The Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam is a major step between completing your pre-license education and applying for your broker license.
The current Broker examination includes a 100-question scored National portion and a 40-question scored Illinois State portion. Candidates need to understand general real estate principles as well as Illinois-specific licensing laws, agency rules, disclosures, and professional requirements.
This guide explains who is eligible to take the exam, how to register with PSI, current exam fees and passing scores, what subjects are tested, what happens on exam day, how retesting works, and what to do after you pass.
The current Illinois Broker examination is administered by PSI Services LLC.
| Exam Detail | Current Broker Requirement |
|---|---|
| National Portion | 100 scored items |
| National Passing Score | 70% |
| National Time | 150 minutes |
| Illinois State Portion | 40 scored items |
| Illinois Passing Score | 75% |
| Illinois Time | 90 minutes |
| Current Exam Fee | $58 |
| Testing Format | Computer-based |
| Test Options | Test center or remote proctored |
| Standard Candidate Attempts | Up to 4 during the 2-year eligibility period |
| Pre-License Education | 75 hours |
| Education Validity | 2 years after satisfactory completion |
PSI may also include a small number of unscored experimental questions.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation works with:
PSI Services LLC
to administer the Illinois real estate licensing examinations.
PSI handles examination-related functions such as:
IDFPR remains the Illinois licensing authority.
Passing an examination administered by PSI does not by itself issue your Illinois broker license.
For the standard 75-hour qualification route, a candidate generally must:
The education is divided into:
60 Hours — Broker Pre-License Topics
and
15 Hours — Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles
After completing the education, the candidate completes the applicable PSI eligibility process.
For most first-time Illinois broker candidates, the standard sequence is:
Meet Eligibility Requirements
↓
Complete 75-Hour Pre-License Education
↓
Establish PSI Exam Eligibility
↓
Schedule the Broker Examination
↓
Pass the Required Portions
The licensing examination is not a substitute for the required pre-license course.
Current Illinois rules provide that approved broker pre-license education is valid for:
2 years after satisfactory completion
This period is important because standard candidates should complete the examination process while their education remains valid.
Keep a record of:
Do not complete the course and leave the examination process unfinished indefinitely.
The Broker examination has two major parts.
100 scored items
Passing score:
70%
Time allowed:
150 minutes
40 scored items
Passing score:
75%
Time allowed:
90 minutes
Candidates should prepare separately for national real estate concepts and Illinois-specific law.
The two portions should not be treated as one identical subject area.
Focuses on general real estate principles and practices that are broadly applicable to the profession.
Focuses on laws, licensing rules, disclosures, and professional requirements specific to Illinois.
A candidate may be strong in general real estate concepts but still need focused study of Illinois law.
The current PSI National Broker content outline assigns the following approximate weights:
| National Topic | Broker Weight |
|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 10% |
| Land Use Controls | 5% |
| Valuation | 8% |
| Financing | 10% |
| Contracts | 19% |
| Agency | 13% |
| Property Disclosures | 7% |
| Property Management | 3% |
| Transfer of Title | 6% |
| Practice of Real Estate | 12% |
| Real Estate Calculations | 7% |
The percentages help you understand where a larger share of the scored questions comes from.
Under the current national outline:
Contracts account for 19%
of the Broker National portion.
Candidates should understand concepts involving:
Do not treat contracts as a small chapter that can be reviewed once and forgotten.
Agency currently accounts for:
13% of the National Broker portion
Candidates should understand:
Agency is also important on the Illinois-specific portion.
The current national outline assigns:
12%
to Practice of Real Estate.
This area includes subjects such as:
These are practical professional topics rather than isolated definitions.
The National Broker outline currently assigns:
7%
to Real Estate Calculations.
Calculations can involve:
Most candidates do not need advanced mathematics.
The challenge is usually identifying the correct information and choosing the correct calculation.
The current Illinois-specific Broker content outline includes:
| Illinois Topic | Broker Weight |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | 10% |
| Illinois Real Estate License Act | 40% |
| Additional Illinois Laws and Regulations | 25% |
| Disclosures | 25% |
The Illinois Real Estate License Act is therefore the largest single state-specific category.
This section can include topics such as:
This portion requires understanding how Illinois regulates actual brokerage practice.
This category currently includes areas such as:
Do not prepare for the Illinois portion using national material alone.
