How to Get Your Real Estate License in Pennsylvania (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in Pennsylvania? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
Pennsylvania requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $178. The entire process typically takes 4 to 24 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our Pennsylvania real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet Pennsylvania's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Required
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Sponsoring Broker: Required — Must have an employing broker with a valid PA broker license to certify supervision before application.
- Character References: 2 required — Two character references from property owners in county of residence.
- Social Security Number: Required
Licensing is overseen by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Pennsylvania requires 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hrs)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hrs)
Complete your 75 required hours online
The CE Shop offers Pennsylvania-approved pre-licensing courses you can take entirely online, at your own pace.
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Step 3: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the Pennsylvania real estate licensing exam, administered by Pearson VUE.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (Pennsylvania) | 40 | 60 min | 75% |
Approximately 10 additional unscored pretest questions may appear. 10 testing locations across PA.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Take Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hrs) and Real Estate Practice (45 hrs) from a Commission-approved provider.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Register for Exam via Clarus Portal
Create account at pare.useclarus.com. Upload proof of education. Pay $49 exam fee.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Schedule and Pass State Exam
Take exam at Pearson VUE center or via OnVUE online proctoring. Pass both National (60/80 = 75%) and State (30/40 = 75%) portions.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Obtain Criminal Background Check
Request CHRC from PA State Police PATCH system (epatch.pa.gov) and from every state lived/worked in past 5 years. $22 per check.
Estimated time: 1 day – 4 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure an employing broker with a valid PA real estate broker license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit License Application via PALS
Apply at pals.pa.gov. Upload documents. Broker reviews and certifies. Pay $107 application fee.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks processing
Receive License
Physical license mailed to broker's main office within 7–10 business days after issuance.
Estimated time: 7–10 business days
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application + License + Recovery Fund Fee | $107 |
| Exam Fee | $49 |
| Criminal Background Check (PATCH) | $22 |
| Total Government Fees | $178 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
Pennsylvania requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
First-time renewers must complete 14-hour post-education course. Licensed on/after Dec 1, 2025: no CE for first renewal. Licensees licensed less than 6 months before deadline are exempt from CE for first cycle.
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your Pennsylvania post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, Pennsylvania requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 14 hours of CE every 2 years
- Renewal fee: $96
- CE deadline: May 31
Stay compliant with online CE courses
The CE Shop offers Pennsylvania-approved continuing education you can complete online before your next renewal deadline.
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Pennsylvania Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 75 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $178 |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 4–24 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 14 hours every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $96 |
| Licensing Authority | Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our Pennsylvania real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?▼
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?▼
Can I take Pennsylvania pre-licensing courses online?▼
What happens if I fail the Pennsylvania real estate exam?▼
Start Your Pennsylvania Real Estate Education Today
The CE Shop offers PA-approved pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education courses — all online, at your own pace.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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