REAL ESTATE RESOURCES
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Pennsylvania
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Pursuing a real estate career in Pennsylvania can open the door to exciting opportunities in a dynamic and growing industry. Whether you’re located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, or elsewhere in the state, earning your Pennsylvania real estate license is the first step toward becoming a licensed real estate agent.
To qualify, you must complete specific education requirements, pass both the national and state licensing exams, and meet all eligibility requirements set by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. Following the correct licensing process ensures you’re fully prepared to begin helping clients buy and sell real estate across the state. Steps to get your Pennsylvania real estate license:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete 75 hours of approved real estate education
- Pass a background check
- Pass the Pennsylvania state and national licensing exams
- Secure a sponsoring real estate broker
- Submit your license application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
Table of Contents
- Steps to Get Your Pennsylvania Real Estate License
- Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
- Pennsylvania Real Estate License Reciprocity
Steps to Get Your Pennsylvania Real Estate License
If you’re ready to start your real estate career in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to get licensed. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission outlines a clear process that ensures all new agents meet the education, exam, and background requirements. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you navigate everything you need to do to earn your Pennsylvania real estate license and start working with a brokerage.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you can begin your real estate career in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to meet a few baseline qualifications. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED)
Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Prelicensing Education
Your next step is building a strong foundation in real estate knowledge. To qualify for a Pennsylvania real estate license, you’ll need to complete 75 hours of approved prelicensing education. These courses must be finished within five years of passing your licensing exam and include:
- Real Estate Fundamentals - 30 hours
- Real Estate Practice - 45 hours
You may be eligible to waive this requirement if you’ve completed one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate from an accredited college or university
- A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
- 75 hours of real estate coursework from a school outside of Pennsylvania that’s approved by the state’s licensing authority
Step 3: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once your education is complete, you’ll need to pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam, which consists of two portions:
- National section
- State-specific section
You must pass both parts of the exam to move forward in the licensing process. The exam is administered by PSI, the official testing provider for Pennsylvania.
Try Our Real Estate Licensing Exam Practice Question
Step 4: Complete a Background Check
All applicants must complete a criminal background check as part of the licensing process. This ensures that individuals entering the profession meet Pennsylvania’s character standards. The background check must be conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police or an approved provider submitted with your application.
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker
Before you can apply for your Pennsylvania real estate license, you’ll need to be affiliated with a licensed real estate broker. This is a requirement in Pennsylvania, as all new salespersons must work under the supervision of a broker to legally conduct real estate business. Your sponsoring broker will need to approve and submit their portion of your license application through PALS.
Step 6: Submit Your License Application
Once you’ve secured a sponsoring broker and passed both portions of the licensing exam, you’re ready to apply for your license. Here’s how:
- Create an account with PALS
- Upload all required documents, including your education certificates and background check
- Pay the application fee
- Have your sponsoring broker confirm your affiliation through the PALS portal
After your application is reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, you’ll officially receive your license and can begin practicing as a real estate salesperson.
Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
To maintain an active real estate license in Pennsylvania, agents must adhere to the state’s continuing education (CE) and renewal guidelines, which vary based on whether it’s a first-time or subsequent renewal.
View Our Continuing Education Courses
First-Time License Renewal
If you’re renewing your Pennsylvania real estate license for the first time, specific educational modules are required:
- General Module (7 hours): Covers foundational topics essential for new licensees
- Residential or Commercial Module (7 hours): Choose based on your area of practice
These courses must be completed through an approved education provider.
Note: Licensees who obtain their license less than six months before the renewal deadline are exempt from CE requirements for that cycle but must still renew their license.
Subsequent License Renewals
For all renewals following the first, licensees must complete 14 hours of CE every two years, including:
- 3 hours of Agency Relations
- 2 hours on Fair Housing
- The remaining 9 hours can be electives approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission
Renewal Process
By adhering to the following guidelines, Pennsylvania real estate professionals can ensure their licenses remain active and in good standing:
- Complete Required CE: Ensure all mandatory and elective courses are finished within the licensing renewal period
- Renew Online via PALS: Submit your renewal application through PALS before the May 31st deadline
- Maintain Documentation: Keep records of your CE course completions for verification purposes
Pennsylvania Real Estate License Reciprocity
If you’re a real estate salesperson in another state and considering practicing in Pennsylvania, understanding the state’s reciprocity agreements is crucial. Pennsylvania offers reciprocal licensing to salespersons from specific states, streamlining the process of obtaining a Pennsylvania real estate license.
States with Reciprocity Agreements
As of now, Pennsylvania has formal reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New York
These agreements allow licensed salespersons from these states to obtain a Pennsylvania real estate license without completing the full prelicensing education or taking the national portion of the licensing exam. However, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
How to Qualify for Reciprocity in Pennsylvania
To apply for a reciprocity license, you must:
- Hold an active real estate license in a reciprocal state
- Maintain your main place of business in that state
- Be in good standing with your state’s licensing authority
- Submit a criminal background check from your state of residence
- Submit a certification from an employing broker, confirming supervision and training upon licensure in Pennsylvania
- Agree to follow Pennsylvania’s real estate laws and regulations
Other things to keep in mind:
- You must keep your home state license active to maintain your PA reciprocal license
- A Pennsylvania real estate license does not grant reciprocity back to your original state unless that state also has an agreement with Pennsylvania
How to Apply
- Find a Pennsylvania-licensed sponsoring broker
- Gather your required documents, including proof of license, background check, and broker certification
- Submit your application through PALS
- Wait for approval–your license will be issued and sent to your broker’s office once approved
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