How to Get Your Real Estate License in Riverdale, Illinois

If you are interested in helping buyers, sellers, landlords, or investors in Riverdale and the surrounding south suburban Chicago area, an approved Illinois pre-licensing course can provide the required education in a structured format. Before enrolling, compare course delivery methods, instructor support, exam preparation, and whether the provider is approved by IDFPR.

Illinois Real Estate License Requirements

Illinois generally licenses entry-level real estate professionals as real estate brokers. To qualify for an Illinois 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 screening steps.
Obtain sponsorship from an Illinois sponsoring broker to hold an active license.

IDFPR identifies these requirements in its professional licensing materials.

The broker license allows a licensee to perform real estate activities under the supervision of a sponsoring broker. A broker who later gains the required experience and education may pursue a managing broker license.

Complete the Required 75 Hours of Education

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved broker pre-license education before an applicant takes the licensing examination. The curriculum includes:

60 hours of Real Estate Topics
15 hours of Applied Real Estate Principles

The 15-hour component focuses on applied concepts, situational learning, and case studies. IDFPR permits approved providers to offer the coursework through classroom instruction, live interactive webinars, or qualifying online distance education.

A course completed through correspondence or home study may involve additional proctoring requirements. Confirm the provider’s delivery method and completion rules before registering.

Choosing an Online Illinois Course

An online course may be convenient for Riverdale residents who work full time, have family responsibilities, or prefer self-paced study. When evaluating online options, look for:

IDFPR approval
Clear completion and attendance policies
Access to instructors or academic support
Practice questions and exam preparation
Mobile-friendly course access
A format that satisfies the requirements for both the 60-hour and 15-hour components
Transparent tuition and refund policies

Online education does not eliminate the licensing examination, application, background-screening, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

Apply for the Illinois Broker Examination and License

After completing the required education, the next step is to follow IDFPR’s current examination and licensing instructions. The general process is:

Enroll with an approved education provider.
Complete the 75-hour pre-license curriculum.
Register for the Illinois broker licensing examination through the current testing vendor.
Pass both the national and Illinois portions of the examination.
Complete the required fingerprinting and criminal-background-check process.
Submit the broker license application and required fee to IDFPR.
Provide sponsorship information from an Illinois sponsoring broker if applying for an active license.
Monitor the application until IDFPR issues the license.

IDFPR’s materials state that broker applicants must pass both state and national examination components and must be sponsored by a sponsoring broker. The Department’s licensing materials also identify PSI as the examination vendor for Illinois real estate licensing.

Because application procedures and testing instructions can be revised, use the current IDFPR and PSI instructions rather than relying on an older school checklist.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Illinois applicants should expect a criminal-background-screening process that includes fingerprinting. Fingerprints are used to obtain a criminal-history report for the licensing review.

A past charge or conviction does not necessarily mean automatic denial. However, applicants should answer application questions accurately and disclose information when required. Omissions or inconsistent answers can create additional problems.

If you have a criminal record, a professional license issue, or uncertainty about disclosure, consider seeking legal advice before submitting the application. IDFPR—not the education provider—makes the licensing determination.

Pass the Illinois Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Illinois broker examination tests knowledge of both general real estate principles and Illinois-specific laws and practices. Common subject areas include:

Property ownership and land-use controls
Contracts and agency
Real estate finance
Property valuation
Leasing and property management
Real estate calculations
Illinois license law and rules
Fair housing and consumer-protection principles

A practical study plan includes:

Reviewing each course topic after class
Learning Illinois terminology and license-law requirements
Completing timed practice exams
Practicing real estate math without relying entirely on a calculator
Scheduling the exam when the material is still familiar
Reviewing the current candidate handbook and testing rules

If you do not pass, follow the current retake instructions from the testing vendor and IDFPR. Retesting may involve additional examination charges and scheduling requirements.

Illinois Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the education provider, examination attempts, fingerprinting vendor, application fee, and any optional study materials.

Typical expense categories include:

Pre-license education tuition
Examination fee
Fingerprinting and background-check fee
Initial license application fee
Course books or exam-preparation materials
Brokerage-related onboarding or membership expenses
Business, marketing, transportation, and technology costs

IDFPR licensing materials list a $150 initial broker application fee in its current fee information. Other IDFPR documents may display different amounts for particular application types, historical periods, or licensing pathways, so verify the fee shown on the current application before paying.

Education and business expenses vary widely. A low-cost course may not include tutoring, exam preparation, or supplemental materials, while a more comprehensive package may cost more.

How Long Does It Take?

Illinois does not guarantee a single processing timeline for every applicant. The time required depends on:

How quickly you complete the 75-hour course
Exam availability
Whether you pass on the first attempt
Fingerprint and background-check processing
Whether the application is complete
IDFPR review time
How quickly you select a sponsoring broker

A prepared student may complete the education and examination steps relatively quickly, while a part-time student or applicant who needs a retest may take longer. Do not make employment or relocation decisions based on an assumed approval date.

