Illinois Real Estate License Renewal: CE vs. Post‑Licensing Explained

Quick Answer: If this is your first renewal as an Illinois real estate broker, you must complete 45 hours of post‑licensingIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing Education before your expiration date. For every subsequent renewal, brokers need 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE)Illinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing Education—including a 4‑hour core and 8‑hour electives every two years.

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Keeping your license active in Illinois hinges on meeting two different education requirements at different stages:

1. Post‑Licensing for first‑time renewals

2. Continuing Education (CE) for all renewals after that

Understanding exactly when and what to take ensures you avoid inactive status and exam retakes.

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Post‑Licensing: Your First Renewal Requirement

When you pass the Illinois broker exam, you’re not quite done until you finish 45 hours of post‑licensing education. This coursework builds your practical skills in:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts

• Navigating agency relationships

• Applying fair housing rules

You must finish before your first renewal date. With an Illinois Post-Licensing courseIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing Education like AceableAgent, you can complete the required hours on your schedule!

Continuing Education: Staying Compliant Every Two Years

After post‑licensing and your first renewal, switch to CE:

• 12 total hours every two years

  • 6‑hour core covering legal updates and ethics

  • 6‑hour electives you choose based on your interests

You can fulfill all 12 hours through AceableAgent’s Illinois Broker CEIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing Education package, which is approved by the state and designed for busy professionals.

Brief Overview: Managing Brokers and Leasing Agents

While brokers follow the 12‑hour schedule, other licensees have different requirements:

• Managing Brokers complete 24 hours (including a 12‑hour management course). Enroll in the comprehensive Managing Broker CEIllinois Managing Broker Real Estate Continuing Education bundle for all state‑required content.

• Residential Leasing AgentsIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate Continuing Education generally need 8 hours every two years

Side By Side Comparison

Smart Strategies to Meet Your Deadlines

• Calendar Alerts: As soon as you pass your exam or renew for the first time, set reminders six months and one month before your deadline.

• Early Completion: Knock out courses well ahead of time to avoid last‑minute stress.

• Targeted Electives: Pick CE electives that align with your career goals, whether that’s investment strategies, negotiation skills, or digital marketing for real estate.

• Organize Records: Store your completion certificates in a dedicated folder for easy access during audits.

Next Steps: Simplify Your Renewal with AceableAgent

AceableAgent offers 100% online, state‑approved courses that fit your life and learning style. Whether you need post‑licensing or CE, our platform guides you through every requirement.

• Get started on your post‑licensing at AceableAgent’s 45‑hour Illinois Post‑Licensing courseIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing Education

• Complete future broker CE with our 12‑hour CE packageIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing EducationIllinois Broker Real Estate Continuing Education