Have you dreamed of entering the exciting world of real estate? Starting a real estate career in Illinois offers the opportunity for financial independence and a flexible schedule.
The first step to becoming a licensed real estate broker is choosing the right real estate school. Your choice of education will directly impact your exam preparation, your confidence as a new broker, and your future success in the industry.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top online real estate schools in Illinois for 2026 so you can choose with confidence and get your career off to a strong start.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Quality Illinois Real Estate School?
- Illinois’s Top-Rated Online Real Estate Schools for 2026
- Colibri Real Estate
- The CE Shop
- AceableAgent
- Kaplan Real Estate Education
- Illinois REALTORS® Licensing School
- Comparing Illinois Real Estate Schools at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Illinois Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Meet Illinois Education Requirements: You must complete 75 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education (60-hour Broker Pre-License Topics + 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles) before you can sit for the Illinois broker licensing exam.
- Choose a School with the Right Format: Pick self-paced online, livestream, or in-person classes based on your schedule and learning style so you can finish the coursework efficiently.
- Compare Total Value, Not Just Price: Illinois pre-licensing packages typically range from about $300 to $815, so weigh what’s included (exam prep, support, extras) instead of choosing the lowest cost.
- Prioritize Strong Exam Prep Tools: Since you must pass both the national (100 questions) and Illinois-specific (40 questions) portions of the exam, look for practice exams, flashcards, readiness tracking, and (when available) pass guarantees.
- Plan for Post-Licensing and CE Early: After licensing, brokers must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education prior to their first renewal, depending on when the license was issued. For subsequent renewal cycles, brokers must complete 12 hours of continuing education (six hours of core and six hours of elective credit, including sexual harassment prevention training). The Illinois real estate license renewal deadline for brokers is April 30 of even-numbered years.
What Makes a Quality Illinois Real Estate School?
Illinois requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved provider before you can sit for the broker licensing exam. According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), this coursework must include a 60-hour Broker Pre-License Topics course and a 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course.
When evaluating schools, prioritize these key factors:
State accreditation is non-negotiable
Choose programs approved by the IDFPR. This ensures your coursework meets state standards and that your completion certificate is valid for your license application.
Match the format to your learning style
Illinois-approved schools offer several formats to fit different needs:
- Self-paced online (asynchronous) real estate courses are perfect for students who need flexibility and 24/7 access to materials. This is also a great option for self-motivated individuals who want to be licensed quickly.
- Livestream classes offer real-time interaction with instructors from the comfort of your home.
- In-person courses benefit learners who thrive with face-to-face instruction and local networking.
Compare pricing and package value
Pre-licensing course costs in Illinois generally range from $300 to over $815. Basic packages cover the required 75 hours, while comprehensive bundles add valuable exam prep tools, practice tests, and career-building courses. Evaluate what each package offers. The lowest price isn’t always the best value for your long-term success.
Assess exam preparation resources
The Illinois real estate broker exam, administered by PSI, consists of a national portion (100 questions) and an Illinois-specific portion (40 questions). You must pass both sections to become licensed. Strong exam prep is critical to getting licensed quickly.
Understand sponsorship requirements
After passing the licensing exam and applying for your broker license, you must work under the supervision of a sponsoring Illinois managing broker before you can actively practice real estate.
Evaluate student support and career resources
Quality schools provide robust support, including access to instructors for questions, technical help, and career guidance. Some even offer mentorship or job placement assistance to help you get started after passing your exam.
Savvy brokers choose a real estate school that supports licensing and offers a full lifecycle of support—career resources, training, certifications, and more to help you meet your career and income goals.
Illinois’s Top-Rated Online Real Estate Schools for 2026
Here’s a detailed comparison of Illinois’s leading online real estate schools, each with distinct features to help you launch your career. All of these courses have been approved by the IDFPR.
