License guide

How to get a Pennsylvania real estate license

Pennsylvania licenses real estate professionals through the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission (Department of State). Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.

Step by step

Meet the basics
You must be 18 or older and a high school graduate or equivalent. No experience is required.
Take 75 hours of basic courses
Complete 75 hours (5 credits) of basic real estate courses from an accredited college or an approved real estate education provider. A law degree or a real estate bachelor's degree can satisfy this.
Pass both exam parts
Pass the National and Pennsylvania parts of the salesperson exam within 3 years before you submit your application. If you were actively licensed in another state in the last 5 years, you take only the Pennsylvania part.
Line up your broker
Your application includes a sworn statement from the broker you will affiliate with, certifying that you will be actively supervised and trained.
Apply in PALS
Apply through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). The initial fee is $97 ($72 license plus $25 application).

Keeping your license

14 hours of Commission-approved CE during each 2-year license period.
The Commission publishes mandatory topics for each renewal period.

Renewal and CE rules

Questions

Do I need a website on day one?

No, but a simple page with your photo, brokerage and contact info helps clients find you. Property Landing Pages has a free plan with one listing page and an agent site.