A quarter of the state Broker outline currently focuses on disclosures.
Subjects include:
This makes disclosure rules a major study priority.
Fair housing is relevant to both national and Illinois-specific preparation.
Candidates should understand:
The current PSI Candidate Information Booklet states that candidates may receive approximately:
5 to 10 experimental questions
in addition to the stated examination items.
These questions:
Because you will not know which questions are experimental, treat every question seriously.
Do not spend excessive time trying to guess which items count.
PSI administers the examination by computer.
Before the scored examination begins, PSI provides an introductory tutorial.
The tutorial can take up to:
15 minutes
and the tutorial time does not count against your examination time.
Use it to become comfortable with:
Even candidates comfortable with computers should pay attention to the tutorial.
The current PSI fee for the:
Broker Examination is $58
The examination fee is separate from:
PSI currently states that examination fees are:
For a standard broker candidate, the general PSI process is:
Make sure your name is entered correctly.
PSI requires your:
First and last name
to match the current valid identification used for the examination.
Check your registration carefully before exam day.
A name mismatch can create an avoidable problem when checking in for the test.
Use your legal identification information rather than a nickname.
Current PSI procedures allow candidates to select between:
You travel to an approved examination location and test on site.
You test remotely using a compatible computer and PSI's remote-proctoring process.
The best choice depends on your:
Review the current requirements before selecting a format.
A test center may be preferable if you:
PSI provides examination locations in Illinois and additional testing locations in other areas.
Appointment availability can vary.
Remote testing can reduce travel, but it comes with strict technical and environmental rules.
Before scheduling remote testing, PSI instructs candidates to check:
Candidates also need an appropriate private testing environment.
Do not wait until the appointment begins to test your equipment.
Current PSI procedures state that:
Breaks are not allowed during remote online proctored examinations.
If you believe you will need a break during the examination, PSI advises against selecting the remote-proctored option.
Remote candidates are also subject to specific rules involving:
Review these rules before selecting remote testing.
PSI currently advises test-center candidates to arrive:
30 minutes before the scheduled appointment
The extra time is used for:
Arriving after the exam start time can result in losing the appointment and examination fee.
Build travel time into your plan.
At a PSI examination site, candidates currently need:
One acceptable form of identification
The ID must:
Current PSI examples include qualifying government-issued identification such as driver's licenses, state ID cards, and passports.
Always review the latest PSI identification rules before test day.
PSI uses strict examination-security procedures.
Test-center candidates are generally provided:
The scratch paper must be returned.
PSI restricts many personal items and reference materials.
Physical calculators are currently permitted at test centers under PSI procedures, while remote-proctored examinations have different rules.
Review the current security instructions before arriving.
The examination is closed-book.
PSI prohibits unauthorized reference materials and electronic resources.
Do not expect to use:
Your preparation needs to happen before the examination begins.
Current PSI guidance allows a candidate to cancel or reschedule without forfeiting the fee when the cancellation notice is received at least:
2 days before the scheduled examination date
Late cancellation, failing to appear, arriving after the examination start time, or failing to provide proper identification can result in forfeiture of the examination fee.
Always check current PSI procedures when changing an appointment.
A strong study plan should combine:
Understand the concepts.
Learn how concepts are tested.
Practice real estate math repeatedly.
Study state-specific requirements separately.
Track why you miss questions.
Learn to work under exam conditions.
Do not rely entirely on rereading notes.
The PSI content outline shows where questions are concentrated.
For example, the National portion places substantial weight on:
The Illinois portion places substantial weight on:
Use those weights to guide your study time.
Do not spend equal time on every topic simply because every chapter looks the same size.
A good practice question should teach you:
Memorizing:
Question 12 = Answer C
does not prepare you for a differently worded question testing the same principle.
Small words can change the entire question.
Watch for terms such as:
Before selecting an answer:
Exam questions often provide exactly the facts needed to reach an answer.
Avoid inventing additional assumptions.
For example, do not assume:
Answer using the facts provided.
For math questions:
Common formulas should become familiar through repeated practice.
Avoid trying to learn all calculations the night before the exam.
Some candidates study national principles extensively and underestimate the Illinois State portion.
Create a separate Illinois review covering areas such as:
State questions require state-specific knowledge.
PSI currently displays your score on screen at the end of the examination.
