Pennsylvania Real Estate License Guide
To get a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license, you’ll complete 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education, pass the salesperson exam through Pearson VUE, clear a criminal background check, and line up an employing broker to sponsor you. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission oversees licensing, and most people finish in 6 to 12 weeks. It’s one of the more affordable states to get started in.
What are the requirements?
Pennsylvania keeps the entry bar reasonable. Here’s what you need:
- Age: at least 18
- Education: 75 hours (4 credits) of approved real estate coursework, completed within five years before passing the exam
- Exam: pass both the national and state portions of the salesperson exam through Pearson VUE
- Background check: criminal background check
- Sponsor: an employing broker willing to supervise and train you before you apply for the license
The education has to come from an accredited college or an approved real estate provider. That five-year window on coursework is generous, but don’t let it lapse if life slows your progress.
What’s the Pennsylvania exam like?
The salesperson exam runs through Pearson VUE in two parts. You’ll face an 80-question national portion (150 minutes) and a 40-question state portion (60 minutes).
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Provider | Pearson VUE |
| National portion | 80 questions, 150 min |
| State portion | 40 questions, 60 min |
| Passing score | 75% national (60/80), 75% state (30/40) |
| Exam fee | $49 |
That $49 exam fee is one of the lowest in the country. If you fail a portion, you can retake just that part as long as you stay inside your eligibility period. Our exam prep guide breaks down how to split your study time between the two portions.
How much does it cost?
These are the state-side fees reported for Pennsylvania. Course tuition (usually $300 to $500) is separate.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Examination | $49 |
| Initial license | $72 |
| Recovery Fund | $10 |
| Background check | ~$22 |
| Total | ~$178 |
At roughly $178 in state fees, Pennsylvania is genuinely one of the cheaper states to break into real estate.
How does Pennsylvania compare to its neighbors?
If you’re near a state line or thinking about where to license, this is useful context. Hours and fees swing widely even between adjacent states.
| State | Pre-license hours | Exam provider | Approx. state fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 75 | Pearson VUE | ~$178 |
| Ohio | 100 | PSI | ~$274 |
| North Carolina | 75 | Pearson VUE | ~$190 |
Pennsylvania ties North Carolina on hours and beats Ohio on both hours and cost. One caveat for transfers: Pennsylvania handles reciprocity case-by-case rather than with blanket agreements. It may waive the exam for licensees from states with substantially equivalent requirements, but you’ll need to show comparable education and experience. The reciprocity checker can help you figure out where you stand.
What’s the step-by-step path?
- Complete 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education.
- Apply for exam eligibility through the state’s licensing system.
- Pass the Pearson VUE exam — both national and state portions.
- Submit your license application with your employing broker’s certification.
Because you need an employing broker to certify the application, start conversations with brokerages while you’re still in coursework. Lining one up early keeps you from stalling at the finish line.
Post-licensing and renewals
Here’s the rule new agents miss: Pennsylvania requires 14 hours of post-licensing education during your first renewal period. After that, it’s 14 hours of continuing education every two years, with a renewal fee around $96. Renewal is available online.
Last updated: June 2026. Fees and rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission before applying.
The bottom line
Pennsylvania is one of the friendlier states to enter — modest hours, a cheap exam, and low overall fees. The thing to plan around is lining up an employing broker early and not forgetting the first-period post-licensing hours. Handle both and the path is smooth.
Want the full picture? See the Pennsylvania license requirements or read our broader guide to getting a real estate license.