How do I get my real estate license?

To qualify for an Illinois Real Estate Broker License in the State of Illinois you must be at least 21 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.), successfully complete the required coursework and pass the state licensing exam. Effective May 1, 2011 the Broker license category replaced the former Salesperson license category.

Take the Required 90 Hours of Pre-License Education

The new Broker license has the same privileges of the previous Salesperson license category, but requires additional education to include 90 hours of pre-license education, 15 of which must be interactive (classroom or webinar) and 30 hours of post-license education.

The 90 hours would include a 75-hour Broker Pre-license Topics course and a 15-hour Broker Pre-license Applied Real Estate Principles Interactive course.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS Licensing and Training Center makes it easy with many choices for state-approved home study, classroom, online courses:

• Classroom Education Course Schedule — Find a class at a location near you. IAR has more than 50 Branch locations around the state.
• NEW WEBINAR FORMAT — You dont have to leave home! State-of-the-art, convenient interactive course webinars. See upcoming dates (pdf). To register click here .
• Online courses are offered by IARs two online learning vendors, RECampus or Hondros Learning.
• Home Study Option 1 — The 75-Hour Broker Pre-license Topics Home Study (Item #628 is a a text-based home study that is mailed to you in hard copy) combined with the 15-Hour Broker Pre-license Applied Real Estate Principles interactive classroom course will meet the requirements to be eligible to take the state exam to obtain a Broker license in the State of Illinois.

Take the Course Exam

The State of Illinois requires a proctored exam for each course. Students may take the proctored exams at the approved proctor location of their choice. After completing the course, the student should contact IAR at 217-529-2600 to have the exam sent to their preferred proctor location. Proctor locations (pdf)

State Licensure Exam

The state licensure exam is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) www.goamp.com. At this point you may register for your exam administered by AMP. (Click on Candidates and then select the real estate examination you are prepared to complete.) You must first be registered as a student before you can take the state exam. To register with AMP, go to the VIP Portal tab and select student user. From there you will be able to register as a new student and obtain your AMP student ID number. When you have completed your course, IAR will enter your completion date enabling you to register for the state exam.

Apply for Your License

Apply for your license and pay the appropriate fee for the license to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Note: You must be sponsored by a managing broker before you may practice.

Become a REALTOR

Not all real estate brokers are REALTORS. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS is universally recognized as the measure of professionalism in real estate. Membership in the REALTOR organization is part of a three-way agreement with the local REALTOR Associations, the Illinois Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS. The REALTOR symbol is your key to the wealth of resources, products and services available to you as a member of the REALTOR organization. Membership begins at the local level. To find out how you can join, contact your local association of REALTORS.

Complete the Required 30 Hours of Post-License Training

New broker licensees are required to complete 30 hours of post license training prior to their first license renewal.

• The 15-Hour Broker Post License Topics Home Study Course combined with the 15-Hour Broker Post License Applied Real Estate Practices Interactive course will satisfy the requirements.
• NEW WEBINAR FORMAT — You dont have to leave home! State-of-the-art, convenient interactive course webinars. See upcoming dates (pdf). To register click here .
• Classroom Education Course Schedule — Find a class at a location near you. IAR has more than 50 Branch locations around the state.

Continuing Education

Real estate licensees are required to complete continuing education (CE) during each two-year licensing period. Real Estate Broker Licensees renewal deadline is April 30, 2014. If you were licensed 90 days prior to the renewal deadline you will be issued a license with the renewal deadline of the next cycle thereby allowing you an additional 2 years to complete your CE.

Take CE courses from the convenience of your home with text-based and on-line programs, or find traditional classroom courses available throughout the state.