Licensing Requirements

Effective May 1, 2011, the requirements to be licensed as an Illinois real estate broker (formerly called a salesperson) are:

1. Complete the educational requirements. You must complete a state-approved 90-hour pre-license program. A minimum of 15 hours must be in an interactive course. ProSchools is developing the new 90-hour program and will update the website as soon as it is available.
2. Pass the Illinois real estate license exam. You will need to pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or better.
3. File an application with the required fee. The application must include the certification of a passing score on the exam, a properly issued sponsor card, and a check for the license.

Due to the new real estate law changes, all real estate licensees must transition their current license by April 30, 2012. The requirements to transition from a real estate salesperson license to a broker license are:  

1. Hold an active Salesperson license on April 30, 2011.
2. Complete a 30-hour Broker Transition course or take and pass the proficiency exam. The 30-hour Broker Transition course may be taken entirely through distance education. If the proficiency exam is not passed the first time, you must complete the 30-hour Broker Transition course. Licensees who opt to complete the 30-hour Broker Transition course will not need to complete continuing education to renew for 2012.
3. Apply and pay the $125 fee to transition your license with the IDFPR by April 30, 2012.

ProSchools will offer the broker and managing broker transition courses. Contact ProSchools' course consultants at 1-800-299-2207 for more information. If you have additional questions about licensing or transitioning your current license, we also recommend you visit the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation or call (217) 524-6735.