Thinking about starting a career in real estate? Illinois continues to be one of the best states for new agents, with strong demand in Chicago, Des Plaines, and across the suburbs. But before you can help clients buy and sell homes, you’ll need to get your Illinois real estate broker license.
At KOMAR Real Estate, we’ve guided dozens of new agents through the process — from classroom to closing. This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to become a licensed real estate agent in Illinois in 2025, along with insider tips to set you up for success.
Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
The State of Illinois requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education, divided into:
- 60-Hour Broker Pre-License Topics Course
- 15-Hour Applied Real Estate Principles Course (interactive)
These courses cover contracts, property law, financing, agency relationships, and real-world scenarios you’ll face as an agent.
Pro tip: Treat this like your foundation. Choose a program that offers interactive content and not just PDFs — engagement makes the knowledge stick.
Explore your options here: Get Licensed
Step 2: Pass the Course Final Exam
Once you complete the coursework, you’ll take a final exam through your education provider.
- Minimum passing score: 75%
- The exam ensures you’ve mastered the basics before moving on to the state exam.
Pro tip: Don’t rush. Take practice quizzes and review flashcards until you’re consistently scoring above 80%. That way, exam day feels like a review, not a surprise.
Step 3: Pass the Illinois Broker Examination
Once you complete the coursework, you’ll take a final exam through your education provider.
- Minimum passing score: 75%
- The exam ensures you’ve mastered the basics before moving on to the state exam.
Pro tip:
• Schedule your exam soon after finishing your coursework so the information is fresh.
• Use interactive exam prep tools (included in KOMAR’s Standard, Value, and Premium packages) to pinpoint weak areas.
• Don’t skip the practice tests — they mimic the real exam format.
Step 4: Choose a Sponsoring Broker
Here’s something many new agents don’t realize: you cannot practice real estate in Illinois without being sponsored by a broker.
This is more than a paperwork requirement — your sponsoring brokerage shapes your career. The right brokerage provides training, technology, and mentorship. The wrong one charges you desk fees and leaves you on your own.
At KOMAR, we designed our model specifically for new agents:
✓ Zero monthly fees
✓ Free IDX website & CRM
✓ Live training sessions 4x per week
✓ One-on-one mentorship
✓ A culture built on teamwork, not competition
Learn more about how KOMAR supports new agents: Join Us
Step 5: Submit Your License Application
The final step is applying with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Submit your education transcripts
- Provide proof of a sponsoring broker agreement
- Pay the application fee (currently $125)
- Wait for approval (typically 1–3 weeks)
Once approved, you’ll officially hold an Illinois Broker License and can start working with clients.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Licensed in Illinois?
Here’s a typical breakdown of licensing costs:
- Pre-licensing education: $300–$600 (depending on package)
- State exam fee (PSI): $55 per attempt
- Application fee (IDFPR): $125
- Fingerprinting & background check: $50–$75
- Total Estimated Cost: $500–$850
At KOMAR, you can test-drive our platform with a 5-day free trial before paying a cent. Start your trial.
How Long Does It Take?
- Fastest timeline: 2–3 weeks (if treated like a full-time job).
- Average timeline: 2–3 months (part-time study).
- State exam + application approval adds ~3–4 weeks.
On average, expect about 3 months from first class to active license.
FAQs About Getting Licensed in Illinois
Can I take the Illinois pre-licensing courses online?
Yes! Illinois allows online interactive courses, which you can complete at your own pace. KOMAR offers fully online packages that include exam prep.
Do I need college or prior experience?
No degree required — you only need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and pass the education + exam requirements.
How much do real estate agents in Illinois earn?
Income varies, but according to ZipRecruiter, the average Illinois real estate agent earns $68,000+ per year — with top earners exceeding six figures.
Can I work part-time as an agent?
Yes, but remember: real estate rewards consistency. Many agents start part-time while transitioning from another career, but those who treat it as a full business grow faster.
