Becoming a real estate agent in Momence, Illinois, starts with completing an approved Illinois broker pre-licensing course. A flexible Illinois pre-licensing course can help you complete the required education online while preparing for the state and national licensing examinations.

In Illinois, the entry-level real estate credential is generally called a real estate broker license. Although many people refer to licensed professionals as real estate agents, Illinois applicants must meet the state’s broker-licensing requirements before representing clients in real estate transactions.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or IDFPR, establishes the requirements for obtaining a real estate broker license.

Applicants generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete the required Illinois real estate pre-license education.
• Pass the state and national portions of the licensing examination.
• Complete the application process through IDFPR.
• Satisfy the state’s background-check and fingerprinting requirements.
• Work under a sponsoring broker after receiving the license.

IDFPR identifies 75 hours of pre-license education for an Illinois real estate broker applicant, along with a passing score on the state and national examination portions.

Requirements may differ for attorneys, applicants licensed in another state, and individuals seeking licensure by endorsement. Confirm the appropriate pathway with IDFPR before beginning the process.

Complete the Required Education

75-Hour Pre-License Course

Before taking the Illinois broker licensing examination, an applicant must complete an approved 75-hour pre-license curriculum. The education is intended to cover the legal, ethical, financial, and practical concepts needed to begin working in real estate.

Course topics may include:

• Illinois real estate law and regulations
• Real estate brokerage operations
• Agency relationships
• Contracts
• Property ownership and interests
• Fair housing and civil rights requirements
• Real estate finance
• Valuation and market analysis
• Leasing and property management concepts
• License law and professional responsibilities

Only education from an approved provider should be used to satisfy the licensing requirement. Keep the course completion documentation because it may be needed during the examination or application process.

Online Course Options

Online pre-licensing education can be useful for people in Momence who need a schedule that fits around work, family, or other commitments. Depending on the provider, online instruction may be self-paced, livestreamed, or delivered through a combination of formats.

Before enrolling, verify that:

• The provider is approved for Illinois real estate education.
• The course satisfies the current 75-hour curriculum.
• The provider explains attendance, testing, and completion requirements.
• The course includes preparation for both the national and Illinois portions of the examination.
• Completion records will be issued in a form accepted by IDFPR.

An online course does not eliminate the examination, application, background check, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

Complete Background Check and Fingerprinting

Illinois applicants should expect a background review as part of the licensing process. Fingerprinting may be required through an approved vendor, and the process can involve identity verification and a criminal-history check.

A criminal record does not necessarily mean an applicant will be denied a license. However, applicants should answer disclosure questions completely and accurately. Omissions or inconsistent information can create additional delays or licensing problems.

Because fingerprint vendors, procedures, and instructions can change, review the current IDFPR directions before scheduling fingerprinting. If there is uncertainty about how to disclose a prior matter, consider obtaining qualified legal advice rather than guessing.

Pass the Illinois Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing the approved education, the applicant must pass the Illinois real estate broker examination. The examination includes both national and state-specific content.

Study areas commonly include:

• Real estate terminology and principles
• Contracts and agency
• Property ownership
• Financing and settlement
• Valuation
• Federal real estate laws
• Illinois license law and regulations
• Illinois-specific brokerage practices

Use the current examination candidate bulletin and testing instructions identified by IDFPR. A course provider may offer practice questions or exam preparation, but applicants should rely on the official examination materials for current scheduling and testing rules.

If an applicant does not pass one portion of the examination, the rules for retaking that portion and any waiting period should be confirmed with the testing vendor or IDFPR.

Apply for the Illinois Broker License

Once the education and examination requirements are complete, submit the license application through the process specified by IDFPR. The current IDFPR online licensing instructions list a $125 application fee for a real estate broker license.

The application process may require:

• Personal and contact information
• Proof of education completion
• Examination results
• Background and disciplinary disclosures
• Fingerprinting or criminal-history information
• Payment of the application fee
• Sponsoring-broker information, when required

Application fees are generally nonrefundable, so review the application carefully before submitting it. Do not rely on an old paper form or an outdated fee schedule; use the current forms and instructions on the IDFPR website.

Find a Sponsoring Broker

A newly licensed Illinois real estate broker must be sponsored by a sponsoring broker. This relationship allows the new broker to practice under the supervision and policies of an established brokerage.

When comparing brokerages serving Momence and the surrounding Kankakee County area, consider:

• Training for new brokers
• Availability of a managing or supervising broker
• Commission and fee structure
• Desk, technology, and transaction fees
• Lead-generation expectations
• Mentoring and continuing education
• Marketing support
• Office culture and communication
• Whether the brokerage serves residential, commercial, land, or rental clients

The highest advertised commission split is not always the best choice for a new professional. Training, compliance support, transaction guidance, and access to practical experience can be especially valuable during the first year.

How Much Does It Cost?

The total cost depends on the education provider, examination expenses, fingerprinting, application charges, and business or brokerage costs.

