EstatePass
State Comparison

Illinois vs New Mexico

Compare real estate exam requirements, costs, and career potential between Illinois and New Mexico

IL Salary
$59K
NM Salary
$48K
IL Pass Rate
55%
NM Pass Rate
56%

IL vs NM At a Glance

CategoryIllinois (IL)New Mexico (NM)
Exam Questions140130
Passing Score70%75%
Exam Fee$58$95
Pass Rate55%56%
Avg Salary$59,000$48,000
Renewal Periodβ€”β€”
CE Hoursβ€”β€”

Detailed Comparison

Exam Format
IL
NM
Salesperson Questions
140
130
Time Limit
240 min
180 min
Passing Score
70%
75%
Costs & Fees
IL
NM
Exam Fee
$58
$95
Career Potential
IL
NM
Average Salary
$59,000
$48,000
Pass Rate
55%
56%
License Renewal
IL
NM
Renewal Period
β€”
β€”
CE Hours Required
β€”
β€”

Licensing Authorities

IL
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
IDFPR
NM
New Mexico Real Estate Commission
NMREC

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier: Illinois or New Mexico real estate exam?

The Illinois exam has 140 questions with a 70% passing score, while New Mexico has 130 questions with a 75% passing score. New Mexico typically has a higher first-attempt pass rate.

Can I transfer my real estate license from Illinois to New Mexico?

License reciprocity varies. Some states offer partial reciprocity where you may only need to take the state-specific portion of the exam. Check with both the IDFPR and NMREC for current reciprocity agreements.

Which state pays more for real estate agents: Illinois or New Mexico?

Illinois real estate agents earn an average of $59,000 annually, while New Mexico agents average $48,000. However, consider cost of living and market conditions in your decision.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Illinois vs New Mexico?

The exam fee in Illinois is $58, while New Mexico charges $95. Total licensing costs including pre-license education, application fees, and background checks typically range from $400-$1,000 in both states.

What are the CE requirements for Illinois vs New Mexico?

Renewal cycles and CE hours are set by IDFPR and NMREC. Both states require completion of CE before license renewal.

Can I hold a real estate license in both Illinois and New Mexico?

Yes, you can hold licenses in multiple states. You would need to meet each state's individual requirements, including education, exams, and fees. Some agents who work in border areas maintain licenses in both states to serve more clients.

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Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?

Whether you choose Illinois or New Mexico, EstatePass has you covered with comprehensive exam prep materials.