To practice real estate (outside of the purchase or sale of your own property) in the state of Pennsylvania, an individual must first obtain a license from the state.
New Real Estate Licensees
If an individual does not currently maintain an active real estate license, they must complete the following steps to obtain a Pennsylvania Real Estate license, including:
- Completion of 60 hours of prescribed education in Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hrs.) and Real Estate Practice (30 hrs.). Note that these courses can be taken in a traditional classroom environment or online. An individual must pass an exam at the end of each course to pass. (PA Pre-Licensing Information for Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education information)
- Passage of the State-required Real Estate Exam. Separate from the exams at the end of the Fundamentals and Practice class, this exam includes two sections – a general real estate section and a state-specific section. (Click here for Exam Prep course information)
- Provide a Criminal History Record Information Report from the state where the applicant resides completed by the State Police. This report must be dated within 90 days of application. Pennsylvania background checks may be obtained at https://epatch.state.pa.us or from Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository (717-783-5593).
- Complete the Pennsylvania Salesperson Initial Standard License Application and enclose payment. Other documents to be included with the application are: transcripts for the 60 hours of education, notices from the testing service evidencing a passing grade on the state-required exam, and the Criminal History Record Information Report.
Currently Maintain a Real Estate License in Another State
Active real estate licensees from another state may be eligible for a reciprocal license. Currently, the state maintains reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and West Virginia. Click here for more information about reciprocity.
Applicants who currently are licensed in a state other than the ones listed above (or have held a license in the last 5 years) must complete the state-specific portion of the exam and provide proof of the other licensure when completing the License Application. They also must submit a Criminal History Record Information Report from the state where the applicant resides.
The definitive source for information on real estate licensure is the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
Additional questions can be forwarded to Gail Parke at gparke@suburbanwestrealtors.com or the Association of REALTORS® School at 610-560-4900.
MORE INFORMATION
Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission
