Pennsylvania Real Estate License Requirements

Getting your Pennsylvania real estate license requires completing 75 hours of state-approved education, passing the official exam, finding a sponsoring brokerage, and submitting your application. The entire process typically takes between five and nine weeks, depending on your personal schedule and how quickly you move through the required steps. This guide provides everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania.

Quick Pennsylvania License Facts

Requirement	Details
Education Hours	75 hours (Two required courses)
Estimated Timeline	5-9 weeks, varies by study schedule
Age Requirement	18+ years old
Background Check	Required
Exam Format	Computer-based, multiple-choice
Official Body	Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission

Disclaimer: Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.

How to Get Your Pennsylvania Real Estate License in 4 Steps

Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

Pennsylvania requires aspiring agents to complete 75 hours of coursework from an approved educational provider. The curriculum is broken down into two specific courses.

Required Courses:

Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours)
Real Estate Practice (45 hours)

Study Schedule Considerations: The time it takes to complete your education depends on your available study hours and preferred learning pace. Self-paced online courses offer flexibility, while structured classes can keep you on a consistent schedule.

Step 2: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam

After completing your coursework, you must pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam, which is administered by a third-party testing vendor (PSI).

Format: Computer-based test with separate national and state-specific sections.
Passing Score: You must achieve a passing score of 75% on each section to be eligible for a license.
Exam Topics Include:

Pennsylvania real estate law and commission regulations
Property ownership and land use controls
Contracts, agency, and fiduciary duties
Property valuation and finance
Federal and state housing laws

Always check with the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission and its testing vendor for the most current exam details, fees, and scheduling information.

Step 3: Submit Your License Application & Background Check

Application: Once you pass the state exam, you can submit your official license application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
Background Check: You must obtain a Pennsylvania State Police criminal history record check dated within 90 days of your application submission.
Fees: Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Disclosure: Pennsylvania law requires full disclosure of any past criminal convictions. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Pennsylvania, a real estate salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. Your sponsoring broker is responsible for overseeing your work and providing guidance as you begin your career.

Broker Role: Your broker provides essential training, mentorship, and legal oversight for all transactions.
Finding a Broker: Research local brokerages to find one that aligns with your career goals, offers a supportive training environment, and has a commission structure that works for you.

Pennsylvania Real Estate License Costs

The total cost to get your license in Pennsylvania can vary, but here is a general breakdown of the primary expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Pre-License Education	$300 – $500	Varies significantly by school and package (online vs. in-person).
License Application & Recovery Fund	~$107	Set by the PA State Real Estate Commission.
State Exam Fee	~$49	Paid to the testing vendor (PSI).
Background Check Fee	~$22	For the required PA State Police criminal history check.
Total Estimated Cost	$478 – $678	Does not include optional materials or post-license business costs.

Note: These are estimates. Always check the official Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission website and your chosen school/vendor for the most current fee schedules.

Ongoing Costs to Consider:

License Renewal: Your license must be renewed every two years.
Continuing Education: 14 hours of CE are required for every renewal cycle.
MLS Fees: Varies by local board/association.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Often required by your broker.

Professional Association Dues: Optional but recommended fees for joining local, state, and national Realtor® associations.

Pennsylvania Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

Estimated Initial Licensing Costs in Pennsylvania

A visual breakdown of typical startup expenses for a Pennsylvania license.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates for 2025 and can vary significantly based on the school chosen, promotions, and any changes in state fees. Always check official sources for the most current costs.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Schools

When selecting a real estate school, consider factors like learning format, support services, pricing, and student reviews. Here are some well-known state-approved providers for Pennsylvania:

The CE Shop

Benefits: Offers a 40% military discount and provides extensive career resources.
Website: theceshop.com

Colibri Real Estate

Benefits: Features a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee and offers both livestream and self-paced options.
Website: colibrirealestate.com

Penn State Scranton

Benefits: A university-backed program that offers networking opportunities with local professionals.
Website: scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach

School Selection Tips:

Compare current pricing and package options.
Read recent student reviews and pass rates.
Consider your preferred learning style (online, in-person, hybrid).
Check for pass guarantees or money-back options.
Verify military discounts if applicable.
Ensure the school is approved by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.

