How many hours of pre-license education does Illinois require for real estate agents?

75 hours for Real Estate Broker; 45 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 30 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 15 hours for Residential Leasing Agent, as set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.

Is an exam required to get licensed in Illinois?

Our research of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.

Can I complete these hours online?

Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

How to get a Real Estate Broker license in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate sets the education you must complete before it will license you. Here is the exact requirement, by license class.

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

Required hours by license class

Real Estate Broker

75 required hours

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate · verified 2026-09-03

Real Estate Managing Broker

45 required hours

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate · verified 2026-09-03

Real Estate Managing Broker

30 required hours

Who this applies to: Out-of-state/endorsement applicants

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate · verified 2026-09-03

Residential Leasing Agent

15 required hours

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate · verified 2026-09-03

Common questions

How many hours of pre-license education does Illinois require for real estate agents?: 75 hours for Real Estate Broker; 45 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 30 hours for Real Estate Managing Broker; 15 hours for Residential Leasing Agent, as set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.
Is an exam required to get licensed in Illinois?: Our research of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.
Can I complete these hours online?: Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

Already licensed? This page covers getting your first license. If you already hold one, Illinois real estate agents renewal requires 12 hours of continuing education — see Illinois real estate agents continuing education.