics + 15 hours of Applied Principles).
- Pass the state licensing exam with a scaled score of 75 or higher.
- Secure sponsorship from a licensed Illinois Managing Broker.
4. Does Illinois have real estate license reciprocity?
As of January 1, 2026, Illinois has replaced traditional reciprocity with an Endorsement Pathway. This means agents from any U.S. state can now qualify for an Illinois license by:
- Holding an active license in good standing in their home state.
- Completing a 30-hour Illinois-specific endorsement course.
- Passing only the state portion (40 questions) of the Illinois exam.
5. Can I take the Illinois real estate exam online?
Yes. PSI Services offers remote proctored testing, allowing you to take the exam from home. If you prefer an in-person setting, there are testing centers located throughout the state, including Chicago, Springfield, and Carbondale.
6. When do I need to renew my Illinois real estate license?
Illinois Broker licenses expire on April 30 of even-numbered years.
- First Renewal: You must complete 45 hours of Post-License education.
- Subsequent Renewals: You must complete 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE), which includes a 6-hour Core course and 6 hours of electives (including 1 hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention training).
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