Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Illinois but worried about giving up your paycheck? You’re not alone. Many people enter real estate as a second career, and most can’t simply step away from work while getting licensed. The good news: you don’t have to. With the right plan and flexible education, you can work toward your Illinois license while keeping your current job.
Illinois Real Estate License Requirements for Working Professionals
To earn your real estate license in Illinois, you’ll need to:
Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education (60 hours self-paced online + 15 hours live interactive).
Pass the Illinois state licensing exam with a score of 75% or higher.
Find a sponsoring managing broker to activate your license.
On paper, that may sound like a lot. But programs like the Illinois Broker Pre-Licensing Course are built with working adults in mind. You can complete the 60 hours of online coursework at your own pace — before work, during lunch, or after the kids are asleep — and then finish the 15 hours of live instruction in just a couple of days.
For official requirements, check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
How Long It Takes to Get an Illinois Real Estate License While Working
Most working students finish the education and pass the exam in two to four months. Your exact timeline depends on how much time you can dedicate each week. Consistency matters more than cramming. A steady routine of 7–10 hours a week is usually enough to stay on track. For a step-by-step view, see AceableAgent’s Illinois real estate license timeline.
Tips for Balancing Work and Studying for Your Illinois Real Estate License
The biggest challenge is time, but with structure, you can make steady progress. Try these strategies:
Short, consistent sessions – Study for 30–45 minutes daily instead of cramming on weekends.
Use mobile learning – Log in from your phone or tablet whenever you have downtime.
Set milestones – Break the 75 hours into weekly goals to keep momentum.
Lean on flexibility – Online programs let you study early mornings, late nights, or whenever your schedule allows.
Cost of an Illinois Real Estate License for Working Adults
Budgeting is key when you’re balancing a job and licensing costs. Here’s what to expect:
Pre-licensing course tuition – Around $400–$700 for a full online package.
Exam and application fees – Roughly $100–$150 combined.
Post-licensing and continuing education – Required to maintain your license, with affordable options like Illinois Real Estate Continuing Education courses.
Altogether, most people spend about $800–$1,000 to become licensed. Keeping your current job helps cover costs while you prepare for your new career. For a full breakdown, review AceableAgent’s guide to Illinois real estate license costs.
When to Transition From a Job to a Real Estate Career in Illinois
Even after passing the exam, it often takes 6–12 months to build a steady client base. Many new agents keep working part-time or full-time jobs during this period to stay financially stable. Once you’re closing consistent deals and feel confident about your pipeline, you can shift to real estate full-time.
Common Challenges of Working While Getting Licensed in Illinois
Time management – Block out non-negotiable study hours in your weekly calendar.
Motivation – Remind yourself why you’re making the switch — flexibility, income potential, or work-life balance.
Finding support – Connect with mentors, peers, or local associations like Illinois REALTORS® for guidance and encouragement.
Action Plan for Illinois Real Estate Students
Ready to move forward? Here’s a simple path:
Enroll in an online Illinois Broker Pre-Licensing Course.
Set a weekly study schedule you can realistically stick to.
Budget for tuition, exam, and licensing costs.
Build your network early by reaching out to potential sponsoring brokers.
Final Takeaway: Working While Getting Your Illinois Real Estate License
You don’t need to put your career on pause to become an Illinois real estate agent. With flexible online education, smart scheduling, and financial planning, you can earn your license while keeping your job — and start building a future in real estate at your own pace.