Master the Illinois Real Estate Exam (January 2026)
Ready to launch your Illinois real estate career? You're in exactly the right place.
This comprehensive practice exam focuses on the 40 state-specific questions you'll face on the Illinois licensing exam. Combined with the 80 national questions, you'll be tackling a total of 120 multiple-choice questions on test day.
While this section zeroes in on Illinois-specific content, we recommend pairing it with national practice exams to cover all bases. Together, these resources give you the complete preparation you need to walk into that testing center with confidence.
Pro Tip: The most successful test-takers do two things consistently—they practice with realistic exam questions AND they study the actual Illinois real estate statutes. Questions on your exam are pulled directly from state laws, so knowing them isn't just helpful, it's essential.
Think of this practice exam as your training ground. Each question mirrors the format and difficulty level you'll encounter on the real test. But don't stop here—diving into the actual legal statutes below will give you the deeper understanding that separates those who pass from those who excel.
Essential Illinois Real Estate Laws & Regulations
These are the official legal resources that form the foundation of your exam. Bookmark them, study them, and reference them often:
Official State Resources:
Your Illinois Exam Questions Answered
Let's clear up the most common questions about the Illinois real estate licensing exam:
What Do I Need to Get My Illinois Real Estate License?
The path to licensure in Illinois has several key requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 for broker license)
- Complete 75 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education for salesperson
- Complete 165 hours for managing broker license
- Pass the state licensing examination with 75% or higher on both sections
- Budget for exam fees and licensing costs
Is the Illinois Real Estate Exam Difficult?
Let's be honest—this exam is designed to be challenging. It's meant to ensure that only serious, well-prepared candidates enter the profession. You need to score 75% or higher on both portions to pass. Breaking down the numbers: that's at least 60 correct answers out of 80 on the national section, and 30 out of 40 on the Illinois section.
What's My Margin for Error?
You can miss up to 20 questions on the national portion and up to 10 questions on the state portion while still achieving a passing score. That said, aim higher—the more you know, the more confident you'll feel.
What If I Don't Pass on My First Try?
Here's some good news: you can retake the exam. However, you must pass within a certain timeframe of completing your pre-licensing education. Check with Illinois's Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for current retake policies and waiting periods.
What Topics Are Covered on the Exam?
The exam tests your knowledge across a wide range of real estate topics. Here's the complete breakdown of what you need to master:
🏛️ Illinois State Portion
40 Questions🌎 National Portion
80 Questions🎯 Your Path to Success
Success on this exam comes down to preparation. Use this practice test regularly, study the official statutes linked above, and focus on truly understanding concepts rather than just memorizing answers. When you can explain why an answer is correct—and why the others are wrong—you're ready to pass.
Ready to Begin?
Start your practice exam above and take the first step toward becoming a licensed Illinois real estate professional. Your future career starts with the preparation you do today.