How to Get Your Real Estate License in Burlington, Illinois

Becoming a real estate agent in Burlington, Illinois, starts with completing state-approved education, passing the Illinois licensing examination, and applying for a broker license. A flexible Illinois pre-licensing course can help you complete the required education online while preparing for the state and national exam.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

Illinois generally licenses entry-level real estate professionals as brokers, although many people casually refer to them as real estate agents. To qualify for an Illinois real estate broker license, an applicant must generally:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete 75 hours of approved pre-license education.
Pass the Illinois real estate licensing examination.
Complete the required application and background-check process.
Work with a sponsoring broker before practicing real estate.
Complete required post-license education after receiving the first license.

These requirements are listed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or IDFPR.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant will be denied. However, applicants must answer licensing questions accurately and may need to provide additional information for the Department’s review.

Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education for an entry-level broker license. The education must be completed through a provider and curriculum approved by IDFPR.

The coursework is designed to introduce major topics such as:

Illinois real estate law and rules.
Real estate brokerage practices.
Agency relationships.
Contracts and disclosures.
Fair housing and civil rights.
Real estate finance.
Property ownership and interests.
Leasing and property management concepts.
Professional responsibilities and license law.

Course providers determine their own tuition, schedules, instructional format, and school policies. Before enrolling, confirm that the course is approved for Illinois broker pre-license education.

Online Illinois Pre-License Courses

Online education can be useful for Burlington residents who need flexibility around work, family, or other commitments. Approved providers may offer education through online distance learning, live interactive webinars, classroom instruction, or a combination of formats, depending on the provider and current state rules.

An online course does not eliminate the state examination, application, fingerprinting, or sponsoring-broker requirements. It simply provides a different way to complete the education component.

When comparing online programs, review:

Whether the provider is approved for Illinois broker education.
Whether the course includes all 75 required hours.
Whether final course exams are required.
Whether the program includes exam-preparation materials.
Whether technical support is available.
The school’s refund and completion policies.
Whether the course is self-paced, instructor-led, or delivered by live webinar.

For those who prefer a flexible format, Illinois online pre-licensing education may be a practical starting point.

Step 2: Pass the Illinois Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing the required education, applicants must pass the Illinois real estate broker examination. The licensing exam includes both national real estate subjects and Illinois-specific content.

The examination commonly tests knowledge of:

Property ownership.
Land use and controls.
Valuation and market analysis.
Contracts.
Agency.
Financing.
Transfer of title.
Real estate practice.
Property management.
Illinois license law and regulations.

Testing procedures, registration instructions, examination fees, passing standards, and available appointments can change. Applicants should use the current testing information identified by IDFPR or its authorized examination vendor rather than relying on an older course handout.

If an applicant does not pass, the applicable testing authority will provide information about retesting. Additional education or exam preparation may be helpful before trying again.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Once the education and examination requirements are satisfied, the next step is submitting the broker license application through the process designated by IDFPR.

The application process may require:

Proof of completed education.
Examination results.
Personal identification information.
Professional and residential history.
Answers to background and disciplinary questions.
Fingerprint or background-check documentation.
Sponsoring-broker information.
Payment of the applicable state licensing fee.

Illinois application and license fees are subject to change. Because fees can vary by application type and may be updated by the Department, applicants should confirm the current amount on the official IDFPR application or payment page before submitting materials.

Applications should be complete and consistent. Missing documents, unanswered questions, name discrepancies, or unresolved background matters can delay review.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Illinois may require broker applicants to complete a criminal-history background check using an approved fingerprinting process. Fingerprints are generally submitted through an authorized vendor, and the results are transmitted for regulatory review.

Before scheduling fingerprinting, verify:

Which vendor or vendors are currently authorized.
Whether an appointment is required.
What identification must be brought.
How long the fingerprint results remain valid.
Whether the results must be sent directly to IDFPR.
Whether a previous fingerprint submission can be reused.

Fingerprinting fees are normally separate from education, examination, and state application fees. Because vendor charges and procedures may change, confirm the current instructions with IDFPR and the approved fingerprint provider.

Applicants should disclose required criminal, disciplinary, or licensing history. Failing to disclose information can create a more serious licensing issue than the underlying event itself.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

A newly licensed Illinois broker generally must be sponsored by a sponsoring broker before conducting licensed real estate activities.

A sponsoring broker is usually an employing brokerage or designated supervising professional who provides oversight, transaction systems, policies, and access to the brokerage’s business. The sponsoring broker relationship is not merely administrative; it affects how a new agent receives training, handles transactions, and gets paid.

When interviewing brokerages in the Burlington area, consider:

Commission split and other compensation terms.
Monthly, transaction, technology, or desk fees.
Training for new licensees.
Mentoring and transaction support.
Lead-generation expectations.
Office and remote-work policies.
Marketing requirements.
Geographic coverage in and around Burlington.
Access to multiple listing services, if applicable.
The brokerage’s reputation for supervision and compliance.
Whether the brokerage specializes in residential, commercial, land, leasing, or investment property.

Compensation arrangements differ substantially among brokerages. Ask for all fees and payment terms in writing before affiliating with a sponsoring broker.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Licensed?

