Real Estate License Illinois Cost: Average Fees Explained

Illinois real estate licenses are issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Most people who start in the field apply for a broker license, which is the entry-level license in Illinois and the one that lets you work under a managing broker.

The total depends on the course you pick, plus a set of fees for the exam, the application and the background check. Because the official IDFPR fee page could not be reached when this guide was prepared, the state and exam figures below come from education providers that publish them. Confirm fees with IDFPR before you pay.

These are the non-education fees reported by course providers. They cover the exam, the state application and the background check, and different providers list the background check at different amounts.

The broker exam is administered by PSI, and the $58 figure applies to each attempt, so a retake costs that amount again. The IDFPR application is listed at $150. For fingerprints and the background check, one provider lists a range of $50 – $100, while another lists $60. The difference may reflect which fingerprint vendor or location is used.

Illinois requires a 75-hour pre-licensing course before you can take the exam. This is where prices spread out the most. The same required hours can be sold as a bare-bones self-study course or as a package with exam prep, live support and extras.

One provider lists its 75-hour course at $300 to $900, and another lists $300 to $650. Look at what is included. A higher-priced package may bundle exam prep, practice tests or instructor help, while a lower one may only give you the required hours.

Providers publish their own totals, and they do not line up exactly. The reasons may include which course tier is counted, whether exam prep is included, and which fees a provider adds in or leaves out.

Use these as a planning range, not as a quote. Your total will depend on the course you buy and whether you need to retake the exam.

The license is not the only expense in your first year:

• Post-licensing education: Illinois requires a post-licensing course for new brokers. One provider lists the 45-hour course at $200 – $350.
• Errors and omissions insurance, board dues and association fees. These vary by brokerage and area.
• Brokerage fees: Many brokerages charge desk fees, technology fees or commission splits.
• Renewal and continuing education: Licenses must be renewed on a set schedule with required courses.

Course pages often list a low headline price, so ask a few direct questions before you pay. Does the price cover all 75 hours, or only part of the package? Is exam prep included, and what happens if you fail the exam the first time? Is there a refund policy if you change your mind? Does the school report your completed hours to the state, or do you need to submit proof yourself? A clear answer to each one helps you compare providers on the same terms.

• Compare course bundles line by line: A cheaper course without exam prep can cost more if you have to retake the exam.
• Ask a prospective brokerage about reimbursement: Some brokerages cover or reimburse school costs.
• Budget for a retake: Because each exam attempt has its own fee, a little extra study can save money.
• Confirm all state fees with IDFPR: The official page is the final word on what you owe.