Free Illinois Real Estate Practice Exam
Illinois practice exam with real exam-style questions covering national content and Illinois-specific state law. No signup required.
Illinois Real Estate Exam
Practice by IL Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal. Core national content.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
Illinois State Law
IDFPR rules, Illinois Real Estate License Act, designated agency, Illinois agency disclosure, Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, and IL-specific regulations.
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Full Illinois Real Estate Practice Exam
National and state-specific questions mixed to match the real NJ exam structure.
About the Illinois Real Estate Exam
The Illinois real estate broker licensing exam is required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before practicing real estate in Illinois. Illinois licenses all new real estate practitioners as brokers (not salespersons), with a Managing Broker license required for those who supervise others or manage a brokerage office. Candidates must complete 75 hours of IDFPR-approved pre-license education before sitting for the exam.
The exam contains 140 questions with a 3.5-hour time limit and a 75% passing score — you need 105 correct answers. It is administered by PSI on behalf of IDFPR and covers both national real estate content and Illinois-specific law including the Real Estate License Act of 2000 (RELA), the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, and IDFPR rules.
Illinois Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Section | Approx. Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| National — Real Estate Principles | ~90 | Agency, contracts, property rights, fair housing, finance, appraisal |
| IL State — RELA & IDFPR Rules | ~25 | License Act of 2000, broker duties, managing broker, trust accounts |
| IL State — Agency & Disclosures | ~15 | Illinois agency disclosure, Residential Real Property Disclosure Act |
| IL State — Other IL Law | ~10 | Illinois Human Rights Act, transfer tax, landlord-tenant, HOA |
Sample Illinois Real Estate Exam Questions
1. Under Illinois's Real Estate License Act of 2000 (RELA), a real estate broker who receives earnest money must deposit it into a trust account within:
2. Under the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, a seller of a residential property must provide the disclosure report to the buyer:
3. In Illinois, which of the following best describes the role of a 'Designated Agent'?
Study Tips for the Illinois Real Estate Exam
Illinois's Real Estate License Act of 2000 (RELA) is the most tested state-specific topic. Know the difference between broker and managing broker licenses, the 1-business-day trust account deposit requirement, the grounds for disciplinary action, and the sponsoring broker's responsibilities for supervising affiliated brokers. The transition from salesperson/broker to broker/managing broker terminology is unique to Illinois and a common exam question.
The Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act and the pre-offer delivery requirement are heavily tested. Know when the disclosure must be provided, the 3-business-day rescission right if delivered late, what must be disclosed, and which transactions are exempt (estate sales, foreclosures, REOs). Illinois's designated agency framework is also unique — understand how it differs from dual agency and why it's preferred by larger brokerages.
Licensing in a nearby state? See the New York real estate practice exam or the Texas practice exam. National exam content is covered in our national real estate practice exam and the real estate study guide.
How to Get Your Illinois Real Estate License
There are four steps to get your Illinois real estate broker license. Most people finish in two to five months. Illinois eliminated the Salesperson license. All agents hold a Broker license and must work under a licensed Managing Broker.
Steps to Get Your Illinois Real Estate License
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-License Education | Complete 75 hours at a state-approved school. Topics include principles, contracts, finance, and Illinois law. |
| 2. Licensing Exam | Take the 140-question exam through PSI. It covers national concepts and Illinois state law. You need 75% to pass. |
| 3. Submit Application | Send your results, background check, and fees to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. |
| 4. Activate with a Broker | Attach your license to a sponsoring broker. You cannot work with clients or earn commissions until you do. |
What to Focus On for the Illinois State Exam
The Illinois state exam pays close attention to Illinois agency relationships and the Residential Real Property Disclosure Report. Know these rules well. They appear on the exam and come up in daily practice.
Our free Illinois real estate practice exam covers both national and state content. You can also try the national real estate practice exam or the real estate exam study guide.
Interested in where this license leads? See our guide to real estate careers — including salary ranges, how to break in, and what the career looks like day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois Real Estate Exam
How many questions are on the Illinois real estate exam?
The Illinois real estate broker exam contains 140 questions with a 3.5-hour time limit. The passing score is 75%, meaning you need at least 105 correct answers. The exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
What pre-license education is required in Illinois?
Illinois requires 75 hours of IDFPR-approved pre-license education before sitting for the broker exam: 60 hours of Broker Pre-License Topics and 15 hours of Applied Real Estate Principles (a live or synchronous online course). After passing the exam, brokers must also complete 45 hours of post-license education within the first two-year renewal period.
What is the difference between a broker and managing broker in Illinois?
Illinois licenses all new real estate practitioners as brokers — not salespersons. A broker can practice real estate but must work under the supervision of a sponsoring managing broker. A managing broker can supervise other brokers and independently manage a real estate office. To become a managing broker, you need at least 2 years of experience as a broker, additional education, and must pass the managing broker exam.
What is Illinois's Residential Real Property Disclosure Act?
The Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act requires sellers of residential real property to complete and provide a disclosure report to buyers before the buyer makes an offer. The report covers the seller's knowledge of material defects, structural conditions, environmental hazards, and other issues. Late delivery triggers a 3-business-day buyer rescission right. Certain transactions are exempt including estate transfers, foreclosures, and transfers between family members.
What is designated agency in Illinois?
Designated agency is an Illinois-specific framework that allows a real estate firm representing both a buyer and seller to avoid dual agency by designating different brokers within the firm to each party. Each designated agent owes full fiduciary duties to their client only — loyalty, confidentiality, obedience, disclosure, and reasonable care. The managing broker serves in a neutral supervisory role and may not disclose confidential information from either party.
How long is an Illinois real estate license valid?
Illinois real estate broker licenses are valid for two years, expiring on April 30 of even-numbered years. First-time renewals require 45 hours of post-license education. Subsequent renewals require 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory ethics courses. The managing broker license also requires CE and expires on the same cycle.
What is Illinois's transfer tax and who pays it?
Illinois imposes a real estate transfer tax at the state level of $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or $1 per $1,000). The state tax is typically paid by the seller. Many Illinois municipalities — including Chicago — impose additional local transfer taxes. Chicago's transfer tax is notably higher and is split between buyer and seller in proportions set by local ordinance. Transfer taxes are calculated on the net consideration paid.