How to Get Your Real Estate License in Washington, Illinois

If you want to become a real estate agent in Washington, Illinois, the first step is completing an approved Illinois broker pre-licensing course. An online Illinois pre-licensing course can provide a flexible way to complete the required education while preparing for the state and national licensing examinations.

Illinois real estate agents are licensed as brokers. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees licensing, education, examinations, renewals, and continuing education throughout the state, including Washington.

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 the required Illinois-approved pre-license education.
Pass the Illinois real estate licensing examination.
Complete the application process through IDFPR.
Satisfy the state’s background-check and fingerprinting requirements.
Obtain sponsorship from an Illinois sponsoring broker before practicing with an active license.

IDFPR’s professional requirements document identifies 75 hours of pre-license education for the Illinois broker license, followed by a 45-hour post-license education requirement during the first renewal period.

Applicants should confirm requirements directly with IDFPR before enrolling because education rules, application procedures, and fees can change.

How Many Education Hours Are Required?

The Illinois broker license requires 75 hours of approved pre-license education. The coursework must come from an IDFPR-approved real estate education provider.

Pre-license education typically covers subjects such as:

Real estate principles and practices
Illinois license law and regulations
Agency relationships
Contracts
Fair housing
Real estate finance
Property ownership and transfer
Leasing and property management concepts
Professional responsibilities and consumer protection

The exact course structure depends on the provider and the curriculum approved by IDFPR. Before paying for a course, verify that the school and course are approved for Illinois broker pre-license education.

Online Real Estate Classes in Washington, Illinois

You do not necessarily need to attend an in-person school in Washington. Approved online education may be an option for students who need a flexible schedule, work full-time, or prefer studying from home.

When comparing online courses, check whether the provider offers:

The full Illinois-required pre-license curriculum
Access to instructors or student support
Practice questions and exam preparation
Clear completion records or transcripts
Instructions for scheduling the licensing examination
Current course approval from IDFPR

An online course can make the education portion more convenient, but it does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, application, sponsorship, or renewal requirements. A second visit to the Illinois broker pre-licensing course may help prospective Washington students compare course delivery and enrollment details.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete approved pre-license education

Enroll in an IDFPR-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course. Complete all required coursework and retain your course completion documentation.

2. Prepare for the licensing examination

After completing the education requirement, review the examination provider’s current candidate instructions. The examination includes state and national real estate content, and applicants must pass the required portions before applying for licensure.

3. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Illinois requires applicants to complete a criminal-history background check using an approved fingerprinting process. The fingerprint vendor, submission method, and validity period can vary, so follow the current instructions provided by IDFPR and the examination or licensing vendor.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed. However, applicants should disclose information accurately and allow additional time if IDFPR requests records or an explanation.

4. Pass the Illinois real estate examination

The Illinois broker examination tests both general real estate knowledge and Illinois-specific laws and practices. Candidates should use the current examination candidate handbook and study materials rather than relying on older preparation books.

If an applicant does not pass one or more required portions, the retesting process and fees are governed by the testing provider’s current rules.

5. Submit the license application

After meeting the education, examination, and background-check requirements, submit the Illinois broker application through the method specified by IDFPR. The application generally includes:

Personal and contact information
Proof of education
Examination results
Background-check information
Sponsorship information, if applying for an active license
The required application fee

IDFPR’s online licensing instructions identify an application fee, while the agency’s real estate fee materials list a separate initial broker fee. Because official materials can be revised or differ by application method, confirm the amount shown in the current IDFPR application portal before submitting payment.

6. Secure sponsorship from a sponsoring broker

A newly licensed broker generally needs sponsorship from an actively licensed Illinois sponsoring broker to practice real estate with an active license. The sponsoring broker or brokerage helps provide supervision and operates within the structure required by Illinois law.

Before choosing a brokerage serving Washington and surrounding communities, compare:

Commission and fee arrangements
Training for new brokers
Mentorship and supervision
Lead-generation expectations
Technology and transaction systems
Office, desk, and marketing fees
Whether the firm focuses on residential, commercial, land, leasing, or investment property

A license may be issued in an inactive status when the applicant is not yet sponsored, but an inactive license does not authorize the person to perform activities requiring an active license.

Illinois Real Estate Licensing Costs

The total cost depends on the provider and the applicant’s choices. Typical expense categories include:

Pre-license education
Course materials
Examination fee
Fingerprinting and background check
Initial license application
Retesting, if necessary
Brokerage-related business expenses
Marketing, transportation, association, and technology costs

IDFPR’s published real estate materials list an initial broker fee of $150, while another IDFPR online licensing instruction document lists $125. Because these official amounts conflict, applicants should use the current fee displayed by IDFPR for the applicable application method rather than relying on an older article or estimate.