A score report is also emailed to you.
If you do not pass a portion, the score report includes diagnostic information showing relative strengths and weaknesses by examination area.
Use that information to guide your next study plan.
Current PSI procedures state that a candidate generally needs to repeat only the:
Portion or portions that were failed
For example:
If you pass the National portion but fail the Illinois portion, you generally focus your retest on the Illinois portion.
This allows you to concentrate your next study period on the area that still needs improvement.
Standard Broker candidates currently have:
Up to 4 attempts during the 2-year eligibility period
Do not interpret four attempts as a reason to treat early attempts casually.
Each unsuccessful attempt can involve:
Prepare seriously for every attempt.
Current PSI procedures state that after the fourth failed attempt, a standard Broker candidate must:
Illinois Administrative Code also requires pre-license education to be repeated after four consecutive examination failures.
This can significantly extend both the cost and timeline of licensure.
Failing an exam portion does not mean you should immediately book the next available appointment without studying.
Use the diagnostic report to identify:
Then build the next study cycle around those weaknesses.
Passing is an important milestone, but the license is not issued automatically.
PSI provides instructions for continuing the licensing process through the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
The next steps generally include:
Current Illinois law provides that if a candidate receives a passing examination score but fails to submit an application and meet all requirements for licensure within:
One year
the examination credit terminates.
PSI likewise warns candidates that they must apply to IDFPR and satisfy the licensing requirements within one year of passing.
Do not let a passing exam result expire unused.
These are separate milestones:
You satisfied the examination requirement.
You requested an Illinois broker license.
IDFPR approved your application.
The required brokerage relationship is established for licensed activity.
Do not conduct activities requiring a broker license simply because you passed the examination.
Illinois requires the applicable sponsorship structure before a broker engages in licensed brokerage activities.
You can begin researching brokerages before the exam.
Compare potential sponsoring brokers based on:
Starting your brokerage search early can make the transition after passing easier.
The current PSI Candidate Information Booklet identifies a separate Attorney Qualification.
A qualifying broker candidate must:
Current PSI procedures state that qualifying attorney candidates do not need to upload the standard education documents before scheduling.
This route differs from the normal 75-hour qualification route.
Beginning in 2026, qualifying applicants who already hold an equivalent broker license in another jurisdiction can use Illinois's:
Licensure by Endorsement
Current requirements for this route include:
The standard first-time Broker exam route and endorsement route should not be confused.
PSI provides procedures for candidates who require examination accommodations.
Candidates who need alternative testing arrangements should follow the current PSI accommodation process before their examination.
Do not wait until test day to request an accommodation.
Review the current instructions early enough for the request to be handled appropriately.
Before scheduling:
One unsuccessful result can become useful feedback when you use it to improve your next preparation cycle.
The Illinois State portion requires separate preparation.
High-weight subjects deserve substantial study time.
The actual examination can test the same concept in a different way.
Calculations are part of the National outline.
Eligibility does not necessarily mean readiness.
Pre-license education has a two-year validity period.
Late arrival can cost you the appointment and fee.
The identification must satisfy current PSI requirements.
Technical or environmental problems can prevent successful testing.
There is a four-attempt limit for standard Broker candidates before education must be repeated.
The examination process becomes easier to manage when you separate it into four areas.
Understand eligibility, education, and registration.
Understand national and Illinois portions.
Use the outline, practice questions, calculations, and diagnostics.
Passing the examination is followed by sponsorship and the IDFPR licensing process.
Use the more detailed exam resources below for each stage.
Strong exam preparation begins with understanding the material rather than trying to memorize isolated questions.
Illinois Broker Academy provides education and learning resources for individuals preparing for the Illinois broker licensing process.
Use your pre-license education to build a foundation in real estate principles, then use structured review and practice to prepare for both the National and Illinois portions.
If you want detailed eligibility information:
Illinois Broker Exam Requirements
If you are ready to schedule:
Illinois Broker Exam Registration
If you want the exact exam structure:
If you want the tested subjects:
If you need a study plan:
Illinois Broker Exam Study Guide
If you want practice-style questions:
Illinois Broker Exam Questions
If you want practical exam strategies:
If you are ready for practice testing:
Illinois Real Estate Practice Test
If you recently passed:
The Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam is the licensing examination required for standard broker applicants after completing the applicable pre-license requirements. It currently includes a National portion and an Illinois State portion.
