Pennsylvania Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Pennsylvania's Licensing Structure

Pennsylvania's real estate licensing structure has three tiers:

Salesperson — entry-level license; must work under a licensed broker
Associate Broker — requires 3 years active salesperson experience plus additional education and a broker exam
Broker — can operate independently and supervise others

Most new real estate professionals start at the salesperson level. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC), operating under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) within the Department of State, oversees licensing under RELRA.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply for a Pennsylvania salesperson license:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Have no disqualifying criminal history (PREC conducts a background check; each case is reviewed individually based on the nature of the conviction and time elapsed)

Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Prelicense Education

Complete 75 hours of PREC-approved prelicense coursework from a licensed Pennsylvania real estate school. Course content covers:

Real estate principles and practice
Pennsylvania law (RELRA)
Agency and ethics
Contracts and financing
Fair housing
Math and valuation

Courses are available online and in-person. Completion triggers issuance of a certificate needed to register for the PSI exam.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Salesperson Exam

Register with PSI and schedule your exam at a Pennsylvania testing center. The exam has 110 questions (80 national + 30 state) with a 3-hour time limit and 75% required to pass.

Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID). PSI issues results immediately after the exam.

Step 4: Apply to PREC

After passing the exam, submit your salesperson license application to PREC. Required items include:

Completed application (PREC's online licensing system)
Exam pass notification from PSI
Criminal background check results
Application fee (check PREC's current fee schedule)
Proof of affiliation with a licensed Pennsylvania broker

Step 5: Affiliate with a Licensed Broker

Pennsylvania salespersons cannot practice independently. You must affiliate with a licensed Pennsylvania broker before your license is issued. Your broker is legally responsible for supervising your activities and maintaining your transaction files.

Research brokerages before applying. Consider commission splits, training programs, office support, and mentorship opportunities.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Pennsylvania licenses renew every two years. Each renewal cycle requires 14 hours of continuing education including:

Mandatory PREC-designated topics (ethics, civil rights, fair housing)
Elective hours in approved real estate subjects

CE must be completed before the license expiration date. PREC does not automatically send renewal warnings — manage your own renewal calendar.

Becoming an Associate Broker

After 3 years of active salesperson experience, you may apply for an associate broker license. Requirements include additional prelicense education specific to broker-level topics and passing the Pennsylvania broker exam. Associate brokers can operate independently in some capacities and may supervise salespersons.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Pennsylvania does not mandate E&O insurance by statute, but many brokerages require it. Check with your sponsoring broker about their coverage requirements before licensing.

Get the full Pennsylvania licensing checklist and exam resources at [CARealestate.com/states/pennsylvania](https://carealestate.com/states/pennsylvania).