The examination and fingerprinting charges are separate from the license application fee and may be paid to different vendors.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

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

How quickly the applicant completes the 75-hour course
Examination appointment availability
Whether the applicant passes on the first attempt
Fingerprint processing
Application review
Whether IDFPR requests additional documentation
How quickly the applicant finds a sponsoring broker

A student studying consistently may finish the education requirement relatively quickly, while a part-time student may take longer. It is safer to plan around the individual course schedule and current IDFPR processing times than to rely on a fixed promise.

Post-License Education

New Illinois brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education during the first renewal period. This requirement is separate from the initial 75-hour pre-license course.

Post-license education is intended to help new brokers transition from exam preparation into actual practice. Topics may include:

Transaction procedures
Brokerage operations
Risk management
Agency duties
Contracts and disclosures
Professional conduct
Illinois-specific practice issues

Failure to complete the post-license requirement can affect the ability to renew or maintain the license. Check IDFPR’s current renewal instructions for the applicable deadline and approved course list.

Continuing Education After the First Renewal

After the first renewal period, Illinois brokers must complete continuing education for each subsequent renewal cycle. The number of hours, required core topics, and renewal deadlines can change, so licensees should consult the current IDFPR rules and renewal notices.

Continuing education may address subjects such as:

Fair housing
License law
Ethics
Agency
Legal updates
Contract changes
Consumer protection
Risk reduction

Keeping records of completed courses is advisable even when education providers report completion to the state.

What Can Real Estate Agents Earn in Illinois?

Real estate income is not guaranteed and can vary substantially. Compensation commonly depends on completed transactions, sales volume, commission arrangements, brokerage splits, expenses, market conditions, and whether the broker works full-time or part-time.

Public compensation data should be treated as a broad statewide reference rather than a prediction for a Washington agent. A recent compilation of Bureau of Labor Statistics data reported Illinois median annual pay of approximately $59,220 for real estate sales agents, but the figure may reflect a defined occupational dataset and does not guarantee commission income for an individual broker.

New agents should budget for periods with little or no income, particularly while building a client base. Before joining a brokerage, ask for a written explanation of:

Commission splits
Transaction fees
Monthly or annual charges
Lead fees
Marketing costs
Training costs
Independent-contractor tax responsibilities
Conditions for receiving commission payments

Career Opportunities in and Around Washington

An Illinois broker license can support several real estate career paths, including:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
New construction
Land and acreage transactions
Farm and rural property
Commercial real estate
Leasing and property management
Real estate investment
Relocation services
Property research and transaction coordination
Future advancement toward managing broker licensure

Local professionals should learn the characteristics of the Washington market without assuming that statewide trends apply to every neighborhood or property type. Networking with local businesses, community organizations, lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and experienced brokers can help a new agent understand the area and build professional relationships.

Choosing a Sponsoring Brokerage

A sponsoring brokerage is one of the most important decisions for a new agent. The highest commission split is not always the best arrangement if the broker provides little training or support.

Ask prospective firms:

Who reviews contracts?
Is a mentor available for initial transactions?
What technology is included?
How are leads distributed?
What fees are charged at closing?
Are there minimum production requirements?
How are disputes handled?
Does the brokerage support the types of property you want to sell?
What continuing training is available?

Interview more than one brokerage and request current fee and policy documents in writing.

Practical Tips for Washington Applicants

Confirm every requirement with IDFPR before enrolling or applying.
Choose an approved course that fits your schedule and learning style.
Study Illinois-specific license law separately from general real estate principles.
Schedule fingerprinting early enough to avoid delaying the application.
Keep copies of course records, examination results, receipts, and application documents.
Interview sponsoring brokers before completing the application whenever possible.
Prepare a financial reserve for education, transportation, marketing, and the time required to build a business.
Track post-license and continuing-education deadlines from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Washington, Illinois?

No. Illinois generally requires a high school diploma or GED rather than a college degree for a broker applicant.

Can I complete the Illinois real estate course online?

Online education may be available through an IDFPR-approved provider. Confirm that the specific course satisfies the current Illinois broker pre-license curriculum before enrolling.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

You generally need an Illinois sponsoring broker to practice with an active broker license. A person who is not sponsored may have an inactive license and cannot perform activities requiring active licensure.

How many hours of education are required before the exam?

The current IDFPR professional requirements document lists 75 hours of broker pre-license education.

What happens after I pass the exam?

You must complete the remaining licensing steps, including fingerprinting and the application process, and obtain sponsorship if you want to practice with an active license.

Is the license application fee the only cost?

No. Education, examination, fingerprinting, background-check, brokerage, marketing, and business expenses may all apply. Confirm current fees with IDFPR and the relevant vendors.

What education is required after I become licensed?

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

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