Home Study: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What makes the Oakton Real Estate Institute Home Study courses different from others?
First of all, we are the PREMIER community college Real Estate program in Illinois. Your Home Study courses are individually monitored by Wayne Paprocki, DREI, an international real estate speaker and trainer and member of the IDFPR Real Estate Education Advisory Council.

We offer Supplemental tapes and review materials at both campuses. Our courses are APPROVED by the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL and PROFESSIONAL REGULATION and are designed around the content tested in the State Licensing Exams.

We are the only community college in Illinois that offers ALL courses for Salesperson and Broker Licensing in a Home Study format. (back to top)

2. How do I register and what do I get?
You register through the ALLIANCE office at either campus. You will receive the complete course packet including the textbook, the workbook with sample exams and the Candidate Handbook for enrolling in the State Exam. Just visit the ALLIANCE office at either campus to enroll and pick up your course packet.

3. Will the Coordinator be available if I have questions?
YES, absolutely! Wayne Paprocki is generally available by telephone Monday through Friday We find that most student questions can be easily handled over the phone. You can always leave an email message 24/7 and you will have an answer in a few hours. (back to top)

4. Do I need to attend any classes on campus?
NO. Class attendance is NOT required. You must take a proctored FINAL EXAM at either campus at the Testing Center. Testing Center Hours and Locations are listed in your class materials. You may make arrangements to attend a live class if space is available by calling the Coordinator of the Real Estate Institute prior to attending a class.

5. What if I don't want to finish the course?
There are NO REFUNDS once you register for the course. Our goal is to have you complete the course and PASS the State Exam. We will work with you at your pace, and in your time frame to make it happen. Some students need more time, or have more questions, so it is IMPORTANT that you talk with Wayne Paprocki if you have concerns about completing the class. (back to top)

6. How long do I have to complete a course?
You SHOULD complete the course during the semester in which you originally enrolled. You will have ample time so plan accordingly. Your goal should be to finish the course and take a state exam as soon as possible.

7. What if I don't pass a course exam?
Illinois law requires a passing score of 75% on all assignments and exams. If you score below passing by a small amount, it may be a matter of simply reviewing the study material and taking another exam. Students whose score lower can work out a plan with an instructor to improve their knowledge of the subjects or examination skills. Students having additional difficulties may utilize other learning tools at the school. (back to top)

8. How fast can I get a real estate license? Do you have a cram course?
You must be registered in the Salesperson class for at least 20 days before taking a FINAL EXAM.
Each student works at his/her own pace. Most students complete the 45 credit-hour Real Estate Transactions course in four to six weeks. There is 10-DAY minimum time requirement for any of the five Broker Courses and you can enroll in any/all of the Broker Courses simultaneously.

9. Both my spouse and I would like to participate in your program. Can we share the materials?

No. Each student receives their own study materials as part of a course enrollment. We do not sell course materials separately. Also, since everyone works at a different pace and has individual study habits, each student really needs his or her own set of course materials. (back to top)

10. Where can I take my state exam, and how often is the examination given?
The Illinois real estate license examination is offered in Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Libertyville, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Matteson, Springfield, Carbondale, Champaign/Urbana, Rockford, and St. Louis, Missouri. Schedules differ depending upon location. You can check the list of current locations at www.goamp.com and print out driving directions.

11. What is the difference between a Sales Agent License and a Broker License?

A salesperson license allows you to perform all the functions of a real estate professional while working under the sponsorship and direction of a broker. The broker license allows you to work independently, representing others as well as yourself. It will also allow you to sponsor other licensees and act as manager or owner of a real estate firm. (back to top)

12. In what real estate fields will I be able to work in once I receive my license?

The license will allow you to represent prospects and owners in the sale, exchange, and leasing of residential, commercial, and industrial properties as well as farm and vacant land anywhere in the state of Illinois.

13. How difficult is it to find work after I receive my license?

Local real estate companies are always ready to interview new licensees. You probably have an idea of where you want to work, so just call the local offices and ask to speak to the manager to set up an interview. It would be best to interview with at least 2 or 3 different offices so you can make a good decision. (back to top)

14. How long will it take before I start making money in real estate?

Beginning a career in real estate sales is more like opening your own business than starting a job. It will take time for you to begin generating the income you desire, and everyone's timetable will be different. In the long run, though, financial gain is usually only limited only by an agent's willingness to work and desire to succeed.

15. Is the Illinois license also valid in other states?

Each state has its own license requirements. Contact the state in which you are interested in being licensed. On occasion, a state may accept some of your real estate education from Illinois. The State of Illinois does not count credit earned toward a license from another state. (back to top)

16. Do I need to be sponsored by a company or broker in order to start the class, take the examination, or obtain a license?

No. A sponsor is not required until after you have passed the exam and applied for a license. Leasing and salesperson licensees must have a broker sponsor to activate their license. A broker licensee may sponsor him or herself, or may be sponsored by another broker.

17. Do you have to be a citizen of the United States or Illinois to hold a Real Estate License in Illinois?

No. To hold an Illinois Real Estate license, the state requires that you meet the age and education requirements, have a Social Security Number, and be of good moral character. (back to top)

18. May I apply for a broker and salesperson license at the same time?

You may only hold one real estate license. Salespersons who become brokers no longer have an active salesperson license because the broker license supersedes it. Under the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000, unlicensed persons can apply for the Salesperson or Broker license once they meet the age and education requirements.

19. Does the state make special arrangements for people with disabilities to sit their exam?

Applicants with physical limitations that require special accommodations must submit documentation provided by the appropriate professional. The documents must be submitted via fax or mail before the exam is scheduled.

20. Once I have the license, how often does it need to be renewed?

Real estate licensees have a two-year renewal cycle. Salesperson licenses expire April 30^th of the odd years; broker licenses expire April 30^th of the even years. Both of these licenses require credit hours of continuing education for renewal. (back to top)

General information about Oakton and this web site: Contact Oakton.
Last update: March 4, 2008