Best Online Real Estate Schools in Illinois (2026)
Compare 5 IDFPR-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 • Verified by CertLaunch Research Team
Course Cost
$159 – $400
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$50k – $106k+
Required Hours
75 hours
Top 3 Illinois Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best Value. Flexible online course with audio included.
$159.20
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. AceableAgent
Best for mobile learning and modern platform.
$215
3. The CE Shop
Best for exam prep and high pass rates.
$315
Best Real Estate Schools in Illinois
All 7 schools are Illinois IDFPR-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$199
$159.2
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Audio course available
- 100,000+ students
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 75-hr pre-license course
- 60-hr Broker Topics
- 15-hr Applied Principles
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$339
- Pass or don't pay guarantee
- Instructor support
- Narrated audio option
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 75-Hr Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- Narrated Audio
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$359
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Pass Guarantee
- Business building courses
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 75-Hr Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Digital flashcards
Illinois School of Real Estate
Starting at
$389
- Powered by Illinois REALTORS®
- Scholarships available
- Free trial period
Available Packages (2)
Online Self-Guided Pre-License Package
- 75-Hr Course (self-paced)
- 60-Hr Topics + 15-Hr Applied Principles
- Free trial period
- 24/7 tech support
AceableAgent
Best for MobileStarting at
$399
- 84% first-try pass rate
- Mobile app (iOS & Android)
- PrepAgent exam prep included
Available Packages (3)
Interactive, Self-Paced
- 75-hr Pre-License Course
- Digital & printed textbook
- Instructor support via text & email
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$449
- Kaplan Commitmentâ„¢ pass guarantee
- 94% recommendation rate
- Free 6-mo Inman Select subscription
Available Packages (2)
Broker Licensing with Exam Prep (75-Hr)
- 75-Hr Course
- Exam Prep
- Interactive Study Group
REALTORS® Real Estate School
Best for ChicagoStarting at
$610
- Powered by Chicago Association of REALTORS®
- In-person classes in downtown Chicago
- Save $275 on board dues
Available Packages (4)
Standard (Online)
- 75-Hr Course
- Flash cards
- Broker exam video prep series
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Illinois?
Average Annual Income
$50,000 – $106,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) & Indeed
Top Earners
$130,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Illinois real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction side. On a $275,000 median home price, that's approximately $6,875–$8,250 per transaction. New agents on a split with their brokerage would keep a portion of this, typically starting at 50-70%.
Top-Earning Illinois Markets
Is an Illinois Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Diverse Market: From Chicago skyscrapers to suburban homes and rural properties.
- + Relatively Fast Entry: 75 hours is manageable compared to many other states.
- + 45-Day Permit: You can start working almost immediately after passing the exam.
👎 Cons
- - Competitive Markets: Chicago area can be highly competitive for new agents.
- - Initial Costs: Startup fees including MLS dues and marketing can add up.
- - State Exam Difficulty: The state-specific portion requires careful study of Illinois law.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Illinois
Complete Pre-License Education
Take the required 75 hours of pre-licensing education (60-hour Broker Topics + 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles) from an approved provider.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Pass the final exam for your pre-license course with a minimum score of 75% to receive your transcript.
Pass the State Licensing Exam
Schedule and pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination administered by PSI. You need a 70% on the National portion and 75% on the State portion.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
You must be sponsored by a managing broker to apply for your license. They will sign your 45-day permit application.
Submit Your Application
Apply for your license through the IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) online portal with the $150 fee and your sponsoring broker information.
Illinois Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have SSN or ITIN
- High school diploma or GED required
- Must be of good moral character
Education & Exam Requirements
- 75 hours of pre-license education
- 60 hours Broker Topics
- 15 hours Applied Principles
- Pass state exam (140 questions)
Illinois Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Illinois real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Education (75 hours) | $159 – $600 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $58 – $58 | Paid to PSI per attempt |
| License Application Fee | $150 – $150 | Paid to IDFPR |
| Fingerprinting | $60 – $100 | Background check |
| Estimated Total | $427 – $908 | Save with CertLaunch |
The Illinois Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 140 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 70% National / 75% State
- Time limit: 3.5 hours total
- Provider: PSI
- Cost: $58
Exam Topics
- Illinois License Law
- Agency Relationships
- Contracts and Closing
- Real Estate Practice
- Financing
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Illinois state-specific portion requires a higher passing score (75%) than the national portion (70%). Focus your study time on Illinois License Law and Agency relationships, as these are critical for passing.
How Long Does It Take?
3–4 weeks
Full-time
Treating it like a full-time job
2–3 months
Part-time
Studying evenings/weekends
4–6 months
Casual pace
Taking your time
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Research Methodology: We reviewed 7 IDFPR-approved real estate schools based on pricing, pass rates, student reviews, and platform features. Our rankings are independent, though we may earn a commission if you sign up through our links. Prices and discounts verified as of March 2026.
Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Exploring real estate careers beyond Illinois? See how licensing requirements, costs, and timelines compare in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Illinois?
The total cost typically ranges from $450 to $900. This includes pre-license education ($200–$600), the state exam fee ($58), the application fee ($150), and fingerprinting costs ($60–$100).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Illinois?
Most people complete the process in 3 to 6 months. If you treat the 75-hour course as a full-time job, you could finish in as little as 3-4 weeks.
What are the requirements for an Illinois real estate license?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete 75 hours of approved pre-license education (60 hours Broker Topics + 15 hours Applied Principles), pass the state exam, and be sponsored by a broker.
Is the Illinois real estate exam hard?
It can be challenging. You must pass both the National portion (70% score) and the State portion (75% score). Many students find the state-specific law questions the most difficult.
Can I take the Illinois real estate course online?
Yes, the 75-hour pre-license course can be taken entirely online through self-paced packages or livestream classes, as long as the provider is approved by the IDFPR.
How much do real estate agents make in Illinois?
The average annual income for Illinois agents is around $95,000, though this varies widely. Top producers in busy markets like Chicago or Naperville can earn significantly more.
Do I need a college degree to be a real estate agent in Illinois?
No, you do not need a college degree. You only need a high school diploma or a GED equivalent to apply for a broker license.
What is the 45-day permit?
Once you pass the exam and find a sponsoring broker, you can apply for a 45-day permit. This allows you to start working immediately while the IDFPR processes your official license application.
Can I get a real estate license in Illinois with a criminal record?
It is possible, but not guaranteed. The IDFPR reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. You must disclose any past convictions and may need to provide additional documentation.
Who administers the Illinois real estate exam?
The exam is administered by PSI. You will schedule your test through their website after completing your pre-license education.