If you want to help buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in Standard City, the first step is earning an Illinois real estate broker license. An approved Illinois pre-licensing course can provide the required education in a structured format, including online options that may fit around work or family responsibilities.

Illinois licensing is administered statewide by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Standard City’s status as a village does not create a separate municipal real estate license; however, local zoning, advertising, fair-housing, and business rules may still affect how you operate.

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 broker pre-license education.
• Pass the Illinois real estate licensing examination.
• Complete the application and required background-check process.
• Become sponsored by an Illinois sponsoring broker before practicing real estate.

These requirements are listed in IDFPR’s professional licensing summary for Illinois real estate brokers.

A broker license is the standard entry-level license for someone who wants to represent clients in residential or commercial real estate. It is different from a managing broker license, which generally requires additional education, experience, and examination requirements.

Complete the 75-Hour Pre-Licensing Education

Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education for a new broker applicant. The curriculum is designed to cover foundational topics such as:

• Real estate principles and practices
• Illinois real estate law
• Contracts
• Agency relationships
• Property ownership and transfer
• Fair housing
• Real estate finance
• Leasing and property management concepts
• Brokerage operations and professional responsibilities

The course must be completed through an education provider approved by IDFPR. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and course are currently approved because completing an unapproved course may not satisfy the licensing requirement.

Online Course Options

Online education can be useful for prospective agents in Standard City who prefer to study from home. Depending on the provider, online instruction may be self-paced, livestreamed, or delivered through a combination of online lessons and scheduled classes.

Before choosing an online program, check:

• Whether the provider is approved by IDFPR
• Whether the course includes all 75 required hours
• Whether attendance or identity verification is required
• Whether quizzes, exams, or other completion requirements apply
• Whether the course prepares students for both the national and Illinois portions of the licensing exam
• How long access remains available
• Whether technical support and instructor assistance are included

An online course does not remove the state examination, application, fingerprinting, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

Apply for the Illinois Broker Examination and License

After completing the required education, the next steps typically include:

1. Obtain proof of course completion from the approved education provider.
2. Register for the Illinois real estate broker examination through the testing process identified by IDFPR.
3. Submit any required examination or licensing application materials.
4. Complete the background-check and fingerprinting process.
5. Pass the required examination.
6. Submit the broker license application and applicable fees.
7. Arrange sponsorship with an Illinois sponsoring broker.

IDFPR provides a real estate exam candidate bulletin, examination information, and broker application materials through its Real Estate Brokerage resources.

Applicants should follow the current instructions in the official application and candidate bulletin rather than relying on older school materials or unofficial checklists.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Illinois real estate applicants should expect a criminal-history background check and fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. Fingerprints are generally submitted through an approved vendor or process identified in the current IDFPR instructions.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed. However, applicants should answer disclosure questions accurately and provide any documentation requested by IDFPR. Failing to disclose relevant information can create a separate licensing problem.

Because fingerprint procedures, vendors, and submission instructions can change, review the current IDFPR directions before scheduling the appointment.

Pass the Illinois Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Illinois broker examination includes both:

• A national portion covering general real estate principles and practices
• A state portion covering Illinois-specific laws, regulations, and procedures

Use the current candidate bulletin to confirm the examination format, registration steps, identification requirements, testing rules, and retake procedures.

A practical study plan may include:

• Reviewing every topic in the approved course outline
• Taking practice questions after each unit
• Memorizing key vocabulary and calculations
• Separating national-law concepts from Illinois-specific rules
• Scheduling the examination soon after completing the course
• Reviewing missed questions instead of relying only on repeated practice tests

If you do not pass, the current testing and IDFPR instructions should be consulted for retesting and application requirements.

Illinois Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies depending on the education provider, examination attempts, fingerprint vendor, application type, and other personal expenses. A realistic budget should account for:

• The 75-hour pre-license course
• Textbooks or digital course materials, if not included
• Examination fees
• Fingerprinting and background-check fees
• The initial Illinois broker license application fee
• Business cards, signs, association dues, technology, transportation, and marketing
• Ongoing post-license and continuing-education courses

IDFPR’s official forms and application materials contain the applicable state fees, which may change. Confirm the current amounts before paying or budgeting for the process.

A brokerage may cover some startup expenses, but that depends on the sponsoring broker’s compensation plan and agreement. Ask about monthly fees, transaction fees, desk fees, advertising costs, commission splits, and technology charges before joining a firm.

How Long Does It Take?

There is no single guaranteed timeline. The process may take several weeks or longer depending on:

• How quickly you complete the 75-hour course
• Course scheduling and examination availability
• Fingerprint appointment availability
• Whether the application is complete
• Background-check processing
• Examination results and any retakes
• How quickly you select a sponsoring broker

Students who study consistently and have no application complications may move through the process efficiently, while people studying part time may need longer. Avoid making nonrefundable career or financial commitments until you understand the current processing requirements.

