Real Estate Broker License: California vs Illinois
Thinking about getting your real estate broker license? Here's how California and Illinois compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.
| Requirement | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Education Hours | 360 hours | 120 hours |
| Exam | California Real Estate Broker Exam | Illinois Real Estate Managing Broker Exam |
| Application Fee | $300 | $150 |
| Exam Fee | $95 | $58 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $800 - $2,000 | $600 - $1,300 |
| Renewal Period | Every 4 years | Every 2 years |
| CE Hours | 45 hours | 12 hours |
| Renewal Fee | $300 | $150 |
Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?
Lower cost: Illinois is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $600-$1,300 compared to $800-$2,000.
Fewer education hours: Illinois requires 120 hours of pre-license education, compared to 360 hours in California.
Full State Guides
Compare real estate broker requirements across all 50 states →