Pennsylvania State Required Pre-licensing Hours: 240 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools Pennsylvania Course Hours Offered: 240 hours 

Step 1: Meet the state’s requirements as outlined on the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission website. 

They include:  

  • You must be 21 years old and above 
  • You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
  • You must be a Legal U.S resident 
  • You must have worked at least 3 years as a licensed salesperson.

 

Step 2: Complete the required 240-hour pre-licensing course at an institution approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. 

Step 3: Provide a detailed resume of real estate activities performed by the candidate while working as a salesperson and a sworn statement from the candidate's employing broker confirming that these activities were performed by candidate as a licensed salesperson 

Step 4: Register and pass the licensing exam by earning a score of 75% or higher. 

Step 5: You must pass a criminal background check

Step 6: Submit your application for a Pennsylvania real estate Broker license. Be sure to follow the application procedures required by PREC. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Pennsylvania Broker License?

It can vary from person to person depending how fast or slow you can complete both the required 240 hours of pre-licensing courses. You must also pass your licensing exam as well as completing the application process, and the application processing times are also a factor.  

What Kind of Information Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Broker License in Pennsylvania?

All courses are approved by Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission and once you complete them you are eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania Salesperson Licensing Exam.

Pre-licensing courses must have been completed within 5 years prior to the date of successful completion of the licensing examination.  
 
The required courses within the 240 hours include:  

  • Real Estate Finance 
  • Real Estate Investment  
  • Real Estate Sales Valuation of Residential Property Residential  
  • Constructions Residential Property Management Basic Appraisal  
  • Procedures Basic Appraisal Principles 

 

Note: The state requires your course final exam be proctored. You will need to schedule an appointment with a proctor in advance of your course final exam. You must also sign an affidavit to verify you completed the course and the course final exam yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Pennsylvania?

Becoming a real estate broker in Pennsylvania requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $630. 
   
How these costs break down:  

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $350.  
  • Exam fees run $40. 
  • License fees for an agent cost $169.50. 
  • Required fingerprints will cost $22. 

Real Estate License Reciprocity 

Yes, Pennsylvania does offer reciprocity with select states. 

These states include: 

  • Arkansas  
  • Georgia 
  • Louisiana 
  • Maryland 
  • Massachusetts 
  • New York 

 

Out-of-state residents are required to:   

  • You must pass the Pennsylvania State Portion of the Examination 
  • Your Jurisdiction of licensure  must agree to issue a license to a standard Pennsylvania licensee without further requirement. 
  • Your Jurisdiction must also have qualifications for licensure which are substantially comparable to those required by the Commission. 
  • You must maintain your principal place of business in the state through which reciprocity was granted and must maintain a current, active license in that state to maintain your reciprocal license in Pennsylvania. 

How Do I Apply for The Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam? 

The salesperson examinations must be taken through PSI. The state requires that you achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass.  

Note: Your exam scores are valid for 3 years. If you miss the 3-year deadline, you must retake the exam. If you passed the national and state sections of the exam on different dates, the 3-year period begins the day you pass the first part of the exam. 

For more information on how to schedule your licensing exam, refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check?

As an applicant for your real estate license, you are required to submit fingerprints and complete a background check. This can be done through the state police’s PATCH website. The background check must not be more than 90 days from the date PREC receives your license application. 

How Do I Take the Pennsylvania Broker Licensing Exam?

The Pennsylvania Broker xam is divided into two parts. 

  • Part 1: National Exam which you must complete in 120 minutes 
  • Part 2: State Exam which you must complete in 60 minutes 

 

You must pass both sections to pass the overall exam. Broker licensing exams in Pennsylvania are administered by PSI exams at www.psiexams.com. PSI will approve your state exam application, after which they will mail you an eligibility notice at which time you can contact PSI to set up a date and location for your state exam. 

How Do I Submit My Pennsylvania Broker Application?

You can submit your broker license application at the state’s PALS website. 

After completing the pre-licensing education and successfully passing the exam, you must upload the required documents. This will be sent to your sponsoring broker, they will be notified that your application is ready for their review and approval, certifying that they are willing to hire, train, and supervise you as required by the law and regulations. 

Can you apply for Pennsylvania Broker License Online?

Yes you can apply for your Pennsylvania Broker License online at the State’s PALS website. 

Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker License Renewal

Renewal cycle is May 31st of either odd or even numbered years, licensees receive notice two to three months prior to license expiration date via email. To see updated information, please visit: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/RealEstateCommission/Pages/Renewal-Forms.aspx The license renewal fee is $96 for associate broker and $126 for all other categories of brokers.

Does Pennsylvania Require Post-Licensing Education? 

A real estate broker holding a standard license who desires to renew a current license shall complete 14 hours of commission-approved continuing education during the preceding 2-year license period. 

Special Considerations

You may also qualify for a Pennsylvania real estate license if you received a bachelor’s degree with a major in Real Estate from an accredited college, a juris doctor degree from an accredited law school. 

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate. 

You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission 
Website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/RealEstateCommission/ 
Phone: (717) 783-3658 
Fax: (717) 787-0250 
Address: P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105