How to Get Your Real Estate License in Lombard, Illinois

Becoming a real estate agent in Lombard, Illinois, begins with meeting the state’s requirements for an Illinois real estate broker license. A state-approved Illinois pre-licensing course can provide the required education, exam preparation, and guidance for completing the licensing process.

Illinois regulates real estate brokers through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Although your business may focus on Lombard, DuPage County, or nearby communities, the license is issued under statewide Illinois rules rather than by the Village of Lombard.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

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 licensing examination, including the state and national portions.
Complete the required application process.
Complete any required background check and fingerprinting.
Be sponsored by an Illinois sponsoring broker before practicing real estate.

These requirements are summarized in IDFPR’s professional requirements document for Illinois real estate brokers.

A broker license is the standard entry-level license for individuals who want to represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in real estate transactions. A managing broker license is a higher-level credential with additional education and experience requirements; it is not normally the first license for a new entrant.

Complete the 75-Hour Pre-License Course

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education for a real estate broker applicant. The course must be completed through an education provider approved by IDFPR.

The curriculum typically covers subjects such as:

Illinois real estate law and regulation
Agency relationships
Contracts
Property ownership
Real estate finance
Valuation and market analysis
Fair housing and civil rights
Leasing and property management concepts
Brokerage operations
Professional responsibilities

Course providers may divide the 75 hours into multiple modules. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and course are approved for Illinois broker pre-license education.

Online Course Options

Online education can be useful for Lombard residents who need flexibility around work, family, or other commitments. Depending on the provider, online classes may be self-paced, livestreamed, or delivered through a combination of online instruction and scheduled sessions.

When comparing online programs, look for:

IDFPR approval
A complete 75-hour broker curriculum
Clear attendance and completion policies
Exam-preparation materials
Technical support
Instructions for receiving proof of completion
Transparent tuition and refund policies

An online course does not eliminate the state licensing examination or the application requirements. It only satisfies the education component when the course is properly approved and completed.

Apply for the Illinois Broker Examination

After completing the required education, the next step is to follow the current examination application process. IDFPR publishes an exam candidate bulletin and related materials for applicants.

The exact process can vary depending on the testing vendor and the applicant’s circumstances, but applicants should be prepared to:

Confirm that their education has been completed and documented.
Submit the required examination or eligibility information.
Schedule an examination appointment through the authorized testing system.
Bring acceptable identification to the test center or comply with online testing rules, if available.
Follow all examination-day procedures.

Applicants should rely on the current IDFPR examination bulletin rather than older instructions found on third-party websites.

Pass the Illinois Real Estate Exam

The Illinois broker examination includes both national and state components. The national portion tests broad real estate principles, while the state portion focuses on Illinois laws, regulations, and practices.

Common preparation strategies include:

Reviewing the complete course material rather than relying only on memorization.
Taking practice exams under timed conditions.
Focusing on Illinois-specific rules and terminology.
Repeating practice questions in weaker subject areas.
Scheduling the exam soon after finishing the course while the material is fresh.

If you do not pass one portion, the testing authority’s current rules will determine whether you must retake that portion or the entire examination. Check the official candidate bulletin for retesting procedures and deadlines.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Applicants should expect the Illinois licensing process to include a criminal-history review and may be required to complete fingerprinting. Fingerprint and background-check procedures can depend on the application instructions in effect when you apply.

Before submitting fingerprints:

Use an approved vendor or process identified by IDFPR.
Confirm whether an electronic fingerprint submission is required.
Keep confirmation or receipt documentation.
Disclose required information accurately.
Do not assume that an old fingerprint submission will satisfy a new application.

A criminal record does not automatically establish the outcome of a licensing application. However, omissions or inaccurate disclosures can create additional problems. Applicants with questions about prior convictions should seek professional legal advice and contact IDFPR for licensing guidance.

Submit the License Application

After meeting the education and examination requirements, apply for the Illinois broker license through the process specified by IDFPR. The application may require documentation such as:

Proof of education
Examination results
Personal identification information
Background-check or fingerprinting information
Sponsoring broker information
Required attestations
The applicable state fee

IDFPR provides licensing forms, online services, examination information, and real estate application materials through its Division of Real Estate resources.

Because application forms and online procedures may be updated, review the current IDFPR instructions before filing. If a sponsoring broker has not yet been selected, ask the Department or the brokerage whether sponsorship information must be provided at the initial application stage or added afterward.

Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Illinois requires a new real estate broker to be sponsored by a sponsoring broker before conducting licensed real estate activity. In practical terms, the sponsoring brokerage provides the legal and supervisory structure under which the new broker works.

When evaluating brokerages in or around Lombard, consider:

Commission and fee structure
Training for new agents
Mentorship and transaction support
Lead-generation expectations
Technology and marketing resources
Office, desk, or association fees
Geographic coverage
Availability of managing-broker supervision
Policies for changing sponsorship later

Do not select a brokerage solely because it advertises the highest commission split. A lower split with strong training and transaction support may be more valuable during the first year.

A newly licensed broker generally cannot independently operate as a brokerage or supervise other licensees in the same way as a managing broker. The sponsoring broker and managing broker structure should be clearly explained in the brokerage agreement.

