How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Illinois?
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Getting an Illinois real estate license costs between $558 and $1,208, depending on which pre-licensing school you choose. This includes your 75-hour course, state exam fee, license application, and background check.
If you're planning to become an Illinois real estate agentIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate License, here's exactly what you'll pay — and what additional startup costs to expect once you're licensed.
Illinois Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing courses (75 hours) | $300–$900 |
| State exam fee (PSI) | $58 per attempt |
| License application (IDFPR) | $150 |
| Background check & fingerprints | $50–$100 |
| Total | $558–$1,208 |
Your pre-licensing education is the biggest variable. Online courses typically cost less than in-person classes — for example, AceableAgent's Illinois courseIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate License starts at $379, while community college programs can run $895 or more.
What Each Fee Covers
Pre-licensing courses ($300–$900): Illinois requires 75 hours of IDFPR-approved educationDRE Education REPREList.asp Idfprapps.illinois.gov before you can take the state exam. This includes a 60-hour Broker Pre-License Topics course and a 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course. When comparing schools, look at exam pass rates — students from schools with higher pass rates save money by avoiding retakes.
State exam fee ($58): The Illinois real estate exam is administered by PSIHome.psiexams.com. You'll pay $58 each time you take the test. The exam has two sections: 100 national questions and 40 Illinois-specific questions. You need a 75% on each section to pass.
License application ($150): Once you pass the exam, you'll submit your application through the IDFPR online portalDre.html Idfpr.illinois.gov. The $150 fee is non-refundable.
Background check and fingerprints ($50–$100): Illinois requires a fingerprint-based background check through an approved vendorContent Dam Soi En Web Idfpr Forms Online Fingerprint Background Check Guide.pdf Idfpr.illinois.gov. Most vendors charge $50–$75, though prices vary by location.
Additional Costs After You're Licensed
Getting your license is just the first investment. Here's what to budget for your first year as an Illinois broker:
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Post-licensing education (45 hours) | $200–$350 |
| Desk fees (varies by brokerage) | $0–$300/month |
| NAR membership (optional) | $500–$700/year |
| MLS access | $400–$600/year |
| Marketing & business cards | $200–$500 |
Post-licensing education is required — you must complete 45 hours within your first two years to renew your license. Some brokerages cover MLS and association dues, so your actual costs depend on which managing brokerIllinois Become Managing Broker Illinois Career Center you choose to work with.
Is an Illinois Real Estate License Worth the Cost?
Compared to other career paths, real estate has a low barrier to entry. You don't need a college degree — just the willingness to complete your coursework and pass the exam. The total investment of $558–$1,208 is a fraction of what you'd spend on a degree program, and you can start earning commissionsIllinois Real Estate Agent Commission Career Center within months.
Illinois has over 48,000 licensed real estate agents, with median earnings above $60,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsCurrent Oes419022.htm Oes. Top performers earn significantly more.
Ready to get started? Enroll in your 75-hour Illinois pre-licensing courseIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate LicenseIllinois Real Estate License today.
Common Questions About Illinois Real Estate License Costs
What is the cheapest way to get an Illinois real estate license?
Online pre-licensing courses are typically the most affordable option. Prices start around $300 for basic packages, compared to $800+ for in-person classes at community colleges.
Are there any hidden costs to becoming an Illinois real estate agent?
Beyond licensing, budget for post-licensing education ($200–$350), potential brokerage desk fees, and optional NAR membership. Some brokerages cover these costs in exchange for a higher commission split.
How long does it take to get an Illinois real estate license?
Most people complete the process in 3–4 months, depending on how quickly they finish the 75-hour course and schedule their exam.
Do I have to pay for the Illinois real estate exam if I fail?
Yes. The $58 exam fee applies each time you take the test. Choosing a school with high pass rates can help you avoid paying for multiple attempts.