Pass Your Illinois Real Estate Exam the First Time
Illinois requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education. The exam tests the Illinois Real Estate License Act extensively, including designated agency and sponsoring broker responsibilities. Chicago's diverse market means understanding condos, co-ops, and multi-unit buildings is valuable.
Questions
140
100 NAT / 40 STATE
To Pass
75%
105 / 140 TO PASS
Time Limit
4 Hrs
240 TOTAL MINUTES
Provider
PSI
IDFPR
Pass your Illinois Broker or Managing Broker License
Illinois uses ‘Broker’ as its entry level license and structures the entire agency system around statutory duties that differ from the fiduciary model most candidates studied.
Candidates who learned agency law from national prep materials arrive with the wrong framework for Illinois. The IDFPR exam tests a statutory system, and the distinction between what is permitted versus prohibited in that structure is not something AI generated content handles correctly. Generic tools recycle national patterns. Illinois does not follow the national pattern.
The License Professor was written by licensed Illinois professionals who know what the PSI state portion actually tests. Every question on Illinois statutory agency structure, brokerage documentation requirements, and disciplinary procedures is grounded in Illinois statute and IDFPR rule.
Illinois Sample Exams
Experience the real study interface — no account required.
Broker
Individuals new to real estate who want to start their career helping clients buy and sell property
Managing Broker
Experienced professionals who want to manage a brokerage office and supervise other agents
Three Topics that Trip Up Illinois Students Most
Dual Agency Disclosures
Illinois requires a two-step process — first a consent form, then a confirmation form — each needing separate signatures with copies retained for five years, and the exam tests the timing, two-document requirement, and prohibition against dual agency when the licensee is a party to the transaction.
Ministerial Acts vs. Fiduciary
Illinois is a statutory agency state where licensees may perform limited "ministerial acts" for the non-client customer — the exam tests whether ministerial acts create an agency relationship (they do not) and what happens if a licensee tries to contract away statutory duties.
Real Estate Recovery Fund
The Fund caps claims at $50,000 per aggrieved person with a two-year statute of limitations — the exam tests whether you need a court judgment first and the distinction between damages from a licensed agent versus an unlicensed employee.
The Illinois Real Estate License Professor includes specialized deep dives for each of these.
Choose Your Study Plan
Pass your real estate exam with confidence.
Need more time or switching states? Add 90 days of additional access — or change your state and license type — for just $24.99.
Illinois Real Estate Exam FAQ
Illinois Real Estate Practice Questions
Sample questions from the Illinois real estate exam — with answers and explanations.
1. A buyer contacts a real estate office without an agency agreement. Which of the following can the licensee NOT do for the buyer?
- A.prequalify the buyer for a mortgage.
- B.give the buyer information on mortgage interest rates and terms.
- C.provide the buyer with information on properties for sale in the area.
- D.explain to the buyer about buyer agency, seller agency, and dual agency.
2. All of the following real estate agreements must be in writing, EXCEPT a(n):
- A.open listing.
- B.multiple listing.
- C.exclusive-right-to-sell.
- D.exclusive buyer-agency agreement.
3. In Illinois, mortgage interest rates typically decrease when:
- A.Inflationary trends are on the upswing.
- B.The supply of mortgage money increases substantially.
- C.Businesses are expanding and making large capital expenditures.
- D.The Federal Reserve Board increases the reserve requirements for member banks.
More on the Illinois Real Estate Exam
Deeper reading on the topics that matter most for Illinois candidates.
Illinois Real Estate Exam Structure: What to Expect
The Illinois Broker exam combines 80 national questions and 60 state-specific questions in 210 minutes.
Question breakdown
National portion: 80 questions
Standard PSI national content.
Illinois portion: 60 questions
Topics:
- IL license law (RELA) (15-18 questions)
- Designated agency (8-10 questions)
- Property disclosures (6-8 questions)
- Trust accounts (5-7 questions)
- Chicago-specific issues (5-6 questions)
- Real estate practice (8-10 questions)
The 60-question state portion is unusually large. Most states have 30-40 state questions. Illinois has 60.
