Pennsylvania Real Estate License Requirements

The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC) oversees the licensing process for both salespersons and brokers. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the requirements.

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For Salespersons

Age and Residency

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• You do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident to obtain a license.

Character Standards

• Applicants must demonstrate good moral character. Disclosing any past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions is required and will be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.

Education Requirements

• Complete 75 hours of pre-license education through an approved real estate education provider, which includes:
  • Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours).
  • Real Estate Practice (45 hours).

Application Process

• After completing the education requirements, you must submit your application for licensure through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS): https://www.pals.pa.gov.

Background Check

• A criminal background check is required, which must be completed through the Pennsylvania State Police system. The report must be dated within 90 days of your application.

Sponsorship Requirement

• You must have a licensed real estate broker sponsor you before your license can be activated.

Exam and Fees

• Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam, which is administered by PSI.
  • Exam Fee: $49.
  • Application Fee: $107.
  • License Issuance Fee: Varies depending on the time of year (based on renewal cycles).

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For Brokers

Basic Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Have at least 3 years of active experience as a licensed real estate salesperson.

Education Requirements

• Complete 240 hours of broker education from an approved provider. This must include courses in real estate law, finance, appraisal, and other broker-specific topics.

Application Process

• Submit your broker application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS): https://www.pals.pa.gov.

Background Check

• A criminal background check is also required for brokers and must be submitted within 90 days of the application.

Exam and Fees

• Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam, administered by PSI.
  • Exam Fee: $49.
  • Application Fee: $107.
  • License Issuance Fee: Varies.

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Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam Outline and Resources

What is on the Exam?

The Pennsylvania real estate exams for salespersons and brokers test your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate practices. Use these resources to prepare:

• Candidate Handbook: Access the official Pearson VUE Pennsylvania Real Estate Candidate Handbook for complete exam details and policies:
  Pennsylvania Real Estate Candidate Handbook (PDF)

Salesperson Exam

• Number of Questions:
  • National Portion: 80 questions.
  • State-Specific Portion: 30 questions.
• Passing Score:
  • National: 60 correct answers.
  • State-Specific: 23 correct answers.
• Time Allowed: 3 hours.

Broker Exam

• Number of Questions:
  • National Portion: 80 questions.
  • State-Specific Portion: 40 questions.
• Passing Score:
  • National: 60 correct answers.
  • State-Specific: 30 correct answers.
• Time Allowed: 4 hours.

Real Estate Laws and Regulations

To succeed in the exam and your real estate career, familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s real estate laws:

• Pennsylvania Real Estate Law and Regulations

What to Bring on Exam Day

• A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) matching the name on your application.
• A basic calculator (optional, non-scientific).
• Your exam confirmation letter from PSI.

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Important Pennsylvania Real Estate Contacts

Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC)

• Address: P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
• Phone: 833-367-2762
• Website: www.dos.pa.gov

Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR)

• Address: 500 N. 12th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043
• Phone: 800-555-3390
• Website: www.parealtors.org