Pennsylvania requires real estate salespersons and brokers to be licensed before practicing. The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission, part of the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), oversees licensing, with applications submitted through pals.pa.gov. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the Pearson VUE exam process for the salesperson license.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Pre-license75 Hours
- Initial Fee$97
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed14 Hours
- Official Sitepa.gov/agencies/dos
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license typically include:
- Being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent (a J.D. or equivalent real estate coursework can substitute for the prelicensing courses).
- Two prelicensing courses totaling 75 hours: Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours/2 credits) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours/3 credits), from an accredited college or Commission-approved provider.
- A PA State Police criminal history background check via ePATCH.
- A passing score on both the National and State portions of the Pearson VUE exam.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the Commission before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license generally involves these steps:
- Complete the two prelicensing courses (75 hours total): Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice.
- Complete a PA State Police criminal history background check via ePATCH.
- Schedule and pass both the National and State portions of the Pearson VUE exam.
- Submit your license application through pals.pa.gov and pay the $97.00 initial fee.
- Secure a sponsoring PA broker.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the Commission.
- 3
Pass the real estate agent exam
The Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE, which replaced PSI as the Commission's testing vendor effective April 1, 2023. It includes a National portion and a Pennsylvania State portion, and both must be passed within 3 years of application. Applicants with an active out-of-state license within the last 5 years need only take the State portion. Always confirm exam requirements with the Real Estate Commission or Pearson VUE, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Broker
Operate a brokerage and supervise salespersons independently.
- Independent practice
- Can sponsor agents
Salesperson
Practice under a sponsoring Pennsylvania broker.
- Broker-sponsored
- Entry level
Details
Experience
Pennsylvania's salesperson path is education-based rather than experience-based: 75 hours of prelicensing coursework (Real Estate Fundamentals plus Real Estate Practice) from an accredited college or Commission-approved provider, with no prior real estate experience required. The broker path requires more: 240 hours of professional real estate education plus at least 3 years as a licensed salesperson. Check current standards with the State Real Estate Commission before you apply.
Details
Fees
The salesperson license fee is $97.00 initial ($72.00 licensure fee plus $25.00 application fee), with a $96.00 biennial renewal. Broker Sole-Proprietor fees are $169.50 initial and $126.00 renewal; Broker Corporation/LLC/Partnership fees are $179.50 initial and $126.00 renewal. The Broker Examination fee is $40.00, and a PA State Police criminal history check costs $22 (plus $5 for notarization if needed). Exam sitting fees are paid directly to Pearson VUE. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Pennsylvania real estate licenses renew every 2 years, with licenses expiring May 31 of every even-numbered year. Renewal is online-only through PALS with no grace period. Continuing education is 14 hours per 2-year cycle for both salespersons and brokers; for the June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026 cycle, 5 of those 14 hours are mandatory topic hours (2 hours Fair Housing plus 3 hours Agency Relationship). A lapse of 5 or more years requires retaking the licensing exam. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the Commission before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of prelicensing education does Pennsylvania require?
75 hours across two courses: Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours/2 credits) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours/3 credits), from an accredited college or Commission-approved provider. A J.D. or equivalent real estate coursework can substitute for these courses.
What exam vendor does Pennsylvania use for the real estate exam?
Pearson VUE, which replaced PSI as the Commission's testing vendor effective April 1, 2023. The exam has a National portion and a Pennsylvania State portion, both required within 3 years of application.
How much does a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license cost?
The initial salesperson license fee is $97.00 ($72.00 licensure fee plus $25.00 application fee), with a $96.00 biennial renewal. A separate Pearson VUE exam sitting fee and a $22 PA State Police background check fee also apply.
Does Pennsylvania have real estate license reciprocity?
Pennsylvania's official reciprocity list covers Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts (New York reciprocity was discontinued). Act 41 separately allows case-by-case license portability from any state or territory with substantially equivalent requirements. Confirm current terms with the Commission.
How often do Pennsylvania real estate licenses renew?
Every 2 years, with licenses expiring May 31 of every even-numbered year. Renewal is online-only via PALS with no grace period, and 14 hours of continuing education are required per cycle, including mandatory Fair Housing and Agency Relationship hours in the current cycle.
