Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission has contracted with Pearson VUE to conduct its examination program. Pearson VUE provides examinations through a network of computer examination centers in Pennsylvania. Pearson VUE works closely with the State to be certain that examinations meet local as well as national requirements in basic principles and examination development standards. Download the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission Handbook

Apply for a license and exam authorization

Before taking an examination, candidates must complete all prelicensing education and file an application to sit for the examination. When the application requirements are met, the candidates will be authorized by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission and will be notified via email confirmation from Pearson VUE.
The authorization for Salespersons is good for 5 years after passing the first education course to take the exams. Brokers have a 10-year authorization after passing the first course to take their exams. Exam results are good for 3 years from the date of passing. Candidates must apply for their license within the 3-year period and submit their passing score reports and licensing application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.

Sales applicants:
To apply for your Salesperson exam, please create an account in Clarus. Choose a State and/or National exam application and submit proof of education and other required documents. You will need to do both applications if you are required to take both portions of the exam. You will only need to be required to submit the required documentation once. Pearson VUE will review Salesperson exam eligibility, and you will be notified of approval once requirements are met via email. The email will contain instructions on how to schedule your exam.

Broker applicants:
Candidates wishing to obtain a broker’s license must pass the Broker examination. To qualify to take the Broker examination, all applicants must go to www.pals.pa.gov and register, then log in to submit an application. A list of documents needed to include with the application can be found by clicking on ‘Application Checklists’ from the above link, then select the type of license needed to view the checklist items that will be required. Once approved, you will receive an email authorization with instructions on scheduling. You will need to navigate to pare.useclarus.com, hit “reset password” then use the email associated with your PALS account to reset your password so you can schedule your exam using the Clarus portal.

Make a reservation and pay the examination fee

The exam fee is $49 for each exam. Once you receive your authorization to test by email from Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, through Pearson VUE, you may make a reservation for the examination following the instructions from your eligibility email. Candidates are not permitted to retake a part of the exam that has already been passed during the 5-year authorization period.

Pennsylvania Testing Center Locations

Please visit Pearson Vue for the full list of testing centers.

Pearson Vue Contact Information

Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission Contact Information