Everything You Need to Know About the Illinois Real Estate Exam

If you're working toward your Illinois real estate license, the state exam is one of the final steps and a big one. Understanding what’s on the test, how it’s structured, and how to prepare can help you feel more confident heading into exam day.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Illinois real estate exam, from content breakdowns to smart study strategies.

What Is the Illinois Real Estate Exam?

The Illinois real estate exam is a standardized test administered by PSIApi Tests BMY5NNLK Bulletins Home.psiexams.com to evaluate your readiness to become a licensed broker. It includes two separate sections:

• National Portion: Focuses on real estate practices used nationwide.

• State-Specific Portion: Covers laws and regulations unique to Illinois.

You'll need a score of at least 70% on both sections to pass. If you don’t pass one section, you don't have to retake the entire exam; you can retake just that portion.

For a closer look at the exam format and practice questions, visit this free Illinois real estate exam practice testIllinois Real Estate Exam Prep.

What’s on the Illinois Real Estate Exam?

The exam is computer-based and timedReal Estate Licensure, and includes a mix of scenario-based and factual questions. Here’s a look at each section:

National Portion Topics

• Property ownership and land use

• Real estate contracts and finance

• Agency and brokerage relationships

• Federal laws, including fair housing and anti-discrimination regulations

Illinois Portion Topics

• The Real Estate License Act of 2000

• Illinois agency laws and disclosure requirements

• License law violations and disciplinary procedures

• Advertising, escrow, and managing broker rules

You'll receive separate scores for the national and state portions, and the test is taken at PSI-approved testing centersMedia Programs 6 01 17%20PSI%20Test%20Centers%20for%20Illinois%20Candidates.pdf Proctor2.psionline.com.

How to Prepare for the Illinois Real Estate Exam

Effective prep starts with knowing what to expect and having the right tools to get you there. The best exam prep doesn’t just review the material; it helps you practice applying it under real exam conditions.

Here’s how to make your study time count:

• Use targeted practice questions to learn how the exam phrases scenarios and challenges your recall

• Take full-length simulated exams to get comfortable with timing and pacing

• Review detailed answer explanations to turn every mistake into a learning opportunity

• Focus on Illinois-specific content to make sure you’re prepared for the state portion, not just the national

If you're using AceableAgent’s exam prepReal Estate Exam Prep, you'll have access to hundreds of practice questions, state-specific drills, and unlimited simulated exams that mirror the real PSI format. It's designed to help you study smarter—whether you’re prepping after work or on the weekend.

For additional strategies, check out this guide on how to study for your real estate examHow Study Your Real Estate Exam Blog.

Want to try a sample examPsi Test Realestateschoolchicago.com? PSI also offers self-assessment tools to help you get familiar with the format.

What Happens After You Pass the Exam?

Passing the Illinois real estate exam is a major step toward becoming a licensed broker. After that, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Complete fingerprinting and a background check

2. Submit your license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

3. Secure a sponsoring broker to activate your license

Once your license is active, you’re cleared to start working with clients, listing properties, and building your business.

Get Ready to Pass the Illinois Real Estate Exam with Confidence

The Illinois real estate exam can feel like a big hurdle, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right prep and mindset. Thousands of students pass every year, many while balancing full-time jobs, family life, or career changes.

Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into your studies, focus on steady progress and use tools that match your learning style. When you know what to expect and prep with purpose, you’re not just hoping to pass—you’re preparing to walk in confident and ready.