The current Illinois real estate licensing examinations are administered by PSI Services LLC under the Illinois examination program.
The current Broker examination includes 100 scored National items and 40 scored Illinois State items. PSI may also include approximately 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions.
The current Broker National portion contains 100 scored items.
The current Illinois State Broker portion contains 40 scored items.
The current passing score for the Broker National portion is 70%.
The current passing score for the Illinois State Broker portion is 75%.
Current PSI procedures allow 150 minutes for the Broker National portion.
Current PSI procedures allow 90 minutes for the Illinois State Broker portion.
The current PSI Candidate Information Booklet lists the Broker Examination fee as $58.
PSI currently states that examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Standard first-time Broker candidates generally need 75 hours of approved pre-license education: 60 hours of Broker Pre-License Topics and 15 hours of Applied Real Estate Principles.
Current Illinois rules provide that approved broker pre-license education is valid for two years after satisfactory completion.
The current National Broker outline covers Property Ownership, Land Use Controls, Valuation, Financing, Contracts, Agency, Property Disclosures, Property Management, Transfer of Title, Practice of Real Estate, and Real Estate Calculations.
The current Illinois Broker outline is divided into Licensing Requirements, Illinois Real Estate License Act, Additional Illinois Laws and Regulations Affecting Real Estate Practice, and Disclosures.
Under the current PSI outline, Contracts is the largest National Broker topic at 19%.
The Illinois Real Estate License Act category currently accounts for 40% of the Illinois State Broker content outline.
Yes. Real Estate Calculations currently account for 7% of the National Broker outline and can include prorations, closing calculations, PITI, equity, capitalization rate, LTV, discount points, and loan origination fees.
Yes. PSI states that approximately 5 to 10 experimental questions may be included. They are unscored but are not identified, and they still count against examination time.
Yes. PSI administers the examination by computer.
Current PSI procedures allow a Remote Proctored option in addition to test-center testing, subject to appointment availability and technical and security requirements.
Current PSI guidance states that breaks are not allowed during remote online proctored examinations.
Yes. Candidates can select the Test Center format and choose from available examination appointments.
PSI currently recommends arriving approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled examination appointment.
PSI currently requires one acceptable valid, unexpired form of identification containing the candidate's photograph and signature. The name must match the examination registration.
Complete the required education, create your PSI account, select the Broker examination, upload the required course certificate, receive eligibility approval, choose a test format and appointment, and pay the applicable fee.
Yes. Current PSI guidance states that an appointment can generally be canceled or rescheduled without forfeiting the examination fee when notice is received at least two days before the scheduled examination date.
A missed appointment can invalidate the registration and result in forfeiture of the examination fee under current PSI rules.
Current PSI procedures generally require you to retake only the portion or portions you failed.
Standard Broker candidates currently have up to four attempts to pass the examination during their two-year eligibility period.
After the fourth unsuccessful attempt, a standard Broker candidate must repeat the 75-hour Broker pre-license education and then retake the entire examination.
PSI currently displays the score on screen at the end of the examination and emails a score report. Candidates who fail also receive diagnostic information about their performance.
No. Passing the examination completes the examination requirement. You still need to satisfy the IDFPR license application and applicable sponsorship requirements.
Current Illinois law gives candidates one year after receiving the passing examination score to submit the license application and meet the applicable licensing requirements.
Current Illinois law states that examination credit terminates if the candidate does not apply and satisfy the licensing requirements within one year after receiving the passing score. The candidate must then make a new application for examination.
Sponsorship is not part of the standard 75-hour PSI exam-eligibility route. However, appropriate sponsorship is required as part of active Illinois brokerage practice and the applicable licensing process.
Not exactly. Current PSI guidance provides a separate Attorney Qualification for candidates at least 18 who are admitted to practice law by the Illinois Supreme Court. Qualifying attorneys do not use the standard 75-hour document-upload route before scheduling.
Qualifying out-of-state brokers pursuing Illinois licensure by endorsement follow a different route that includes Illinois-specific education and examination requirements rather than the standard first-time 75-hour route.
Use the latest PSI Illinois Division of Real Estate Candidate Information Booklet, current IDFPR guidance, and current Illinois Real Estate License Act and Administrative Code because examination procedures and content can change.