Illinois real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to prepare
To become a licensed real estate broker in Illinois, you must pass the Illinois real estate broker exam administered by PSI. The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Illinois-specific laws and regulations and can be taken at a PSI testing center or through remote online proctoring. This guide explains the Illinois real estate exam format, passing score, scheduling process, exam-day requirements, and proven study strategies to help you prepare with confidence.
- Illinois real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Illinois real estate exam?
- How hard is the Illinois real estate exam?
- Illinois real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Illinois real estate exam
- Where can you take the Illinois real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Illinois real estate exam topics
- Practice questions for the Illinois real estate exam
- FAQs
Illinois real estate exam overview
The Illinois real estate broker exam is administered by PSI and includes both national and Illinois-specific content. You must complete your required pre-licensing education before scheduling the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 140 multiple-choice questions |
| National section | 100 questions |
| Illinois state section | 40 questions |
| Time limit | National: 150 minutes State: 90 minutes |
| Passing score | National: 70% State: 75% |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail score report |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
| Calculator | Basic non-programmable calculator allowed |
The exam includes 5–10 unscored experimental questions that do not count toward your final score.
What is the passing score for the Illinois real estate exam?
To pass the Illinois real estate broker exam, you must pass both portions of the exam separately.
Passing requirements:
- National portion: 70%
- Illinois state portion: 75%
Important scoring details:
- The national and state sections are scored separately
- You must pass both sections to qualify for licensure
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic score report by topic area
- Unanswered questions are counted incorrect
If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section.
How hard is the Illinois real estate exam?
The Illinois real estate exam is considered moderately challenging because it tests both national real estate concepts and detailed Illinois-specific laws and regulations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Illinois-specific questions are more detailed than expected
- Questions often include very similar answer choices
- Scenario-based questions require application of concepts
- Time pressure becomes a factor during the 140-question exam
What makes it challenging:
- Detailed state licensing law
- Agency and contract questions
- Real estate math calculations
- Long, application-based questions
Common reasons people fail:
- Relying too heavily on memorization
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Illinois-specific regulations
- Spending too much time on difficult questions
Best ways to pass:
- Take timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on Illinois license law and disclosures
- Review explanations for missed questions
- Practice real estate math consistently
Illinois real estate exam math questions
The Illinois real estate exam includes math-related questions covering common real estate calculations.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Percentages
- Closing costs
- Property measurements
Candidates should also memorize common real estate measurements, including:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet in one mile
A basic non-programmable calculator is permitted during test center exams.
If a difficult math problem slows you down, skip it and return later to maximize your time.
How to schedule the Illinois real estate exam
Before scheduling the Illinois real estate broker exam, you must complete your required pre-licensing education through an approved provider.
Steps:
- Create a PSI account
- Upload your course certificate
- Wait for PSI eligibility approval email
- Select the Illinois broker exam
- Choose a testing center or remote proctored option
- Select your exam date and time
- Pay the $58 exam fee
- Receive your confirmation notice
You can also schedule by phone at (855) 340-3893.
Candidates should schedule early since appointments may fill quickly.
Where can you take the Illinois real estate exam?
You can take the Illinois real estate broker exam at PSI testing centers throughout Illinois.
Testing locations include:
- Bloomington
- Carbondale
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Collinsville
- Dixon
- Elgin
- Galesburg
- Joliet
- Lake-in-the-Hills
- Midlothian
- Park Ridge
- Schaumburg
- Springfield
- West Chicago
PSI also offers testing locations nationwide.
Can you take the Illinois real estate exam online?
Yes. PSI offers remote online proctoring for the Illinois real estate broker exam.
To test remotely, you will need:
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Webcam and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet, private testing environment
Remote testing includes identity verification and live monitoring throughout the exam.
Please note:
- Physical calculators are not allowed during remote exams
- Scratch paper is not permitted during remote testing
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Illinois real estate broker exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | 4 attempts within eligibility period |
| Retake fee | $58 per attempt |
| Waiting period | Cannot retest the same day |
| Exam eligibility period | 2 years from course completion |
If you fail after four attempts, you must complete the required pre-licensing education again before becoming eligible to retest.
If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed portion.
What to expect on exam day
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and could lose your exam fee.
What to bring:
- One valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- Your ID must include your name, signature, and photograph
- Your name must exactly match your PSI registration
Recommended items:
- Confirmation email or appointment number
Prohibited items:
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Study materials or notes
- Bags or purses
- Food or drinks
Testing rules:
- The exam is closed book
- Scratch paper and pencils are provided at testing centers
- All testing is monitored in person or through remote proctoring
- You must follow all PSI security procedures at all times
Getting your results:
Your score report will appear immediately after completing the exam and will also be emailed to you.
Illinois real estate exam topics
The Illinois real estate broker exam includes both national real estate concepts and Illinois-specific laws and regulations.
National topics include:
- Property ownership and land use
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate finance and mortgages
- Fair housing laws
- Property disclosures
- Transfer of title
- Property management
- Appraisals and market analysis
- Real estate calculations
Illinois-specific topics include:
- Illinois Real Estate License Act
- Licensing requirements and procedures
- Trust fund handling
- Agency disclosures
- Escrow and recordkeeping requirements
- Advertising regulations
- Illinois Human Rights Act
- State-specific disclosure laws
- Regulatory compliance and professional conduct
Because the exam places strong emphasis on Illinois-specific regulations, candidates should spend extra time reviewing state laws and licensing rules.
Practice questions for the Illinois real estate exam
Question 1
Which agreement is commonly used to establish an agency relationship between a sponsoring broker and a client in Illinois?
a) Closing disclosure
b) Exclusive listing agreement or buyer representation agreement
c) Property tax bill
d) Deed of trust
Answer: b) Exclusive listing agreement or buyer representation agreement
Question 2
Which Illinois law requires sellers to disclose known material defects in a residential property?
a) Illinois Real Estate License Act
b) Residential Real Property Disclosure Act
c) Illinois Consumer Fraud Act
d) Uniform Commercial Code
Answer: b) Residential Real Property Disclosure Act
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Illinois exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, realistic exam simulations, and proven study tools.
Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep separately and still access Colibri Real Estate’s industry-leading prep tools.
Colibri Real Estate offers three Illinois exam prep options depending on how much support you want:
Exam Prep
A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes:
- Simulated exams
- Unlimited practice tests
- Flashcards
- Readiness tracking
- Audio review tools
Designed for students who want flexible, independent study support anytime, anywhere.
Exam Prep Live
Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus:
- Live instructor Q&A
- Exam Crammer Webinar Series
- Guided review sessions focused on key topics
Ideal for students who want additional instruction and live support while preparing for the exam.
Exam Prep Ultimate
Includes everything in Exam Prep Live, plus additional long-term support and required post-licensing courses designed to help students build confidence beyond exam day.
Starting from scratch? Colibri Real Estate pre-licensing packages include built-in exam prep tools plus access to Rubi, an AI-powered study assistant that helps answer questions as you learn.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
Colibri Real Estate stands behind its exam prep with a clear promise.
If you purchase a qualifying pre-licensing package or standalone exam prep program and don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, you may be eligible for a full refund.
Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works:
- Complete the exam prep program
- Pass at least three practice exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Take your state exam within 30 days of completing the exam prep program
- If you don’t pass, submit your results to request your refund
FAQs
After passing the Illinois real estate exam, you must apply for licensure within one year. Your eligibility to take the exam itself remains valid for two years from completing your pre-licensing education.
Yes. Illinois brokers must work under a sponsoring managing broker before practicing real estate.
The national and state sections are usually taken during the same exam session. If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section.