The path to becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania is a structured process overseen by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC). This process ensures new agents possess the foundational knowledge and ethical standards necessary for the profession. The journey involves meeting fundamental prerequisites, completing educational requirements, passing a licensing examination, and securing supervision before agents can legally practice real estate.
Initial Eligibility and Character Requirements
Before beginning the educational process, applicants must meet several prerequisites established by the state. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify for licensure.
A mandatory component of the application is undergoing a thorough criminal background check, required by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. This check, formally known as a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), is obtained through the Pennsylvania State Police’s PATCH system. The resulting report must be current, usually dated within 90 days of the application submission. While not automatically disqualifying, certain criminal convictions can delay the application or result in denial, as the commission evaluates each case based on the nature of the offense and its relation to the integrity required in real estate practice.
Completing the Required Pre-Licensing Education
Fulfilling the mandatory educational requirement provides a comprehensive understanding of real estate principles and law. Pennsylvania requires the completion of 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework from a provider approved by the PREC. This coursework must be successfully finished within five years prior to taking the licensing examination to remain valid.
The 75 hours of instruction are divided into two components. Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) focuses on core concepts, legal frameworks, and terminology. Real Estate Practice (45 hours) delves into the procedures, ethics, and techniques involved in real estate transactions. Students have the flexibility to complete this education through various formats, including in-person classes or online instruction.
Passing the Pennsylvania Real Estate License Exam
After completing the required pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the state-mandated licensing examination. This exam is administered by a third-party testing service, currently Pearson VUE, which manages the scheduling and testing centers across Pennsylvania. Candidates must register and pay the examination fee, typically $49, to reserve a testing session.
The salesperson exam is divided into two separate portions: the National section and the State section. The National portion consists of 80 questions covering general real estate principles, allotted 150 minutes. The State-specific portion contains 40 questions focused on Pennsylvania real estate laws and regulations, with a time limit of 60 minutes.
To pass, an applicant must achieve a score of at least 75% on both parts (60 correct answers on the National section and 30 correct answers on the State section). If a candidate fails one or both sections, they must retake only the failed portion(s). The passing score on both parts must be achieved within three years to apply for the license.
Securing Broker Sponsorship
In Pennsylvania, a real estate salesperson cannot hold an active license independently and must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed broker. This requirement ensures that new licensees receive mentorship and oversight from an experienced professional. Securing broker sponsorship is a prerequisite to finalizing the license application immediately following the successful passage of the licensing exam.
The process involves identifying a brokerage firm that aligns with the new agent’s career goals, such as training, office culture, or commission structure. The chosen broker must be in good standing and agree to accept the applicant as a sponsored agent. The broker’s commitment to supervision is formally documented on the official license application, requiring the broker’s signature and license number before submission.
Submitting Your Official License Application
Once the education is complete, the exam is passed, and a sponsoring broker has been secured, the final step is submitting the official application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. This process is handled electronically through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
The application package must include proof of course completion, the official exam score report, and the recent Criminal History Records Check. The broker’s signed confirmation of sponsorship is also included, linking the new salesperson to the supervising entity. Applicants must pay the required application and licensing fees, which total approximately $107. The entire submission must be made within three years of passing the licensing examination.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
The licensing process concludes when the PREC approves the application and grants the active real estate salesperson license. All Pennsylvania real estate licenses must be renewed on a two-year cycle, typically ending on May 31st of every even-numbered year. Renewal requires the completion of Continuing Education (CE).
For subsequent renewal cycles, licensees must complete 14 hours of approved CE, which includes mandatory topics such as Fair Housing and Agency Relationship. Agents in their first renewal cycle must complete a specific, commission-developed 14-hour curriculum focusing on foundational post-licensing topics, replacing the standard CE structure for that initial period.