Colibri Real Estate School
Colibri Real Estate offers both at-your-own-pace online and livestream real estate courses for Illinois. With over 1.5 million alumni nationwide, the school has a long history of helping students succeed and provides a full lifecycle of education, from pre-licensing and post-licensing to continuing education. Colibri Real Estate also offers a wide range of professional certifications and training programs, including Real Estate AI Specialist, Certified Buyer Agents Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert.
Key Features:
Pricing: Packages start at $339 and go up to $619. Look for frequent sales and discount codes to save on your pre-licensing education.
Format: Colibri Real Estate offers both self-paced (asynchronous) and livestream Illinois real estate pre-licensing courses, perfect for busy schedules. With features like read-along audio, progress tracking, and interactive tools, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace. You can also connect with expert local instructors in live Q&A sessions.
Livestream Option: Illinois students can choose livestream classes for a more structured, real-time learning experience with expert local instructors.
AI Study Tool: Rubi AI Tutor is your 24/7 on-demand study tool that gives you instant clarity on course concepts and challenging topics, reinforcing your coursework and helping you study more efficiently between lessons.
Mobile Accessibility: Colibri Real Estate’s courses can be accessed on any device with an internet browser, including smartphones and tablets. However, it’s recommended to take final exams and unit quizzes on a PC or laptop for the best experience.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Pass your Illinois state licensing exam on your first try, or you don’t pay. To be eligible for the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you must score 80% or higher on three practice exams and take the state exam within 30 days of completing the course.
Exam Prep: Prepare for the Illinois real estate exam with comprehensive exam prep options powered by CompuCram. You can purchase a stand-alone exam prep package at any time, or access exam prep resources included with select pre-licensing course packages.
Illinois exam prep packages feature tools like simulated exams, flashcards, readiness assessments, and audio review guides. Depending on the package, you may also receive live instructor Q&A, interactive exam cram webinars, and a printed textbook to match your learning needs.
Colibri Real Estate combines a long-standing reputation with practical features designed to help you pass and move forward confidently. Between CompuCram-powered exam prep, local instructors, livestream course options, and the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee in select packages, it’s a smart pick for students who want flexibility without sacrificing results.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers aspiring Illinois real estate brokers flexible, self-paced courses with the added option of livestream classes.
Key Features:
Pricing: Packages start at $359 and go up to $815.
Format: The CE Shop provides self-paced online courses for aspiring real estate brokers in Illinois.
Mobile Accessibility: Access your course on your phone or tablet.
Pass Guarantee: The CE Shop offers a Pass Guarantee for Illinois. If you don’t pass on your first try, they’ll refund the cost of your pre-licensing package or exam prep (conditions apply).
Money-Back Guarantee: A 30-day money-back guarantee is available if the course is less than 50% complete.
Exam Prep: The Exam Prep Edge offers an initial assessment to check your knowledge and a dashboard with Illinois-specific content. The dashboard shows your progress and topics that need more work. It also includes practice tests with different questions to prepare you for the exam.
AceableAgent
AceableAgent delivers a mobile-first learning experience with interactive games and bite-sized lessons.
Key Features:
Pricing: Begins at $399 for a basic package, with deluxe and premium options up to $749 that include advanced exam prep.
Format: AceableAgent offers self-paced online courses and live webinar options for Illinois.
Mobile Accessibility: Access your course by app on your phone or tablet.
Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Get your money back if you don’t pass the state licensing exam on the first try. To qualify, you must complete the entire pre-licensing course before taking the exam and attempt it within 90 days of finishing the course.
Exam Prep: Upper-level packages give you access to PrepAgent, which includes practice questions, prep videos, live online webinars, flashcards, and an exam prep ebook.
AceableAgent is an option for Illinois students who want to study primarily on a phone or tablet. That said, if you’re looking for a provider with a long-established track record and a full “start-to-finish” education path beyond pre-licensing, Colibri Real Estate School is the better fit.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan Real Estate Education offers pre-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education courses for real estate licensing in Illinois. Courses are delivered in self-paced online formats with an optional live, online learning lab.