Potential expenses include:

• Illinois pre-license education
• Course materials or exam-preparation products
• Licensing examination fees
• Fingerprinting and background-check charges
• The IDFPR application fee
• Association or multiple-listing-service fees, if applicable
• Business cards, signs, photography, advertising, and technology
• Transportation and professional insurance or other brokerage-related expenses

IDFPR’s current online licensing instructions list the broker application fee as $125. Examination and fingerprinting costs may vary by vendor or procedure, so applicants should verify those charges before budgeting. Education prices also vary by provider.

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
• Examination availability
• Whether the applicant passes on the first attempt
• Fingerprinting and background-review timing
• Application processing
• How quickly a sponsoring broker is selected

A self-paced online course may allow an applicant to progress faster than a traditional scheduled course, while work and family obligations may extend the process. The most reliable approach is to create a personal schedule, complete each requirement carefully, and check the current IDFPR processing instructions.

Post-License Education

New Illinois brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period, according to IDFPR’s professional requirements summary. This education is separate from the initial 75-hour pre-license course.

Post-license education helps new brokers strengthen their understanding of:

• Brokerage practice
• Illinois license law
• Agency and fiduciary duties
• Contracts and transaction procedures
• Risk management
• Ethical and compliant business practices

Track course completion and deadlines carefully. Missing the post-license requirement can affect the ability to maintain the license.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for each renewal period. IDFPR’s curriculum information identifies a 6-hour core continuing-education curriculum for brokers, while the exact renewal requirements and deadlines should be confirmed for the applicable cycle.

Continuing education topics can change and may include legal updates, fair housing, ethics, agency, and other professional subjects. Take only courses approved for the relevant Illinois license and renewal period.

Potential Earnings in Illinois

Real estate income is usually commission-based and can vary substantially. Earnings depend on transaction volume, prices, commission arrangements, expenses, market conditions, experience, specialization, and whether the broker works full time or part time.

Illinois Department of Employment Security wage data lists the following statewide figures for real estate sales agents:

• Median annual wage: $59,760
• Lower reported annual wage: $37,347
• Higher reported annual wage: $67,853

The same data lists a median annual wage of $63,110 for real estate brokers. These figures are statewide occupational wage data, not a guarantee of income for a new broker in Momence. Commission-based earnings can be irregular, and new professionals may need time to build referrals and a client base.

Career Opportunities in Momence

A real estate license can support several career directions in and around Momence, including:

• Residential home sales
• Buyer representation
• Listing and seller representation
• Leasing and rental transactions
• Property management, where separately permitted and properly structured
• Land and rural property transactions
• New-construction sales
• Commercial real estate
• Relocation services
• Real estate investment support
• Brokerage management after meeting additional requirements

Local success generally depends on understanding the community, communicating consistently, complying with Illinois law, and developing relationships with residents, property owners, lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and other professionals. Avoid making claims about local prices, demand, employers, or sales volume unless those facts are supported by current public data.

Is Real Estate a Good Career in Momence?

Real estate may suit someone who enjoys sales, negotiation, organization, networking, and independent work. The career can offer schedule flexibility and multiple areas of specialization, but it also involves prospecting, paperwork, compliance obligations, variable income, and ongoing education.

Before committing, consider:

• Whether commission-based income fits your financial situation
• How you will support yourself while building a client base
• Whether you are comfortable generating leads
• The training offered by prospective sponsoring brokers
• The costs of transportation, marketing, technology, and professional services
• Whether residential, commercial, land, leasing, or another specialty interests you

Speaking with several active Illinois brokers can provide practical insight into daily work, expenses, lead generation, and brokerage expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of education are required to become an Illinois real estate broker?

IDFPR’s current professional requirements summary lists 75 hours of pre-license education for a real estate broker applicant.

Do I need a college degree?

No. The basic education requirement is generally a high school diploma or GED.

Can I complete the course online?

Online options may be available through approved Illinois education providers. Confirm that the specific course is approved and satisfies the current Illinois curriculum before enrolling.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

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

How much is the Illinois license application fee?

The current IDFPR online licensing instructions list a $125 application fee for a real estate broker license. Other expenses, including education, examination, and fingerprinting, are separate.

How much can a new real estate agent earn in Momence?

There is no reliable universal local salary figure. Income varies with commissions, transaction volume, expenses, experience, and market conditions. Statewide Illinois wage data provides general context but does not guarantee individual earnings.

What education is required after I receive the license?

New Illinois brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period. Continuing education is required for later renewal periods.

Final Checklist

Before practicing real estate in Momence, confirm that you have:

• Completed an approved 75-hour Illinois broker pre-license course
• Met the age and high school diploma or GED requirements
• Passed the national and Illinois examination portions
• Completed required fingerprinting and background-check steps
• Submitted the current IDFPR application
• Paid the applicable licensing fee
• Selected a sponsoring broker
• Scheduled and completed required post-license education
• Tracked continuing-education and renewal deadlines

Authoritative Sources

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: Real Estate Brokerage
• IDFPR Professional Requirements for Licensure
• IDFPR Instructions for Online Real Estate Broker Licensing
• Illinois Department of Employment Security 2025 Statewide Wage Publication