How to Get Your Real Estate License in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you dreaming of a career in real estate in Pennsylvania? Polley Associates School of Real Estate offers all the state required education you need to acquire your license.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you embark on this journey, ensure you meet these foundational requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is necessary. However, if you have a Juris Doctor degree or a bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate, you might be exempt from some educational prerequisites.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education with Polley Associates

Pennsylvania mandates a significant educational component:

  • Course Hours: You need to complete 75 hours of approved real estate education. This includes:
    • 30 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals
    • 45 hours of Real Estate Practice
  • Where to Study: You can take these courses with Polley Associates School of Real Estate in-person in a classroom, livestream on zoom or online.

Step 3: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam

Once your coursework is complete, you’re ready for the exam:

  • **Exam Structure:** The exam consists of two parts:
    • A national section with 80 questions to be answered in 150 minutes.
    • A Pennsylvania-specific section with 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
  • Passing Score: You need to score at least 75% on both sections.
  • Exam Provider: After you complete the required education with Polley Associates you will schedule with Pearson VUE who administers the exam. You can schedule your test online or by calling 833-551-0235. The fee is $49.

Step 4: Secure a Sponsoring Broker

In Pennsylvania, you must work under a licensed real estate broker:

  • Brokerage: Research and choose a brokerage that aligns with your career goals. Consider the reputation, support, and culture of the firm. 
  • Employment: You’ll need to be employed by or affiliated with a broker before applying for your license. They will sign off on your application as your sponsor.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

With your exam passed and sponsorship secured, you can now apply for your license:

  • Application: Use the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to submit your application. You’ll need:
    • Proof of completed education
    • Exam results
    • Criminal history check (within 90 days of application)
    • Broker’s sworn statement of employment
  • Fees: The initial fee is $107, which includes the license fee, application fee, and a contribution to the real estate recovery fund.
  • Processing Time: Typically, it takes about 7 to 10 business days for your license to be processed and issued.

To being your real estate journey please check out the Polley Associates School of Real Estate pre-license education schedules here.