Last verified: September 18, 2026
Pennsylvania at a glance
This Pennsylvania real estate license guide explains the licensing path from education and examination through application, first issuance, continuing education, and renewal.
- 18 for the standard initial real estate salesperson pathway; specific license classes can have additional requirements.
- $97 initial fee for a standard real estate salesperson license, including the $72 licensure fee and $25 application fee. Education, examination and other costs are separate.
- Validity: 2 years
- Pennsylvania requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
Education & Eligibility
For the standard entry-level real estate credential in Pennsylvania, the standard entry pathway requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants generally must meet the state's minimum age and education requirements, complete approved pre-license education, pass the required examination, submit the license application, and satisfy any fingerprint/background requirements. Pennsylvania has a reciprocity/recognition pathway for qualifying out-of-state licensees.
Costs, timing and validity
18 for the standard initial real estate salesperson pathway; specific license classes can have additional requirements.
$97 initial fee for a standard real estate salesperson license, including the $72 licensure fee and $25 application fee. Education, examination and other costs are separate.
$96 every 2 years for a standard real estate salesperson license.
2 years; licenses expire May 31 of every even-numbered year.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Typical Pennsylvania application materials include proof of approved pre-license education, examination results, identification, application information, fee payment, and background/fingerprint documentation where required. Out-of-state applicants may also need a certified license history or license verification. Follow the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission checklist for the exact documents.
How to apply
Start with Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.
Complete the state's approved pre-license education (75 hours for the standard entry credential), register for the Pearson VUE examination when required, complete fingerprints/background screening if applicable, pass the required exam, and submit the license application.
If the license requires broker sponsorship, complete the state-required affiliation/activation step before conducting licensed activity.
Education & Licensing Exam
Pennsylvania requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
Renewal and ongoing requirements
Standard real estate salesperson licenses renew every two years. The renewal deadline is May 31 of every even-numbered year, and 14 hours of Commission-approved continuing education are required during each two-year license period. Renewal is completed through PALS and there is no grace period.
Processing time
Processing in Pennsylvania depends on completion of education, exam scheduling and results, fingerprint/background checks, application completeness, and commission review. Applications involving reciprocity, disciplinary disclosures, or missing documents can require additional review time.
Quick Answers
Who regulates real estate licensing?
Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission
What must I complete before applying?
For the standard entry-level real estate credential in Pennsylvania, the standard entry pathway requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants generally must meet the state's minimum age and education requirements, complete approved pre-license education, pass the required examination, submit the license application, and satisfy any fingerprint/background requirements. Pennsylvania has a reciprocity/recognition pathway for qualifying out-of-state licensees.
What exams or education are involved?
Pennsylvania requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
What should I know about renewal?
Standard real estate salesperson licenses renew every two years. The renewal deadline is May 31 of every even-numbered year, and 14 hours of Commission-approved continuing education are required during each two-year license period. Renewal is completed through PALS and there is no grace period.