Illinois
Illinois Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Illinois' real estate broker exam covers national content plus IL-specific topics including the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000, the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, and unique provisions for lead and radon disclosure. The first-time pass rate is around 60%.
Illinois Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 75 hours (60-hour topics + 15-hour applied principles)
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 140 questions — 100 national + 40 Illinois state-specific
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Passing score: 75% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $55
License title: broker (Illinois uses 'broker' as the entry-level term)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current rules with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
What Makes Illinois Different
Illinois is one of a small number of states (along with Colorado and North Carolina) that uses 'broker' as the entry-level licensing title. Newly licensed brokers in IL work under a managing broker. Illinois also has detailed disclosure requirements covering lead-based paint, radon, and the Residential Real Property Disclosure Report.
Illinois-Specific Topics You Must Know
These appear on the state portion and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Division of Real Estate. Know the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board's role.
Real Estate License Act of 2000 — the foundational IL real estate law.
Residential Real Property Disclosure Act — required disclosures for residential sales (excluding new construction and certain exemptions).
Illinois Radon Awareness Act — sellers must provide a radon disclosure pamphlet to buyers.
Lead-based paint disclosure — federal requirement applies to pre-1978 properties.
Mortgage Foreclosure Law (Illinois Code of Civil Procedure) — Illinois is a judicial foreclosure state.
Time-share Act — covers timeshare disclosure and rescission rights.
Continuing education — 12 hours per 2-year cycle including 4 hours of core topics.
Study Plan for the Illinois Exam
Week 1: Diagnostic + national content. IL's 100 national questions are heavily weighted, so contracts, finance, agency, and property ownership are essential.
Week 2: National finance, fair housing, settlement, math. Full-length national practice. Target 70%+.
Week 3: IL-specific law — IDFPR rules, License Act, RRPDA, Radon, judicial foreclosure. 40+ IL-specific practice questions.
Week 4: Full-length timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Target 78%+.
Start Your Illinois Exam Prep
The free diagnostic identifies your weakest topics so you can focus on what matters most.
Illinois Resources
Illinois Exam FAQ
Why does Illinois call entry-level licensees 'brokers'?
Illinois reformed its license tiers in 2010, eliminating the salesperson title. Newly licensed brokers in IL work under a 'managing broker' (the equivalent of what most states call a broker).
Is Illinois a judicial foreclosure state?
Yes. Illinois requires foreclosure proceedings to go through the court system.
What is the Residential Real Property Disclosure Report?
An IL-required disclosure where sellers indicate known material defects. Must be delivered to the buyer before signing the contract.
Does Illinois require radon disclosure?
Yes. The IL Radon Awareness Act requires sellers to provide a radon information pamphlet to buyers prior to signing a contract.
What's the difference between broker and managing broker in IL?
Broker is entry-level. Managing broker requires 2 years of active brokerage experience plus an additional 75-hour course and exam, and supervises other brokers.