Key Features:
Pricing: Kaplan offers two 75-hour Illinois pre-licensing packages, ranging from $449 to $799.
Format: Kaplan offers self-paced online pre-recorded video courses with access to a live online learning lab.
Kaplan Commitment: If you don’t pass, you can continue studying at no extra cost for up to 18 months.
Exam Prep: Includes online video courses, QBank practice questions with an AI tutor, and live instructor-led sessions.
Kaplan Real Estate Education offers a video-led learning experience with access to live instructor support through their online learning lab.
Illinois REALTORS® Licensing School
Illinois REALTORS® offers online courses designed to help you start your career.
Key Features:
Pricing: Packages start at $389.
Format: Offers self-paced online courses.
Exam Prep: The course description claims it will prepare you for the exam, but it provides no details about exam preparation materials.
Instructor Support: You’ll have access to instructors who are active in the Illinois real estate market.
Comparing Illinois Real Estate Schools at a Glance
| School | Format | Price Range (Pre-Licensing) | Pass Guarantee |
| Colibri Real Estate | Self-paced online, livestream | $336-$619 | Yes |
| The CE Shop | Self-paced online | $359-$815 | Yes |
| AceableAgent | Self-paced online, live webinars | $399–$749 | Yes |
| Kaplan | Self-paced online | $449–$799 | Yes |
| Illinois REALTORS® Licensing School | Self-paced online | $389 | No |
Note: Prices and features are subject to change. Verify current offerings directly with each school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Illinois?
Expect to invest between $500 and $1,100. This includes pre-licensing education ($300–$815), the state broker exam fee, application fees, and background check costs (varies).
Can I take the Illinois real estate course completely online?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation allows applicants to complete the 75-hour Illinois pre-licensing course online through an approved education provider.
What happens if I fail the Illinois real estate exam?
If you fail one portion of the exam (national or state), you only need to retake that specific part. Candidates may retake the exam in accordance with PSI and IDFPR policies. If the maximum number of attempts is exceeded, additional education may be required before retesting.
Can I transfer my Illinois real estate license to another state?
If you want to work in another state, you generally must apply for a license in that state. Illinois processes out-of-state applicants through an endorsement process. Requirements vary by state.
Does Illinois offer real estate license reciprocity?
Illinois does not operate under traditional reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state applicants may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to IDFPR requirements.
Illinois Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
Your education doesn’t stop after you get your license. Illinois has specific education requirements for both your first renewal and subsequent renewals.
First-time license renewal requirements
Brokers must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education prior to their first renewal. The specific deadline depends on when the license was issued. The post-licensing curriculum includes required coursework covering core topics and sexual harassment prevention training.
Continuing education (CE) for subsequent renewals
After completing post-licensing requirements, brokers must complete 12 hours of continuing education for each renewal cycle. This includes:
- Six hours of mandatory core courses
- Six hours of elective courses (including a one-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training)
The Illinois real estate license renewal deadline for brokers is April 30 of every even-numbered year.
For an affordable way to meet these CE requirements, consider the Colibri Real Estate CE Membership. With a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership, you’ll gain unlimited access to our entire library of Illinois-approved continuing education courses. Plus, you’ll get career-advancing certifications and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive, all for one affordable price.
Your Path to Real Estate Success Starts with Colibri Real Estate
Start your real estate journey with Colibri Real Estate and experience the difference. We combine expert-led instruction, deep local market insights, and the trust of over 1.5 million successful alumni nationwide. Learn from active, seasoned professionals with decades of experience who truly understand the Illinois real estate market.
Our state-approved, accredited courses are designed with your goals in mind, offering flexible formats like self-paced online and instructor-led livestream classes, so you can study anytime, anywhere. With our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, personalized support from academic advisors, and career-long education options, we don’t just help you pass the exam—we prepare you for lasting success.
Don’t settle for less. Choose Colibri Real Estate, the proven, trusted leader in real estate education for over 25 years. Enroll today in an Illinois real estate pre-licensing course and take the first step toward a confident, successful career!