Find a Sponsoring Broker

A newly licensed Illinois broker must be sponsored by a sponsoring broker to practice real estate. Sponsorship connects the licensee with an authorized brokerage and provides the business structure under which the broker performs licensed activities.

When comparing brokerages serving the Standard City area or nearby communities, consider:

• Commission split and transaction-fee structure
• Training for new agents
• Mentoring and supervision
• Lead-generation support
• Office, technology, and marketing fees
• Geographic coverage
• Residential, commercial, leasing, or investment specialization
• Availability of managing-broker guidance
• Contract terms for leaving the brokerage
• Whether the firm supports online and in-person business

Interview multiple firms before choosing one. A higher advertised commission split may not be the best value if the brokerage provides little training or charges substantial recurring fees.

Complete Post-License Education

Illinois requires 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period for a broker license. The post-license curriculum must be completed through an IDFPR-approved real estate education provider.

The 45-hour requirement is separate from the initial 75-hour pre-license education. New brokers should plan for it immediately after licensure rather than waiting until the renewal deadline.

IDFPR’s renewal guidance states that the post-license curriculum includes the required sexual-harassment-prevention training. The exact deadline depends on the date the license was first issued, so check the current renewal fact sheet that applies to your license.

Continuing Education After the First Renewal

After the initial post-license period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for subsequent renewals. The amount and course structure can depend on the applicable renewal cycle and the date the license was issued.

For the 2026 renewal cycle, IDFPR distinguishes between licensees based on when their broker license was first issued. Some brokers have a 45-hour post-license obligation, while others have a continuing-education requirement involving core and elective coursework.

Because Illinois requirements can change, use the current IDFPR renewal fact sheet and complete education through an approved provider. Keep certificates and other proof of completion in case the Department requests documentation.

Potential Earnings as an Illinois 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 split and fees
• Local demand
• Referral business
• Lead-generation costs
• Experience and specialization
• Whether the agent works full time or part time
• Market conditions and transaction volume

New agents may have limited income while building a client base and learning their market. A careful financial plan should include savings for education, licensing, transportation, insurance, marketing, technology, taxes, and periods without a closing.

Public wage data may combine real estate sales agents and brokers, and it may not represent the income of an independent contractor. Treat broad salary estimates as reference points rather than guarantees for a Standard City agent. Verify current compensation information through a reputable public labor-statistics source and compare it with the actual commission disclosures provided by prospective brokerages.

Career Opportunities in and Around Standard City

An Illinois broker license can support several real estate career paths, depending on training and brokerage opportunities. Possible directions include:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing and seller representation
• Leasing and rental transactions
• Property management-related work, subject to applicable rules
• New-construction sales
• Commercial real estate
• Land and agricultural property
• Investment-property transactions
• Relocation services
• Real estate referrals
• Transaction coordination or brokerage operations

Local success generally depends on relationship building, accurate communication, consistent follow-up, knowledge of contract and disclosure requirements, and ethical conduct. Do not advertise services or perform activities requiring a license until the license is active and the appropriate sponsorship is in place.

A Practical Path for Standard City Residents

A straightforward plan is:

1. Confirm that you meet the age and education requirements.
2. Enroll in an IDFPR-approved 75-hour Illinois broker pre-license course.
3. Complete the course and retain the completion documentation.
4. Review the current IDFPR examination bulletin.
5. Register for and pass the national and Illinois examination portions.
6. Complete fingerprinting and the background-check process.
7. Submit the required application and state fees.
8. Interview sponsoring brokerages serving Standard City and surrounding communities.
9. Activate the license under a sponsoring broker.
10. Complete the required 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period.
11. Track future renewal dates and continuing-education obligations.

The current Illinois pre-licensing course can be a convenient starting point for completing the required education before moving on to the exam and licensing application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Standard City issue its own real estate license?

Generally, Illinois real estate licensure is handled at the state level by IDFPR. Local rules may still apply to business operations, signs, zoning, and other activities, so check with the appropriate local authority before opening an office or advertising.

Can the 75-hour course be completed online?

Online options may be available through IDFPR-approved providers. Confirm the provider’s current approval, delivery format, attendance rules, and completion requirements before enrolling.

Do I need a college degree?

No. The IDFPR professional-requirements summary lists a high school diploma or GED as the minimum education requirement for an Illinois broker applicant.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

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

What happens after I pass the exam?

You must complete the remaining application and licensing steps, including any required fingerprinting, background-check materials, fees, and sponsorship arrangements. Passing the examination alone does not authorize independent practice.

How much does an Illinois real estate agent make?

There is no guaranteed income. Compensation depends on closed transactions, commission agreements, expenses, experience, and market conditions. Review brokerage agreements carefully and use public wage data only as general context.

What education is required after getting licensed?

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

Authoritative Sources

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Real Estate Brokerage
• IDFPR Professional Requirements for Licensure
• IDFPR 2026 Real Estate Broker License Renewal Fact Sheet
• Illinois real estate broker pre-licensing course information