Combined scoring
Illinois uses combined scoring (75% of 140 = 105 correct).
Time management
210 minutes for 140 questions = 90 seconds per question. Moderate pacing.
Cost structure
- Pre-licensing (75 hours): $400-$800
- Exam: $55
- License: $125
- Background check: ~$50
- Total: $630-$1,030
Retake rules
Retakes allowed. $55 per attempt.
Topics Covered on the Illinois Real Estate Exam
National Exam Topics (80 questions)
- Property Ownership — Estates, deeds, easements
- Land Use — Zoning, government powers
- Valuation — Three approaches, CMA
- Financing — Mortgages, FHA/VA, RESPA, TILA
- Agency — Agency relationships
- Contracts — Listing agreements, purchase contracts
- Closing — Closing procedures, prorations
- Practice — Working with buyers and sellers, fair housing, math
Illinois State Exam Topics (60 questions)
- Illinois Real Estate License Act (RELA) — License categories, Sponsoring Broker, advertising
- Designated Agency — Illinois's framework for representing both parties via different agents
- Trust Accounts — Broker trust account rules
- Property Disclosures — Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Report
- Chicago-Specific Issues — RLTO, transfer taxes, condo declarations
Why this list matters
Each state topic generates 6-12 questions. Illinois's 60-question state portion outweighs most states. Master designated agency and RELA.
What this list doesn't tell you
PSI writes scenario-based questions. Practice questions, not just topic review.
Five Mistakes Illinois Real Estate Exam Candidates Make
Mistake 1: Confusing "Broker" terminology
Illinois renamed entry-level licensees from "Salesperson" to "Broker" in 2010. National prep books talk about salespersons. This causes confusion.
The fix: Memorize Illinois's three-tier structure: Broker (entry), Managing Broker (supervisor), Sponsoring Broker (the supervisor relationship).
Mistake 2: Skipping designated agency
Illinois was a national leader in designated agency. The exam tests it heavily.
The fix: Memorize designated agency rules and how it differs from dual agency.
Mistake 3: Underestimating RELA
The Illinois Real Estate License Act is comprehensive. Skim it and you miss specific provisions tested.
The fix: Read RELA carefully. Pay attention to advertising rules, license suspension grounds, and Sponsoring Broker duties.
Mistake 4: Missing Chicago-specific topics
Chicago's RLTO and high transfer taxes are tested. Candidates focused only on statewide content miss these.
The fix: Study Chicago's RLTO basics and transfer tax structure.
Mistake 5: Skipping math practice
Math woven into scenario questions catches candidates.
The fix: Do at least 50 practice math problems.
What separates pass from fail
Pass: studied designated agency, understood RELA, mastered Sponsoring Broker structure, did 250+ practice questions.
Fail: confused by terminology, skipped IL-specific topics.
Illinois Real Estate License Reciprocity
Illinois has partial reciprocity agreements with select states. Agents licensed in a recognized state may qualify to skip some pre-licensing education, but must still pass the Illinois-specific state exam.
States accepted by Illinois (8 states)
Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska
States that recognize a Illinois license
Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Virginia, Wisconsin
Reciprocity rules change. Verify current requirements with each state's real estate commission before applying.
Your Path to Illinois Real Estate
Follow the progression from entry-level to advanced licensure.
Broker License
Who is this for?
This license is ideal for individuals new to real estate who want to start their career helping clients buy and sell property To obtain a Broker license, you must be sponsored by a licensed broker or brokerage firm.
Requirements
Your Exam
You need 105 out of 140 questions correct to pass.
To upgrade: 2 years experience, reach age 21, no sponsorship needed
Managing Broker License
Who is this for?
This license is ideal for experienced professionals who want to manage a brokerage office and supervise other agents
Requirements
Your Exam
You need 113 out of 150 questions correct to pass.