Illinois real estate exam day checklist

Short answer: Verify the booking, present one current photo-and-signature ID that exactly matches your scheduled name, arrive 30 minutes early at a test center or follow the remote launch window, remove prohibited items, and use the untimed tutorial before beginning.

Do not blend the rules. A test-center candidate may bring a physical calculator but not personal scratch paper. A remote candidate may use neither a physical calculator nor scratch paper.

• Open the PSI confirmation and verify the exact exam, date, start time, time zone, and delivery method.
• Compare the scheduled first and last name character by character with the identification you will use.
• Confirm that the ID is valid, unexpired, signed, and includes a photograph.
• For a test center, map the route, parking plan, building entry, and a realistic 30-minute-early arrival.
• For remote testing, rerun PSI’s audio, video, webcam, and system checks on the same computer and network.
• Remove papers, electronics, food, drinks, and personal items from the testing space.
• Stop heavy studying early enough to sleep and arrive attentive.

If the confirmation looks wrong, do not assume the proctor can fix it at check-in. Use the PSI scheduling guide and contact PSI before the appointment or change deadline.

PSI requires one form of identification. The name must match the scheduled name, and the document must contain your signature and photograph and be valid and unexpired.

Bring the required ID and, if you want one, a physical calculator. PSI provides a piece of scratch paper and a pencil. You must return both during checkout.

Do not bring reference materials into the testing room. Phones, cameras, computers, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, recording devices, and similar electronics are prohibited. Personal items such as bags, wallets, food, drinks, gum, notebooks, pens, and reading material are also prohibited from the exam area.

Prohibited items must stay outside your reach and line of sight. Follow the center’s secure-storage instructions. PSI does not take responsibility for personal belongings.

• Use the same computer that passed the compatibility checks.
• Maintain sufficient internet service for the examination.
• Position the webcam so the proctor has the required view.
• Use adequate lighting and remain in the approved space.
• Do not change computers or rooms during the examination.
• Keep prohibited items outside reach and line of sight.
• Do not use scratch paper or a physical calculator.
• Plan to complete the exam without a break.

The booklet says the remote launch control is available within 30 minutes of the booked time and warns that failing to start within 15 minutes after the scheduled time can forfeit the fee or eligibility. Follow the more specific launch instruction in your confirmation.

If you cannot complete the examination without a break, PSI says not to register for remote testing. Candidates who need an accommodation should use PSI’s accommodation process before exam day.

PSI may pause or terminate an examination for a security or conduct violation. The rules apply whether a proctor is in the room or watching remotely.

• Do not give, receive, copy, or communicate exam content.
• Do not browse outside resources, the internet, or other apps.
• Do not read questions aloud, whisper, mouth words, or talk.
• Do not use a phone, messaging service, or recording device.
• Do not leave the room or approved space without permission.
• Do not obstruct the proctor’s view.
• Follow instructions about hands, eyes, camera, and movement.

For remote testing, avoid covering your mouth and keep your eyes focused on the screen. If a proctor gives a direction, follow it promptly instead of debating the general checklist during the examination.

1. Arrive 30 minutes before the appointment.
2. Present the required matching identification.
3. Follow instructions for personal items and secure storage.
4. Complete any required inspection or check-in procedure.
5. Accept the PSI-provided scratch paper and pencil.
6. Take your assigned seat and listen to proctor directions.
7. Use the computer tutorial before starting the timed exam.

People accompanying you may not wait in the examination center, building, or property. This applies to family, friends, children, drivers, instructors, and other guests.

PSI provides an introductory tutorial before the exam. You may spend up to 15 minutes on it, and that time does not count against the examination timer. The tutorial includes sample questions so you can practice answering and reviewing.

Even if the interface looks familiar, confirm how to select an answer, move forward, return to a question, and leave a comment. Learning those controls during the untimed tutorial protects scored time.

• Review a one-page list of rules and formulas, not a new chapter.
• Confirm the ID and confirmation one final time.
• Use the restroom before check-in or remote launch.
• Silence and store devices before entering the exam area.
• Take a few slow breaths and use the same pacing plan you practiced.
• Read for the best answer, especially on scenario questions.

Last-minute volume rarely repairs a missing foundation. The goal is to arrive alert enough to recognize and apply what you already know.

PSI displays your score on screen at the end and emails the score report. You can also print reports from the Manage area in your online account.

If you pass both portions, follow the report and apply to IDFPR within one year. If you fail a portion, preserve the diagnostic report and use the failed-exam recovery guide before scheduling again.

• PSI Illinois Candidate Information Booklet dated June 24, 2026
• PSI Illinois Real Estate Examination Program

Your PSI confirmation and proctor instructions govern the appointment. Follow them if a delivery-specific instruction is more specific than this general checklist.