Illinois Real Estate License Costs

The total cost of becoming a real estate agent includes more than the state license fee. Potential expenses may include:

Pre-license education tuition
Textbooks or digital course materials
Examination fees
Fingerprinting and background-check charges
License application fees
Initial association or multiple-listing-service expenses, if applicable
Brokerage onboarding or technology fees
Marketing and business expenses
Transportation and professional insurance costs, if required by the brokerage

IDFPR’s public materials identify the education and licensing requirements, but fees and testing charges can change. Confirm the current amounts directly through IDFPR and the authorized testing provider before budgeting for the process.

A conservative budget should include a reserve for recurring expenses because real estate income may not begin immediately after licensing.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline varies by applicant. The main variables include:

How quickly you complete the 75-hour course
Whether the course is self-paced or scheduled
Exam availability
Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt
Fingerprinting and background-check processing
Application processing time
How quickly you find a sponsoring broker

Some applicants may complete the process in a relatively short period, while others take longer because of work schedules, retesting, documentation issues, or delays. There is no single guaranteed timeline for every Lombard applicant.

Post-License Education

New Illinois brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period. IDFPR’s renewal materials state that the post-license curriculum includes the required one-hour sexual-harassment-prevention training.

Post-license education is different from the initial 75-hour pre-license course. It is intended to help newly licensed brokers develop practical knowledge after entering the profession.

The courses must be completed through an IDFPR-approved real estate education provider. Keep completion records and follow the deadline associated with your license and renewal cycle.

Continuing Education and Renewals

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

For the 2026 renewal cycle, IDFPR’s fact sheet distinguishes between licensees subject to 12 hours of continuing education and newer licensees subject to 45 hours of post-license education. The fact sheet also specifies core, elective, and sexual-harassment-prevention requirements for applicable licensees.

Because renewal requirements can change, check the current IDFPR renewal fact sheet before taking courses or submitting a renewal application. Complete education through an approved provider and retain proof of completion.

Potential Earnings in Lombard

Real estate income is not guaranteed and can vary substantially. A broker’s earnings may depend on:

Number of closed transactions
Sale prices and rental activity
Commission agreements
Brokerage splits and fees
Lead generation
Experience and specialization
Seasonal and broader market conditions
Whether the agent works full-time or part-time

Public wage data may combine different real estate occupations and geographic areas, so it may not accurately predict what a newly licensed Lombard broker will earn. Commission-based agents can have irregular income, particularly while building a client base.

Before entering the field, prepare for the possibility of several months with limited or no commissions. Ask prospective brokerages to explain typical expenses, commission timing, split structures, and whether agents are responsible for association, marketing, technology, or transaction fees.

Career Opportunities for Lombard-Area Brokers

An Illinois broker working in Lombard may pursue several paths, subject to licensing rules and brokerage supervision:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
Condominium and townhome sales
Rental and leasing assistance
Relocation services
New-construction sales
Investment-property transactions
Commercial real estate
Property management-related work, where properly permitted
Referral business
Future advancement toward managing broker licensure

Local knowledge can help an agent serve clients effectively, but it must be supported by accurate, current information. Learn the neighborhoods and housing stock you intend to serve, understand transportation and municipal resources, and avoid making unverified claims about schools, taxes, zoning, development, or market performance.

Practical Steps for Lombard Residents

A practical path is:

Confirm that you meet Illinois age and education requirements.
Enroll in an IDFPR-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course.
Complete the course and retain your completion documentation.
Review the current IDFPR examination bulletin.
Complete the examination application or eligibility process.
Schedule and pass the national and state examination portions.
Complete fingerprinting and background-check requirements as directed.
Compare brokerages serving Lombard and surrounding DuPage County communities.
Arrange sponsorship with an Illinois sponsoring broker.
Submit the broker license application and required fee.
Complete the 45-hour post-license education requirement during the first renewal period.
Track future continuing-education and renewal deadlines.

For course planning and enrollment, the Illinois pre-licensing course can be a starting point, but applicants should verify licensing details with IDFPR because state requirements and procedures may be revised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Lombard-specific real estate license?

No. Illinois issues the real estate broker license at the state level. Lombard residents follow Illinois licensing requirements rather than obtaining a separate Village of Lombard real estate license.

How many education hours are required?

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education for a real estate broker applicant.

Can I take the course online?

Online options may be available, but the provider and curriculum must meet IDFPR approval requirements. Confirm the format, attendance rules, and approval status before enrolling.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. Illinois requires a real estate broker to be sponsored by a sponsoring broker before practicing under the license.

Is fingerprinting required?

Applicants should follow the current IDFPR background-check and fingerprinting instructions. Requirements and submission procedures may vary, so use the process specified for your application.

What happens after I pass the exam?

Passing the exam does not by itself complete the licensing process. You must still satisfy application, background-check, sponsorship, and other IDFPR requirements.

What education is required after initial licensure?

New brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period. Later renewals require continuing education under the applicable renewal rules.

How much can a Lombard real estate agent earn?

There is no reliable guaranteed amount. Earnings depend on transactions, commission arrangements, expenses, experience, and market conditions. Commission income may be irregular, especially early in a career.

Authoritative Sources