Becoming a real estate agent in Collinsville starts with meeting Illinois requirements for a real estate broker license. An approved Illinois pre-licensing course can provide the required education in a convenient online format while helping you prepare for the state and national licensing examinations.

In Illinois, the entry-level real estate license is generally called a real estate broker license. A broker may work with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants under the supervision of a sponsoring broker and may build a career serving Collinsville, Madison County, St. Clair County, and the broader Metro East area.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or IDFPR, regulates real estate licensing in the state. To qualify for an Illinois real estate broker license, an applicant generally must:

• 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 broker licensing examination, including the state and national portions.
• Complete the required application and screening process.
• Obtain sponsorship from an Illinois-licensed sponsoring broker to practice with an active license.

These requirements are summarized in IDFPR’s professional licensing requirements document.

Illinois law distinguishes between a broker and a managing broker. A managing broker generally must be at least 20 years old, have held a broker license for two consecutive years during the preceding three years, complete additional education, and pass the managing broker examination. Most people entering the profession in Collinsville begin by pursuing the broker license rather than the managing broker license.

Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Before taking the licensing examination, prospective Illinois brokers must complete 75 hours of approved pre-license education. The coursework typically covers subjects such as:

• Real estate principles and practices
• Illinois real estate law
• Agency relationships
• Contracts
• Property ownership and land use
• Finance and mortgages
• Fair housing
• Real estate disclosures
• Professional responsibilities
• Real estate calculations

The education must be completed through an IDFPR-approved real estate education provider. Confirm that the school and course are approved before paying tuition or beginning the program.

Online Course Options

Online pre-licensing courses can be useful for Collinsville residents who prefer to study from home, work irregular hours, or need a flexible schedule. Depending on the provider, online education may include:

• Self-paced lessons
• Livestream or virtual classroom instruction
• Practice examinations
• Instructor support
• Digital textbooks and study materials
• Exam-preparation modules

An online course still must satisfy Illinois education and delivery requirements. Before enrolling, verify the provider’s approval status, the course’s required hours, completion procedures, refund policy, and whether exam preparation is included.

A structured Illinois real estate licensing course may help organize the 75-hour requirement and prepare students for the licensing test. Course tuition is separate from state licensing, examination, fingerprinting, and other costs.

Step 2: Complete the Application Process

After completing the required education, applicants must follow the current IDFPR application procedure. The exact process may depend on whether the applicant applies online or by paper and whether additional documentation is required.

Applicants should be prepared to:

• Obtain proof of course completion from the education provider.
• Create or use an IDFPR online services account when applicable.
• Submit the broker license application.
• Pay the required application or initial licensure fee.
• Provide identifying information, including a Social Security number or tax identification number where required.
• Complete fingerprinting and criminal-history screening.
• Schedule and pass the licensing examination.
• Submit sponsorship information if applying for an active license.

IDFPR’s licensing materials identify the initial fee for a real estate broker license as $150. This is only one part of the total cost. Education, examination, fingerprinting, background-check services, course materials, transportation, and possible retesting can add to the overall expense.

Because application forms, payment methods, and procedures may change, review the current instructions on the IDFPR real estate brokerage website before submitting an application.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

Illinois requires applicants to undergo a criminal-history review as part of the licensing process. Fingerprinting is generally completed through an IDFPR-approved or authorized vendor.

The background check does not necessarily mean that every past offense automatically disqualifies an applicant. However, applicants should answer all questions truthfully and provide any explanations or documentation requested by IDFPR. Failing to disclose relevant information can create additional licensing problems.

Fingerprinting fees are typically paid separately to the fingerprint vendor and may vary. Confirm the current vendor instructions, acceptable identification, appointment requirements, and submission process before attending.

Applicants with criminal convictions, professional discipline, or other licensing concerns may wish to contact IDFPR or obtain legal advice before investing in the full licensing process.

Step 4: Pass the Illinois Real Estate Exam

Illinois broker applicants must pass both the national and state portions of the real estate broker examination. The examination tests knowledge of general real estate practices as well as Illinois-specific laws and regulations.

Study areas commonly include:

• Property ownership
• Land use controls
• Valuation and market analysis
• Financing
• General principles of agency
• Contracts
• Transfer of title
• Practice and disclosures
• Illinois licensing law
• Illinois agency and consumer-protection rules

Use the current examination candidate bulletin and testing instructions rather than relying solely on older study guides. Carefully check rules concerning registration, identification, permitted materials, score reports, scheduling, and retesting.

If you do not pass one portion, the testing vendor’s current rules will determine whether you need to retake only that portion or follow another procedure. Examination fees and retesting charges should be confirmed directly through the current testing information.

Estimated Costs

The total cost of becoming a real estate agent in Collinsville depends on the provider and the applicant’s circumstances. Common expenses include:

| Expense | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | Varies by school, course format, materials, and included services |
| State broker license fee | IDFPR lists an initial broker licensure fee of $150 |
| Licensing examination | Testing charges vary and should be confirmed through the current exam provider |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Separate vendor charges may apply |
| Study materials | May be included with tuition or purchased separately |
| Retesting | Additional charges may apply if an exam portion must be retaken |
| Brokerage costs | May include association dues, technology fees, marketing expenses, or transaction-related charges |

The $150 state fee should not be treated as the complete cost of licensure. Ask each education provider and prospective brokerage for a written breakdown of expected expenses.

How Long Does It Take?

