Becoming a real estate agent in Hickory Hills starts with completing Illinois-approved pre-licensing education, passing the state and national licensing examination, and finding a sponsoring broker. An online Illinois pre-licensing course can provide a flexible way to complete the required coursework while preparing for a career serving buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors in Hickory Hills and the surrounding Chicago metropolitan area.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

Illinois generally licenses entry-level real estate professionals as brokers. To qualify, an applicant must meet these basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete 75 hours of approved broker pre-license education.
• Pass the Illinois state and national real estate examinations.
• Complete the application process through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, commonly called IDFPR.
• Obtain sponsorship from an Illinois sponsoring broker before practicing under an active license.

IDFPR’s professional requirements document identifies the 75-hour education requirement, state and national examination, sponsoring-broker requirement, and later post-license education as core parts of the Illinois broker licensing process.

A person who wants to open or manage a brokerage generally needs a managing broker license rather than an entry-level broker license. That is a separate career step with additional education and experience requirements.

Complete the 75-Hour Pre-License Course

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved broker pre-license education. The curriculum covers the knowledge needed to work lawfully in residential and commercial transactions, including:

• Real estate principles and practices.
• Illinois license law and regulations.
• Agency relationships.
• Contracts and disclosures.
• Fair housing and civil rights requirements.
• Property ownership and land use.
• Financing and mortgages.
• Leasing and property management concepts.
• Real estate calculations.
• Transaction procedures and professional responsibilities.

Illinois materials state that the 75-hour requirement includes 15 hours focused on situational and case-study learning. Students should confirm that their provider is approved by IDFPR before enrolling because completing a nonapproved course may not satisfy the licensing requirement.

Online Course Options

Illinois permits approved education in several formats, including classroom instruction, live interactive webinars, and online distance education. An online course can be useful for Hickory Hills residents who work full time, have family obligations, or prefer studying at their own pace.

Before enrolling, verify:

• The provider is approved by IDFPR.
• The course is specifically approved for the Illinois 75-hour broker pre-license requirement.
• The provider explains identity verification, attendance, testing, and completion procedures.
• The course includes the required situational and case-study component.
• The provider supplies documentation needed for the license application.

The Illinois pre-licensing course is one option prospective Hickory Hills applicants can review when comparing online education formats, course schedules, and tuition.

Apply for the Illinois Broker Examination

After completing the required education, the next step is to register for the Illinois real estate broker examination through the testing process designated by IDFPR. The examination includes both:

• A national portion, covering general real estate concepts.
• An Illinois portion, covering state-specific laws, rules, and practices.

Applicants should review the current examination handbook and registration instructions before scheduling. Testing procedures, identification requirements, available locations, and fees can change, so candidates should rely on the current instructions rather than older preparation materials.

How to Prepare for the Exam

A practical study plan may include:

• Reviewing the course textbook and instructor materials.
• Taking practice questions for both the national and Illinois portions.
• Memorizing Illinois-specific terminology and licensing rules.
• Practicing commission, prorations, interest, loan, and percentage calculations.
• Scheduling the examination soon after completing the course.
• Allowing extra study time for any portion that was difficult during the course.

If an applicant does not pass one or both portions, the testing authority’s current retesting rules determine what must be retaken and when the applicant may test again.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Illinois real estate applicants may be required to complete a criminal background check and submit fingerprints through an approved process. Fingerprint requirements and vendor procedures can change, so applicants should follow the current IDFPR instructions and use an approved fingerprinting provider if fingerprinting is required for their application.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed. However, applicants should answer background questions accurately and disclose information as required. Omitting or misrepresenting information can create additional licensing problems.

Applicants with questions about a prior conviction, disciplinary history, or professional license issue may wish to obtain legal advice before submitting the application.

Submit the License Application

After meeting the education and examination requirements, the applicant submits the Illinois broker license application and supporting documentation. The application process may include:

• Proof of completed pre-license education.
• Examination results.
• Background-check or fingerprinting information, when required.
• Personal identification and eligibility information.
• The applicable application fee.
• Sponsoring-broker information or a request for the license to be issued in the appropriate status.

IDFPR provides online resources and payment options for certain paper applications and transactions. Applicants should use the current application instructions and fee schedule because fees and filing procedures are subject to change.

Illinois Real Estate License Costs

The total cost of becoming a Hickory Hills real estate agent varies by applicant and education provider. Typical cost categories include:

• Tuition for the 75-hour approved pre-license course.
• Textbooks, digital materials, or exam-preparation products.
• The licensing examination fee.
• Fingerprinting and background-check fees, if required.
• The Illinois license application fee.
• Brokerage-related costs after licensing, such as association dues, technology fees, marketing, insurance, or desk fees.

Because these charges may change and some are set by private providers, applicants should verify the current amounts directly with the education provider, examination administrator, fingerprinting vendor, and IDFPR. Avoid relying on an older blog post or an unofficial fee list.

Find a Sponsoring Broker in Hickory Hills

An Illinois broker generally must be sponsored by a sponsoring broker to practice. Sponsorship connects the newly licensed broker with an employing or affiliated brokerage that supervises licensed activities.

When comparing brokerages serving Hickory Hills, ask about:

• Commission split and transaction fees.
• Training and mentoring for new agents.
• Access to listing and transaction-management technology.
• Marketing support.
• Lead distribution.
• Office, desk, or technology fees.
• Errors and omissions insurance.
• Association and multiple-listing-service costs.
• Expectations for prospecting, floor time, and office attendance.
• Whether the brokerage serves the types of clients and properties the applicant wants to pursue.

