Illinois real estate license and CE requirements
What the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate asks of licensees, with a link to the official source for every figure.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Next review due October 2027.
In Illinois the entry-level license is called a broker, and the supervising license is a managing broker. Brokers renew every two years with 12 hours: a 6-hour core course and 6 elective hours, which must include sexual harassment prevention training. Managing brokers need 24 hours, adding a 12-hour broker management course.
Before their first renewal, new Illinois brokers complete 45 hours of post-license education in place of regular CE. Broker licenses expire April 30 of even-numbered years and managing broker licenses April 30 of odd-numbered years. Attorneys admitted to practice in Illinois are exempt from CE.
Illinois at a glance
| Licensing body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate |
|---|---|
| License levels | Broker (entry level) and managing broker |
| Broker CE | 12 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: 6-hr Core course plus 6 elective hrs, including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training |
| Managing broker CE | 24 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: 12-hr Broker Management CE course, 6 hrs Core, and 6 elective hrs including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training |
| Post-license education | Brokers must complete 45 hours of Post License Education before their first renewal (the curriculum includes the 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training). |
| Renewal | Broker licenses renew April 30 of even-numbered years (2026 deadline April 30, 2026); managing broker licenses renew April 30 of odd-numbered years (2027 deadline April 30, 2027). |
| Source | IDFPR official PDF, checked October 15, 2026 |
Rules change. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate is the only authority on what you need to renew; where this page and the official source disagree, the official source is right. Blank figures say "Check with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate" because we could not confirm them from an official source.
Optional professional development
Once your CE is done, these ACI designations go deeper on the same ground as parts of the Illinois requirements. They are voluntary, they are not CE, and you never need them to keep your license.
Advanced Real Estate Negotiator
The negotiation playbook that protects your clients and your commission.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the AREN is a practical playbook for negotiating offers and counters.
Certified AI Real Estate Expert
Use AI and modern tools to write, market and serve clients in less time.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the CAIRE covers using AI tools responsibly in daily work.
Certified Buyer Consultation Specialist
Run the buyer consultation, sign the agreement and defend your fee.
The CBCS covers the buyer consultation, written buyer agreements and compensation conversations in depth.
Questions about Illinois
How many CE hours does an Illinois broker need?
12 hours every 2 years, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: 6-hr Core course plus 6 elective hrs, including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.
How many CE hours does an Illinois managing broker need?
24 hours every 2 years, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: 12-hr Broker Management CE course, 6 hrs Core, and 6 elective hrs including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.
Is there post-license education in Illinois?
Brokers must complete 45 hours of Post License Education before their first renewal (the curriculum includes the 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training). Confirm the details with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.
Do ACI designations count toward Illinois CE?
No. Agent Certification Institute designations are voluntary professional credentials, not continuing-education credit. They are not approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate and do not satisfy any part of Illinois's CE, post-license or renewal requirements.