Find an Illinois Sponsoring Broker

Passing the exam does not by itself make you an independent real estate business. To practice with an active broker license, you generally need sponsorship from an Illinois sponsoring broker.

A sponsoring broker—typically a licensed brokerage firm—provides supervision, policies, transaction oversight, and access to the systems used to conduct licensed business.

When evaluating brokerages serving Riverdale and nearby communities, ask about:

Commission structure and transaction fees
Training for new brokers
Mentoring and supervision
Lead distribution
Desk, technology, or office fees
Required marketing expenses
Errors-and-omissions coverage
Availability of local and regional support
Expectations for evenings, weekends, prospecting, and open houses
Whether the firm is a good fit for residential, commercial, leasing, or investor-focused work

Do not choose solely on the advertised commission split. Training, compliance support, lead quality, and operating costs can have a significant effect on a new broker’s experience.

Complete 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 and renewal information.

The post-license requirement is separate from the initial 75-hour pre-license curriculum. It is intended to help new licensees transition from exam preparation to practical brokerage work.

Complete the required post-license education through an IDFPR-approved provider and retain completion records. Missing the deadline can affect renewal and the ability to continue practicing.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for subsequent renewal periods. The exact hours and course categories depend on the license’s issue date and the applicable renewal cycle.

For the current renewal information, IDFPR identifies a 45-hour post-license requirement for brokers first issued during the applicable newer licensing periods. Brokers first issued before the newer post-license structure may have different requirements, including core and elective education.

Continuing education may include required core material, electives, and subjects such as sexual-harassment-prevention training when required for the applicable cycle. Requirements can change, so check the current IDFPR renewal fact sheet before selecting courses.

Potential Earnings as a Riverdale Real Estate Agent

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

Number and value of closed transactions
Commission arrangements
Brokerage splits and transaction fees
Lead generation and referral activity
Full-time or part-time work
Experience and specialization
Local housing and economic conditions
Expenses for marketing, transportation, insurance, technology, and association membership

Public wage data can help describe the occupation but should not be treated as a guaranteed income forecast for Riverdale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports national and state occupational wage information for real estate sales agents, but individual results may differ significantly.

A new broker may have limited income during the first several months while building a client base and waiting for transactions to close. Maintain realistic financial reserves and confirm how a brokerage handles commissions, referrals, team splits, and transaction timing.

Career Opportunities in and Around Riverdale

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

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
Leasing and rental transactions
Property management, subject to applicable legal and brokerage requirements
New-construction sales
Relocation services
Commercial real estate
Investment-property sales
Short-sale or distressed-property services
Real estate team operations
Future advancement to managing broker

Riverdale-based professionals may choose to focus on the village itself, nearby south suburban communities, or a broader Chicagoland service area. Local knowledge can be useful, but licensed activity must still comply with Illinois law, fair-housing requirements, brokerage supervision, and applicable municipal or association rules.

A Practical Riverdale Licensing Checklist

Confirm that you meet the age and education prerequisites.
Select an IDFPR-approved 75-hour education provider.
Decide whether a self-paced online, live online, or classroom format fits your schedule.
Complete all required course components.
Review the current examination handbook.
Schedule and pass the national and Illinois exam portions.
Complete fingerprinting and background screening.
Submit the current IDFPR application and fee.
Interview sponsoring brokerages serving Riverdale and surrounding communities.
Activate the license through a sponsoring broker.
Complete the 45-hour post-license education requirement on time.
Track future continuing-education and renewal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Can the Illinois pre-license course be completed online?

Yes, approved Illinois education providers may offer qualifying coursework online, including distance education and live interactive formats. Confirm that the specific provider and course format satisfy current IDFPR rules.

Is a sponsoring broker required?

A sponsoring broker is generally required for an active Illinois broker license. The sponsoring broker supervises the licensee’s activities and provides the brokerage relationship required to practice.

How much does an Illinois broker license cost?

The total cost includes education, examination, fingerprinting, and application expenses. IDFPR’s current fee information lists a $150 initial broker application fee, but applicants should confirm the amount on the current application because fees and pathways can differ.

Does Illinois require fingerprinting?

Applicants should expect fingerprinting and a criminal-background check as part of the licensing process. Follow the current IDFPR instructions regarding approved fingerprint vendors and submission procedures.

What happens after passing the exam?

Passing the examination is one part of the process. The applicant must still complete the application and screening requirements and arrange sponsorship for an active license.

How much can a Riverdale real estate agent earn?

There is no reliable guaranteed income figure for an individual Riverdale broker. Earnings depend on transactions, commission arrangements, brokerage expenses, experience, and market conditions. Government wage data provides broad occupational information rather than a personal income guarantee.

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