Illinois does not provide one universal completion timeline for every applicant. The overall process depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 75-hour course
• Course examination and completion policies
• Fingerprinting and background-check processing
• Exam appointment availability
• Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt
• IDFPR application processing time
• How quickly you select a sponsoring broker

A motivated student may complete the education relatively quickly, while a part-time student may take longer. Build extra time into the plan for scheduling, document corrections, exam preparation, and any retesting.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Collinsville

A newly licensed broker generally must be sponsored by an Illinois-licensed sponsoring broker to conduct business with an active license. The sponsoring broker supervises the licensee and operates the brokerage through which transactions are handled.

When evaluating brokerages in or around Collinsville, compare:

• Commission split and transaction fees
• Monthly desk or technology fees
• Training and mentoring
• Lead-generation support
• Office accessibility and service area
• Contract and compliance support
• Marketing resources
• Availability of experienced agents
• Expectations for meetings, prospecting, and production
• Whether the brokerage serves residential, commercial, investment, or leasing clients

Do not choose a brokerage solely on the advertised commission split. A lower split with strong training, leads, and transaction support may be more valuable to a new agent than a higher split with substantial monthly costs and limited guidance.

A broker may also work with clients throughout the Metro East region, subject to the brokerage’s policies, market focus, and the agent’s competence and licensing obligations.

What Happens After You Receive the License?

Receiving a broker license is the beginning of the career—not the end of the education process. Illinois requires newly licensed brokers to complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period.

IDFPR describes the post-license curriculum as three 15-hour courses covering:

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

The post-license requirement must be completed through an IDFPR-approved education provider. Track completion certificates and retain education records in case they are needed for renewal or an audit.

Continuing Education and Renewal

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for subsequent renewal periods. The exact number and composition of required hours can depend on the license cycle and the date the license was first issued.

For the 2026 renewal cycle, IDFPR states that brokers first issued before November 1, 2023 generally need 12 hours of continuing education, including a six-hour core course and six hours of electives, with sexual-harassment-prevention training included as required. Brokers first issued during later periods may instead be subject to the 45-hour post-license requirement during the applicable first renewal period.

Because Illinois education rules can change by renewal cycle, check the current IDFPR fact sheet before taking courses or submitting a renewal application. Licensees should complete required education before the renewal deadline and keep proof of completion.

Potential Earnings as a Collinsville Real Estate Agent

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Most residential agents are paid through commissions or other transaction-based compensation, so earnings can vary substantially from year to year.

Factors that can affect income include:

• Number of closed transactions
• Property prices and transaction volume
• Commission agreements
• Brokerage split and fees
• Lead-generation expenses
• Experience and specialization
• Full-time or part-time status
• Local competition
• Ability to build repeat and referral business
• Time spent prospecting, marketing, negotiating, and serving clients

New agents may experience an uneven income pattern while building a client base. Budgeting for education, licensing, transportation, insurance, marketing, technology, association costs, and periods without closings is prudent.

Public wage data may combine employees and self-employed workers or use different occupational definitions, so it may not represent the actual income of a particular Collinsville agent. Treat any salary estimate as a broad reference rather than a promise.

Career Opportunities in Real Estate

An Illinois broker license can support several career directions, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• New-construction sales
• Leasing and rental representation
• Relocation services
• Investment-property transactions
• Commercial real estate
• Property management-related roles, subject to applicable rules
• Land and development transactions
• Referral-based real estate business
• Future advancement toward managing broker licensure

Collinsville’s location in the Metro East can allow agents to develop a service area broader than one municipality. However, a wider territory also requires knowledge of different communities, property conditions, tax considerations, local practices, and client needs.

Agents should work only within the scope of their training, license, brokerage supervision, and applicable Illinois law.

Practical Steps for Prospective Agents

A practical path for a Collinsville resident is:

1. Review the current IDFPR broker requirements.
2. Select an IDFPR-approved 75-hour pre-license provider.
3. Complete the coursework and school examination requirements.
4. Prepare for the state and national licensing examination.
5. Complete fingerprinting and the background-check process.
6. Submit the application and required fee.
7. Schedule and pass the licensing examination.
8. Interview sponsoring brokerages in the Collinsville and Metro East area.
9. Activate the license through an eligible sponsoring broker.
10. Complete the required 45-hour post-license education during the first renewal period.
11. Complete continuing education for later renewals.

For a flexible start, prospective students can review an approved Illinois pre-licensing option, then independently confirm all current state requirements with IDFPR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a college degree required to become a real estate agent in Illinois?

No. The basic Illinois broker requirements identify a high school diploma or GED, rather than a college degree, as the minimum education requirement.

How many hours of education are required?

Applicants for an Illinois real estate broker license must complete 75 hours of pre-license education through an approved provider.

Can the Illinois real estate course be completed online?

Online options may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy current IDFPR approval and delivery requirements. Confirm approval before enrolling.

How much is the Illinois broker license fee?

IDFPR’s licensing brochure lists a $150 initial fee for a real estate broker license. Education, examination, fingerprinting, and other expenses are additional.

Do new agents need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. An Illinois broker generally must be sponsored by an Illinois-licensed sponsoring broker to practice with an active license.

Is post-license education required?

Yes. Illinois requires 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period for newly licensed brokers.

How much money can a real estate agent make in Collinsville?

There is no guaranteed amount. Earnings depend on transactions, commission arrangements, expenses, experience, and market conditions. Public wage figures may not accurately predict an individual agent’s income.

Can someone with a criminal record obtain an Illinois real estate license?

A criminal record does not necessarily result in automatic denial, but applicants must complete the required background-check process and disclose information accurately. IDFPR may request additional documentation or review the circumstances individually.

Authoritative Sources

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: Real Estate Brokerage
• IDFPR Professional Requirements for Licensure
• IDFPR 2026 Real Estate Broker Renewal and Education Fact Sheet
• IDFPR Division of Real Estate Licensing and Education Brochure
• Illinois Real Estate License Act