A sponsoring broker can help a new licensee understand local procedures, but the licensee remains responsible for following Illinois law and brokerage policies.

Complete the Required 45-Hour Post-License Education

New Illinois brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the applicable first renewal period. IDFPR describes the post-license curriculum as three 15-hour courses covering:

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

Each course has its own final examination administered by the education provider.

The timing deadline depends on when the broker license was first issued and the applicable renewal cycle. IDFPR’s current materials state that brokers first licensed on or after November 1, 2025 have a renewal date of April 30, 2028 and must complete the 45-hour post-license requirement by that deadline. Licensees should check their own license record and the current IDFPR renewal guidance rather than assuming that every new broker has the same deadline.

Post-license education is not optional. Failing to complete it can prevent a broker from renewing or maintaining the license in good standing.

Continuing Education After the First Renewal

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for subsequent renewals. The number and type of hours depend on the broker’s license history and the applicable renewal cycle.

For the 2026 broker renewal cycle, IDFPR distinguishes between brokers based on when the license was first issued. Some brokers are subject to 12 hours of continuing education, while newer brokers are subject to the 45-hour post-license requirement instead. Courses must be completed through an IDFPR-approved real estate education provider.

Continuing education may include required core subjects, electives, and sexual-harassment-prevention training when applicable. Licensees should review the current IDFPR factsheet before each renewal because requirements can change.

How Long Does It Take?

There is no single guaranteed timeline for obtaining an Illinois real estate license. The process depends on:

• How quickly the applicant completes the 75-hour course.
• How soon an examination appointment is available.
• Whether the applicant passes on the first attempt.
• How quickly fingerprints and background information are processed, if required.
• Whether the application is complete.
• How long IDFPR takes to review the application.
• How quickly the applicant selects a sponsoring broker.

A person studying part time may take longer than someone attending an accelerated course. Applicants should also allow time for retesting or correcting incomplete application materials.

Potential Earnings in Hickory Hills

Real estate income is usually commission-based rather than a fixed salary. Earnings can vary substantially based on:

• The number and value of closed transactions.
• Commission agreements and brokerage splits.
• The time required to generate clients.
• Experience and negotiation ability.
• Repeat and referral business.
• Marketing expenses and other business costs.
• Market conditions and interest rates.
• Whether the agent works full time or part time.

New agents should not assume that a license guarantees immediate income. Many spend money on education, transportation, marketing, technology, insurance, association dues, and other business expenses before receiving a commission.

Public wage data may combine different types of real estate sales professionals and may not reflect commission income accurately for an individual agent in Hickory Hills. For that reason, compensation figures should be treated as broad estimates rather than a promise of local earnings. Ask prospective brokerages for a written explanation of their commission structure and fees, but independently evaluate any income claims.

Career Opportunities for Licensed Brokers

A Hickory Hills real estate license can support several career paths, including:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing and seller representation.
• Leasing and rental transactions.
• Relocation services.
• New-construction sales.
• Commercial real estate.
• Property management-related work, subject to applicable licensing rules.
• Real estate investment and transaction support.
• Referral-based business.
• Future advancement toward managing broker licensure.

The surrounding Chicago-area market may offer opportunities across residential, rental, commercial, and investment segments, but the availability of work depends on market conditions and individual brokerage operations. New agents can build a stronger foundation by learning contract procedures, fair housing obligations, client communication, lead generation, and transaction management.

A Practical Checklist for Hickory Hills Applicants

• Confirm that you meet the age and education requirements.
• Choose an IDFPR-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course.
• Complete all coursework and required examinations.
• Register for and pass both portions of the Illinois licensing examination.
• Follow current fingerprinting and background-check instructions.
• Submit the application and applicable fees to IDFPR.
• Interview brokerages that serve Hickory Hills and nearby communities.
• Select a sponsoring broker.
• Complete the required 45-hour post-license education by the applicable deadline.
• Track continuing-education requirements before each renewal.
• Budget for business expenses in addition to state licensing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Illinois requires applicants for an entry-level broker license to be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. A college degree is not listed as a basic broker-license requirement.

How many education hours are required?

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved broker pre-license education. The requirement includes 15 hours of situational and case-study learning.

Can the Illinois pre-license course be completed online?

Yes, if the course and delivery format are approved by IDFPR. Applicants should confirm provider approval and course eligibility before paying tuition.

Do new Illinois brokers need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. An Illinois real estate broker must generally be sponsored by a sponsoring broker to practice.

What happens after passing the exam?

The applicant must complete the application process, satisfy any applicable background-check and fingerprinting requirements, pay the required fees, and arrange sponsorship before practicing.

Is post-license education required?

Yes. New brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the applicable first renewal period. The curriculum consists of three 15-hour courses.

How much money can a new agent earn?

There is no reliable guaranteed amount. Earnings depend on closed transactions, commission arrangements, expenses, experience, and market conditions. Income claims from brokerages should be reviewed carefully and should not be treated as guaranteed results.

Can a person work part time as a real estate broker?

A license does not generally require a particular work schedule, but brokerage policies, client needs, transaction deadlines, and business-development demands can make real estate more time-intensive than expected.

Authoritative Sources

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Real Estate Brokerage
• IDFPR Professional Requirements for Licensure
• IDFPR Division of Real Estate
• IDFPR 2026 Broker Renewal Continuing Education Factsheet
• IDFPR 45-Hour Broker Post-License Curriculum
• Illinois Real Estate License Act materials