Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Complete 75 hours of real estate instruction
- Successfully complete the state and national exams
- Complete a background check
Completion of two courses is required to enable one to sit for the state and national examinations. Real Estate Fundamentals is a 30-hour course and Real Estate Practice is a 45-hour course. These courses are available through many institutions with varying modalities including online and in-person.
A bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate from an accredited college or university will count toward your course requirement.
The National Salesperson examination contains 80 questions and you will be given two and a half hours to complete this exam. The State Salesperson examination contains 40 questions and you will be given one hour to complete this exam. The minimum passing score is 75% on both exams before you can apply for a state license. The exams can be taken at a testing facility or online.
The examination is offered Monday through Saturday at various locations throughout the state.
To apply for your Salesperson exam, please create an account in Clarus. Choose a State and/or National exam application and submit proof of education and other required documents. You will need to do both applications if you are required to take both portions of the exam. You will only need to be required to submit the required documentation once. Pearson VUE will review Salesperson exam eligibility, and you will be notified of approval once requirements are met via email. The email will contain instructions on how to schedule your exam.
Each state sets its own criteria for licensing and required education. One must contact the real estate commission in a particular state to determine current standing. A call to the Alan Kells School of Real Estate will assist you in obtaining specific answers.
Individual circumstances and processing procedures make a definite answer impossible. Most applicants can be licensed in three months. This time frame would permit one month for examination, license application and receipt.
To keep your license current, you must complete 14 hours of state-approved continuing education before the renewal date. These courses are available online and through many institutions throughout the state.
The state renewal period is every two years in May of even-numbered years. All Pennsylvania licenses are renewed at the same time.
Your license will be placed in escrow with the state for a period of five years. If you decide to reactivate it after the renewal period, you will be required to complete the 14 hours of continuing education needed and reapply for your license.
Deciding which real estate company to affiliate with is a very important part of the process. Your broker should offer:
- Training. Howard Hanna offers comprehensive training programs for every level.
- Lead-Generating Tools. Howard Hanna has a portfolio of tools designed to drive business to their sales associates. These include our online partnerships as well as our Rapid Response Program, Relocation Department, exclusive marketing programs, website, mobile apps and more.
- Market Share. Howard Hanna is the #1 real estate company in Pennsylvania and the fourth largest in the country. Our market share, brand and network provide more opportunities and support for our sales associates.
- Non-Competing Management Team. Howard Hanna has full time, non-competing managers in virtually every office. They make it their sole responsibility to support you in your professional and financial goals, and will be there when you need them. As a new sales associate, you will have a management team that is 100% dedicated
