Educational Resources: Take Illinois Real Estate Sample Tests, Application Steps and Tips

After completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course, the Illinois real estate license test can be scheduled and completed.¹

There are 31 PSI testing locations in Illinois where the test can be taken.

The test cannot be taken online.

How Long Does the Illinois Real Estate License Test Take?

Test takers are given a total of 4 hours to take the test.

Part 1, which has 100 multiple-choice questions, is allocated 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Part 2, which has 40 questions, is allocated 90 minutes.

What Score Is Needed To Pass the Illinois Real Estate License Test?

Test takers must score at least a 70% in Part 1, and at least a 75% in Part 2 of the test to pass.

Can You Retake the Illinois Real Estate License Test if You Fail?

Yes, the test can be retaken up to 4 times. If the test isn’t passed after 4 times, the 75-hour pre-licensing course will need to be retaken.

If one part of the test is passed, but the other part fails, the passing part’s score will be valid for one year and the failed part of the test can be retaken separately.

What Is on the Illinois Real Estate License Test?

The 140-question multiple-choice test is divided into two parts.² Part 1 has 100 questions about national real estate laws and regulations. Part 2 has 40 questions about Illinois-specific laws.

Part 1 of the test covers the following:

• Market analysis and valuation of properties
• Financing
• Contracts
• Property ownership
• Real estate calculations
• Property disclosures
• Leasing and managing properties
• Land use regulation and control
• General principles of agency
• The practicing of real estate

Part 2 of the test covers the following:

• Statutory and regulatory requirements in Illinois
• Disclosures in Illinois
• Licensing requirements in Illinois

Sample Test Questions

Here are a few test questions that will be similar to what is on the Illinois real estate test.

1. In Illinois, which party usually pays the real estate transfer tax in a real estate sale transaction?

a. The buyer
b. The seller
c. The seller’s attorney
d. The mortgage loan officer

2. Julia is a listing broker for a seller. As the designated agent, Julia is able to offer all of these following services except for:

a. Providing requested documents to the buyer’s agent
b. Completing the seller’s disclosure for the buyer
c. Disclosing to the seller any information about the buyer
d. Taking pictures of the sale property

3. If someone without a real estate license engages in the sale of real estate for other people and receives compensation for doing so, what potential penalty may the person face?

a. Up to $25,000 per occurrence
b. Up to $10,000 per occurrence
c. Up to $5,000 per occurrence
d. None of the above

Illinois’ Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Office: License Application Process

The real estate license application process in Illinois is simple and straightforward, and can be done conveniently online.

Checklist: Steps, Costs, and Time To Obtaining an Illinois Real Estate License

Here’s a summary of what is needed, and what to expect, when obtaining an Illinois real estate license:

• Complete and pass a 75-hour pre-licensing training course
  • 2 to 9 months
  • $250 to $600
• Take and pass the Illinois real estate license test
  • 4 hours
  • $58
• Join a brokerage and find a managing broker sponsor
• Submit a licensing application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
  • Waiting time of on average 10 days
  • $125

How Do I Apply for an Illinois Real Estate License?

After completing the requirements, apply for a Illinois real estate license online at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Division of Real Estate website.

Simply complete the online application, pay the $125 application fee, and wait until your application is processed and approved.³

What’s the Average Timeline for the Real Estate Application?

After filling out the online application and paying the $125 fee, it can take on average about 2 weeks for an Illinois real estate application to be approved, with most processed in no more than 10 days after submission.

Exercising the Option To Apply for National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Membership

You can apply for membership in the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) by first joining a local real estate association in Illinois.⁴

After joining, you will be able to complete the process to become part of the national association and enjoy the perks and benefits that come with this.

Can I Work as an Illinois Real Estate Agent Before My Real Estate License Application Is Approved?

Yes, you can work for 45 days under the supervision and guidance of a managing broker. This helps you get career experience and skills while waiting for the approval process to be completed.