EstatePass
State Comparison

Illinois vs New York

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

IL Salary
$59K
NY Salary
$72K
IL Pass Rate
55%
NY Pass Rate
63%

IL vs NY At a Glance

CategoryIllinois (IL)New York (NY)
Exam Questions15075
Passing Score70%70%
Exam Fee$58$15
Pass Rate55%63%
Avg Salary$59,000$72,000
Renewal PeriodEvery 4 yearsEvery 2 years
CE Hours45 hours22 hours

Detailed Comparison

Exam Format
IL
NY
Salesperson Questions
150
75
Time Limit
195 min
90 min
Passing Score
70%
70%
Costs & Fees
IL
NY
Exam Fee
$58
$15
Career Potential
IL
NY
Average Salary
$59,000
$72,000
Pass Rate
55%
63%
License Renewal
IL
NY
Renewal Period
4 years
2 years
CE Hours Required
45 hours
22 hours

Licensing Authorities

IL
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
IDFPR
NY
New York Department of State
DOS

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Illinois exam has 150 questions with a 70% passing score, while New York has 75 questions with a 70% passing score. New York typically has a higher pass rate.

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

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 DOS for current reciprocity agreements.

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

Illinois real estate agents earn an average of $59,000 annually, while New York agents average $72,000. 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 York?

The exam fee in Illinois is $58, while New York charges $15. 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 York?

Illinois requires 45 hours of continuing education every 4 years, while New York requires 22 hours every 2 years. Both states require completion of CE before license renewal.

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

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?

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