Loading...
Loading...
Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $243
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Real Estate License
License Type
75 hours (5 credits)
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$243
Total Initial Fees
Every 2 years (biennial; licenses expire May 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
Yes — Pennsylvania requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others.
Since Pennsylvania requires a real estate license, you'll need to complete the state's pre-licensing education and pass the real estate exam before managing property professionally.
Pennsylvania requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.
Complete 75 hours (5 credits) of required pre-licensing education. Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from Pennsylvania-approved provider.
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and Pennsylvania-specific portions.
Submit your application to the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission. Total initial fees: $243.
Boost your credentials with national certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager) — IREM, CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) — NAA, ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) — IREM, RMP (Residential Management Professional) — NARPM, MPM (Master Property Manager) — NARPM. These demonstrate expertise and can increase earning potential.
Renew your license every 2 years (biennial; licenses expire may 31 of even-numbered years). Complete 14 hours per biennial renewal period of continuing education.
Application Fee
$97 (comprised of $72 licensure fee + $25 application fee)
Application fee for real estate license in Pennsylvania
Exam Fee
$49
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$97 (total initial fee)
Initial license issuance fee for Pennsylvania
Renewal Fee
$97
License renewal fee — renews every 2 years
Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance.
Pennsylvania property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Real Estate License
Separate PM License
No
Standard real estate license covers property management activities
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
Exempt
Most states require a real estate license to manage property for others (collecting rent, leasing, marketing). Managing your own property typically does not require a license. A few states (Oregon, Montana, DC, Nevada, South Carolina) offer specific property management license categories separate from or in addition to the standard real estate license.
Education, Exams & Professional Certifications
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
75 hours (5 credits)
Exam Required
Yes
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and Pennsylvania-specific portions.
Education Details
Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from Pennsylvania-approved provider.
Professional Certifications (Voluntary)
Most states that require a license for property management mandate completion of pre-licensing real estate education courses and passing a state exam. Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager from IREM), ARM (Accredited Residential Manager), and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager from NAA) are voluntary but can significantly enhance career prospects.
Browse Property Manager study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for real estate license in Pennsylvania | $97 (comprised of $72 licensure fee + $25 application fee) |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $49 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for Pennsylvania | $97 (total initial fee) |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 2 years | $97 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $243 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 2 years (biennial; licenses expire May 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
14 hours per biennial renewal period
Continuing Education
$97
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
14 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal.
Regulatory Board
Most states require continuing education for license renewal. Topics typically include fair housing law, ethics, property management best practices, agency law, and state-specific regulatory updates. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in license suspension or lapse.
Step-by-step licensing process for Pennsylvania
Mostly verifiedComplete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from a Pennsylvania-approved provider
Pass the Pennsylvania real estate licensing examination (national and state portions)
Submit license application to Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission
Pass a background check (most states require fingerprinting)
Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance if required by your state
Affiliate with a licensed broker (if obtaining salesperson license) or establish your own brokerage
Begin property management operations
Estimated Timeline
2-8 weeks after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam
Pennsylvania requires a real estate license for property management. The state's diverse rental markets (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) create varied property management needs.
Property management of others' properties in Pennsylvania requires a Real Estate License.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
On-site managers employed directly by the property owner may be exempt from licensing requirements.
Activities requiring a license typically include: collecting rent, leasing units, marketing properties, negotiating leases, and managing security deposits on behalf of property owners.
There is no interstate compact for property managers.
Property Manager requirements in nearby states
See how Pennsylvania compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare property manager requirements across all states →
Property Manager licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure property manager is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for property manager? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your property manager license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
Property Manager Schools in Pennsylvania
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Property Manager requirements in Pennsylvania verified against Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Pennsylvania? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Property Manager license to Pennsylvania →
Transfer your Property Manager license from Pennsylvania to: Delaware → | Maryland → | New Jersey → | New York → | Ohio → | West Virginia →
Pennsylvania requires a Real Estate License for property management. 75 hours (5 credits) of pre-licensing education required. Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from Pennsylvania-approved provider. Licensing is managed through the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.