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Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $305
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations
License Type
75 hours
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$305
Total Initial Fees
Every 2 years (expires April 30 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
Yes — Illinois requires a Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations to manage property for others.
Since Illinois requires a real estate license, you'll need to complete the state's pre-licensing education and pass the real estate exam before managing property professionally.
Illinois requires a Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Complete 75 hours of required pre-licensing education. Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Illinois also licenses Community Association Managers separately.
State real estate exam administered by PSI. Separate CAM exam for community association managers.
Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Total initial fees: $305.
Boost your credentials with national certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager) — IREM, CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) — NAA, ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) — IREM, RMP (Residential Management Professional) — NARPM, MPM (Master Property Manager) — NARPM. These demonstrate expertise and can increase earning potential.
Renew your license every 2 years (expires april 30 of even-numbered years). Complete 12 hours per renewal of continuing education.
Application Fee
$125
Application fee for real estate license in Illinois
Exam Fee
$55
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$125
Initial license issuance fee for Illinois
Renewal Fee
$150
License renewal fee — renews every 2 years
Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance.
Illinois property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations
Separate PM License
No
Standard real estate license covers property management activities
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
Exempt
Most states require a real estate license to manage property for others (collecting rent, leasing, marketing). Managing your own property typically does not require a license. A few states (Oregon, Montana, DC, Nevada, South Carolina) offer specific property management license categories separate from or in addition to the standard real estate license.
Education, Exams & Professional Certifications
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
75 hours
Exam Required
Yes
State real estate exam administered by PSI. Separate CAM exam for community association managers.
Education Details
Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Illinois also licenses Community Association Managers separately.
Professional Certifications (Voluntary)
Most states that require a license for property management mandate completion of pre-licensing real estate education courses and passing a state exam. Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager from IREM), ARM (Accredited Residential Manager), and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager from NAA) are voluntary but can significantly enhance career prospects.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for real estate license in Illinois | $125 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $55 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for Illinois | $125 |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 2 years | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $305 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 2 years (expires April 30 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
12 hours per renewal
Continuing Education
$150
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
12 hours of continuing education per renewal.
Regulatory Board
Most states require continuing education for license renewal. Topics typically include fair housing law, ethics, property management best practices, agency law, and state-specific regulatory updates. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in license suspension or lapse.
Step-by-step licensing process for Illinois
Mostly verifiedComplete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from a Illinois-approved provider
Pass the Illinois real estate licensing examination (national and state portions)
Submit license application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Pass a background check (most states require fingerprinting)
Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance if required by your state
Affiliate with a licensed broker (if obtaining salesperson license) or establish your own brokerage
Begin property management operations
Estimated Timeline
2-8 weeks after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam
Illinois requires a real estate license for property management. The state also has a separate Community Association Manager licensing law (ICAMLA) requiring 20 hours of education.
Property management of others' properties in Illinois requires a Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
On-site managers employed directly by the property owner may be exempt from licensing requirements.
Activities requiring a license typically include: collecting rent, leasing units, marketing properties, negotiating leases, and managing security deposits on behalf of property owners.
Illinois has separate Community Association Manager licensing requirements for managing HOAs and condominium associations.
There is no interstate compact for property managers.
Property Manager requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Illinois compare to other states for property manager? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
Property Manager Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
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Property Manager requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Illinois requires a Real Estate License; CAM License for community associations for property management. 75 hours of pre-licensing education required. Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Illinois also licenses Community Association Managers separately. Licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.