Preparing for the Illinois Real Estate Salesperson's Exam

Ok, you are qualified to sit for your license examination. The proven method for successfully completing any exam is to be prepared. Remember the basics: Get a good night's rest and eat a sensible meal before arriving at the testing facilty to prevent distractions of hunger and/or exhaustion. In this section you will learn what the exam consists of, the method of exam administration, and the minimum score necessary to be considered 'successfully completed.' Developed specifically for Illinois, you are strongly encouraged to review the candidate handbook offered by Applied Measurement Professionals.

Bring what you need

You will need to prove that you are qualified to sit for Illinois' Real Estate Salesperson's Exam by providing necessary, relevant documentation. Individuals that cannot show proof of meeting minimum criteria will not be allowed to take the exam. Be sure to have with you on the day of your testing the following items:

Two forms of Identification: An acceptable primary ID would be a permanent state or federally issued photo I.D. that reflects residency in Illinois which includes a signature and has not expired. The second form of identification must display your current name and signature and should also be valid. If you have any questions regarding what forms of identification will be acceptable, contact AMP directly.
Uniform Real Estate Transcript: Bring an official transcript from your education institution bearing an embossed seal. Uniform Real Estate Transcripts are valid for three years after course completion. If you will be sitting for the exam under alternative criteria for the education requirement, such as admission to practice law in Illinois, be sure to have official documentation supporting this with you.
Confirmation Number: You were assigned a confirmation number when you registered for your examination; be sure to have this number with you to avoid possible complications.

Be aware of any testing fees that may be associated with taking the examination, as well, and bring the appropriate amount using AMP's preferred method of payment (AMP does not accept personal/business checks or cash). If you are unsure of any aspect of testing registration or if you need specific accommodations you are strongly recommended to call the testing center that will be hosting your examination well in advance of your examination date.

Structure of the Examination

Practice

The test is a computer administered, multiple choice exam and offers a simulated test to familiarize yourself with testing procedures, which will not count against your final score or time, prior to taking the live exam. AMP offers simulation testing that you may want to practice before your live examination date.

Time Limits

The time allotted for the Real Estate Agent's exam is 3 ½ hours for the complete test, which includes National and State portions. If you are retesting for a failed portion, the National portion will be timed for 2 ½ hours and the State portion will be 1 ½ hours. Here, it is of critical importance to remember to budget your time. Do not spend an excessive amount of time trying to answer one question when you still have others unanswered. Make the best educated guess you can and move on. Unanswered questions will count against you, so at least give yourself the opportunity to answer each and every question before your time runs out.

Knowledge Covered

National Portion: The National Portion of the test will consist of 100 questions and will cover the following areas:

Listing Property - 34 Questions Questions will cover listing requirements, property value assessment, services made available to the property seller
Selling Property - 22 Questions Topics covered include services to the buyer and advising buyer of outside services, such as inspections and appraisals
Property Management - 12 Questions Questions will come from property leasing and management topics including rental and lease agreements, occupancy terms, eviction proceedings
Settlement and Transfer of Ownership - 17 Questions Subjects tested are tax issues, titles, settlement procedures, completion of the Real Estate sale transaction
Financing - 12 Questions Knowledge questioned will regard sources of financing, types of loans, terms and conditions of financing agreements, common clauses and terms in mortgage instruments
Professional Responsibilities - 3 Questions Questions will cover fair practice, administrative duties, trust accounts, accounting procedures

State Portion: The State Portion of the exam will consist of 40 questions encompasing the following: (currently, a breakdown of the number of questions per subject is unavailable)

Licensing Requirements Topics questioned include exemptions, license types, licensing eligibility and pre-requisites, license renewal and continuing education, personal assistants
Real Estate Regulation: Laws and Rules Questions will cover license law purpose, advertising/marketing, Broker/Agent relationships, commissions, ownership issues, proper processing of negotiable instruments, activities exceeding the scope of Real Estate licensing, transfer tax stamps and affordable housing, intestacy, legal description/plat act, Real Estate taxes and exemptions, commercial property and the Responsible Property Transfer Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, interference with contracts or listings
Disclosures Knowledge tested will include agency disclosures, disclosures of ministerial activities, advertising disclosures, property disclosures

Scoring

Both portions of the test, State and National, require a 75% averaged score to be considered 'successfully completed' on each portion. Questions are not weighted and have equal value against the other questions of each portion. If you pass one portion of the exam, but fail the other, you will only have to retake the portion that you did not pass; be sure to have your score report with you when you return for retesting.

Resources

Examination samples and specifications
Sample Exams
Candidate Handbook