What category does a sponsor card apply to after a student passes the state exam?

The correct answer is that a sponsor card applies to leasing agents, brokers, and managing brokers after a student passes the state exam. In Illinois, when an individual successfully completes their required education and passes the licensing exam for real estate, they must affiliate with a sponsoring broker to activate their license. This is true for all categories within the real estate profession, including leasing agents, brokers, and managing brokers.

A sponsor card is essentially the documentation that ties a new licensee to a sponsoring firm or broker. This process is crucial because it ensures that new agents are under the guidance of an established broker who can provide mentorship and support as they begin their careers in real estate. In Illinois, all licensed professionals must be associated with a brokerage to practice legally, which reinforces the importance of the sponsor card across all categories.

The other options do not encompass the full spectrum inclusive of all real estate professionals involved in leasing and brokerage activities. Limiting the application of the sponsor card to only leasing agents, or to leasing agents and brokers, overlooks the involvement of managing brokers, who play a vital role in the oversight and training of newly licensed professionals.