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Illinois · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Illinois Real Estate Agent License

Illinois real estate agents must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
12 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
April 30, 2028
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Illinois real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Real Estate Managing Broker, Residential Leasing Agent, Real Estate Broker. Requirements are set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. Hours differ by class — 12 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 8 hours for Residential Leasing Agent; 6 hours for Real Estate Broker.

When to renew

Illinois real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is April 30, 2028. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (IL Real Estate: broker renewal Apr 30 of even years (idfpr.illinois.gov))

The continuing education Illinois requires

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • 6-hour Core CE course
  • Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (1 hr, counted toward electives)
  • Electives (6 hrs)
  • Managing brokers: 12-hour Broker Management CE curriculum

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Illinois sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Real Estate Managing Broker, Residential Leasing Agent, Real Estate Broker). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is April 30, 2028.

  2. 2

    Complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate requires 12 hours every 2 years, including 6-hour Core CE course, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (1 hr, counted toward electives), Electives (6 hrs), Managing brokers: 12-hour Broker Management CE curriculum. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Illinois real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Illinois, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate

Illinois real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Illinois real estate agents need?
Illinois real estate agents must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Illinois?
Requirements differ by license class in Illinois: 12 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 8 hours for Residential Leasing Agent; 6 hours for Real Estate Broker.
What topics are required for Illinois real estate agents continuing education?
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate requires coverage of: 6-hour Core CE course; Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (1 hr, counted toward electives); Electives (6 hrs); Managing brokers: 12-hour Broker Management CE curriculum.
Can Illinois real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Illinois requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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