Contact schools directly for current pricing, promotions, and specific features.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam Preparation

Study Strategies for Success

Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it.
Focus on understanding the core concepts, not just memorizing terms.
Take as many practice exams as possible to identify your weak areas.
Pay close attention to Pennsylvania-specific laws and regulations.
Give yourself adequate time for review after completing your courses.

Key Areas to Master

Real estate math and financial calculations.
Agency relationships and fiduciary duties.
Pennsylvania’s specific disclosure requirements.
Contract law and purchase agreements.
Fair housing regulations.

Common Study Mistakes to Avoid

Cramming all 75 hours of material at the last minute.
Neglecting to take full-length, timed practice exams.
Not focusing enough on the state-specific portion of the exam.
Poor time management during the actual test.

Success Timeline by Professional Background

Different professional backgrounds can provide unique advantages on your path to becoming an agent:

Sales Professionals: Your experience with client relationships, negotiation, and commission-based income can give you a significant head start.
Teachers and Educators: Your strong study habits, ability to explain complex topics, and patience will be invaluable.
Military and Veterans: Your discipline, reliability, and understanding of the relocation process (especially VA loans) are major assets.
Career Changers: While you may need more time to learn industry concepts, your transferable skills and fresh perspective are highly valuable.

Individual results vary regardless of background. Success depends on dedication, study habits, and commitment to learning the business.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Market Context

Market Characteristics

Pennsylvania’s real estate market is diverse and dynamic, featuring:

Major metropolitan hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
A wide range of markets, from bustling urban centers to quiet suburban neighborhoods and rural properties.
A rich inventory of historic homes alongside new construction developments.
Strong demand across various price points and property types.

Opportunities for New Agents

Potential specialization areas include:

First-time home buyers
Historic city neighborhoods
New construction sales
Working with downsizing seniors
Rural and agricultural properties

Market conditions change regularly. Stay informed through local MLS data, market reports, and industry publications.

Pennsylvania-Specific Legal Requirements

Disclosure

Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. Agents must be well-versed in these requirements to guide clients properly and ensure full compliance. Your pre-licensing education and broker training will cover this in detail.

Criminal History

The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission requires a background check and reviews applications with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. It is critical to provide a full and honest disclosure of your history on your application.

Disclosure requirements and other state laws are complex. Proper training and broker guidance are essential for navigating them correctly.

Getting Started – Action Steps

Research & Enroll: Visit the NCREC website to verify requirements, then research the approved schools listed above and enroll in your 75-hour pre-licensing course.
Create a Study Plan: Based on your target timeline, map out a weekly study schedule to complete your coursework.
Start Networking: Begin researching local brokerages and talking to agents in your area to learn more about the business and find a potential future home for your license.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Post-licensing Education: Provisional Brokers must complete 90 hours of Post-licensing education within 18 months of initial licensure to maintain an active license.
Continuing Education (CE): After completing post-licensing, brokers must complete 8 hours of CE each year to renew their license.
Renewal Deadline: All licenses must be renewed annually between May 15 and June 30.

Official Resources and Support

North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC): The official source for all licensing rules, applications, and fee schedules. ncrec.gov
PSI: The official vendor for scheduling and taking the state exam.
NC REALTORS®: The state’s largest professional association for real estate agents, offering resources, education, and advocacy.

Disclaimers

Accuracy Notice: This guide is for informational purposes. All requirements, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Always verify information with the official Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.
No Legal Advice: This content is not legal or financial advice.
School Information: School offerings, prices, and promotions change. Contact schools directly for the most current details.

This guide was last updated in July 2025. For practice questions and a personalized plan based on your background and goals, use my Real Estate Career Planner tool.