The total cost depends on the education provider, examination charges, fingerprinting vendor, application fee, and optional business expenses. Common cost categories include:

75-hour pre-license course tuition.
Course materials or exam-preparation products.
Illinois licensing examination fee.
Fingerprinting and background-check fee.
State application or license fee.
Errors-and-omissions insurance, if required by the brokerage.
Association, MLS, lockbox, technology, or marketing costs.
Transportation, signs, business cards, and other start-up expenses.

There is no single reliable total for every Burlington applicant because private course prices, vendor charges, brokerage fees, and state fees can change. Obtain a current written cost estimate from the education provider and confirm government fees directly with IDFPR.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline varies. A motivated applicant may move through the process relatively quickly, while others may need more time because of work schedules, course pacing, exam availability, fingerprinting, application questions, or Department review.

The main variables are:

How quickly the 75-hour course is completed.
When the applicant schedules the examination.
Whether the applicant passes on the first attempt.
Availability of fingerprinting appointments.
Whether the application is complete.
Whether the background review requires additional documentation.
How quickly a sponsoring broker is selected.

Rather than relying on a fixed number of days, plan for the education, testing, fingerprinting, brokerage selection, and application stages separately.

Post-License Education

New Illinois broker licensees must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the applicable first renewal period.

Illinois law describes the post-license requirement as three 15-hour courses covering subjects such as:

Applied brokerage principles.
Risk management and discipline.
Transactional issues.

Each course requires its own final examination under the statutory framework.

The deadline can depend on when the first broker license is issued. A license issued close to the next renewal deadline may receive additional time under the law. Confirm the deadline shown in current IDFPR guidance and complete the requirement through an approved provider.

Post-license education is separate from the original 75-hour pre-license course. Completing the pre-license class does not satisfy the 45-hour post-license requirement.

Continuing Education After the First Renewal Period

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers generally must complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

Continuing education helps licensees stay current on:

Changes to Illinois real estate law.
Fair housing and human rights requirements.
Agency and disclosure duties.
Advertising rules.
Risk management.
License maintenance and professional conduct.
Transaction procedures.
Current industry practices.

Course formats and required subjects may change. Use an IDFPR-approved provider and verify the current renewal deadline and curriculum requirements before enrolling.

Managing brokers have additional education obligations, including a broker-management continuing education component. A broker who eventually wants to supervise other licensees or operate at a higher management level should review the separate managing-broker requirements before planning that career step.

Potential Earnings for Burlington Real Estate Agents

Real estate earnings are not guaranteed and should not be presented as a fixed salary. Many agents are paid through commissions or commission splits, and income can vary based on:

Number of closed transactions.
Property prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage split and fees.
Referrals and repeat clients.
Market conditions.
Full-time or part-time status.
Experience and specialization.
Business expenses and taxes.

New agents may experience an uneven first year while building a client base and learning transaction procedures. Some income may not arrive until a transaction closes, and a brokerage may deduct agreed-upon fees before payment.

Before choosing real estate as a career, prepare a personal financial plan that accounts for licensing expenses, transportation, marketing, technology, taxes, and periods without a closing. Public wage estimates can be useful for broad occupational comparisons, but they may not accurately represent commission-based Burlington agents or independent contractors.

Career Opportunities After Licensing

A Burlington-area broker may pursue several real estate paths, including:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing and seller representation.
First-time-homebuyer services.
Relocation assistance.
New-construction sales.
Leasing and rental transactions.
Property management, where separately permitted and properly structured.
Land and rural property.
Commercial real estate.
Investment-property transactions.
Real estate referrals.
Transaction coordination or brokerage operations.
Future advancement to managing broker.

Local success depends on legal compliance, responsiveness, market knowledge, relationship-building, and consistent prospecting. A license allows a person to practice within the scope of Illinois law, but it does not guarantee clients, transactions, or income.

A Practical Burlington Licensing Checklist

Confirm that you meet the age and education requirements.
Enroll in an IDFPR-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course.
Complete the course and required school examination or examinations.
Register for and pass the Illinois broker licensing examination.
Complete fingerprinting and the criminal-history background-check process.
Gather application documents and disclose required history.
Submit the license application and current fee.
Interview sponsoring brokers serving Burlington and nearby communities.
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker before practicing.
Complete the 45-hour post-license education requirement by the applicable deadline.
Track future continuing education and renewal dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Burlington?

No. Illinois identifies a high school diploma or GED as the minimum education requirement for an entry-level broker license.

Is the 75-hour course required if I already have real estate experience?

Prior experience does not necessarily replace Illinois’ current pre-license education requirement. Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, so applicants should ask IDFPR whether their education or license history qualifies for alternative treatment.

Can I complete the Illinois real estate course online?

Online education may be available through approved providers. Confirm that the provider and course satisfy Illinois requirements before enrolling.

Can I work independently after passing the exam?

Passing the exam alone does not generally authorize a newly licensed broker to practice independently. A new broker must meet the sponsorship requirement and work under a sponsoring broker.

How much does an Illinois real estate license cost?

The total varies because it includes course tuition, examination charges, fingerprinting, application fees, and possible brokerage or business expenses. Confirm current government fees with IDFPR and obtain current pricing from the education provider.

What happens after I receive my first license?

You must complete the required 45 hours of post-license education during the applicable first renewal period. You must also satisfy continuing education requirements for later renewals.

Can I become a managing broker immediately?

Generally, no. Illinois managing-broker eligibility includes additional age, experience, education, and examination requirements. IDFPR’s professional requirements identify prior broker experience as part of the managing-broker pathway.

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