License Requirements
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission governs the licensing process and regulates a licensee’s practice in the state of Pennsylvania. Please reference the Pennsylvania Rules and Regulations of the State Real Estate Commission for specific information.
Did you know that not all licensees are REALTORS®? A real estate licensee can only be classified as a REALTOR® after becoming a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. The first step on your road to becoming a REALTOR® is to obtain a state-issued real estate license.
Renewing Your License
Licenses expire May 31 of every even-numbered year. The Commission sends renewal notices two to three months prior to the license expiration date. Notices are sent via e-mail to the e-mail address registered on the PALS website. You may update your registered e-mail address on that site also. For additional information, please visit the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission website.
For the 2022-2024 renewal cycle, the requirement is that a minimum of 3 hours of the required 14 hours of continuing education must be taken on a topic that covers the responsibilities of the broker and the responsibility of their licensees in regard to property management, advertising and general supervision, which would include, but not be limited to, commission and fees. The coursework must be completed between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2024, in order to meet the requirement. New licensees who are completing their first continuing education cycle are exempt from these required topics but are still required to complete the mandatory courses for new licensees (General Module and choice between Residential or Commercial Module.) Those holding a reciprocal license will not complete continuing education but are required to renew their reciprocal license.
Acquiring a Pennsylvania Real Estate License
In order to sell or rent properties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and earn a commission in the process, you must first obtain your real estate salesperson license. To obtain your Pennsylvania Real Estate License, you:
- Must complete Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice for a total of 75 hours of education. Coursework must be completed through a Commission-approved provider. You must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED. Pre-licensing coursework must be completed prior to taking and passing the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Our partner, The CE Shop, offers all coursework required to fulfill this education requirement.
- Must schedule and pass the state licensing exam. This must be taken at a PearsonVUE Testing Center.
- Must submit a criminal record check, which can be obtained through the state police’s PATCH website. The criminal record check cannot be older than 90 days from the date the Commission receives your license application.
- Must have a sponsoring broker to submit your Salesperson License Application online use the state’s PALS website. Once you complete the application and submit all required documents, your employing broker must login and complete their portion of the application.
License in Referral/Escrow Status
If you want to go into referral, GPAR will need a letter completed by your broker stating the license is being placed with a referral company and your licensure must reflect that change. Failure to update your licensure may result in dues billing or an assessment being placed upon your office/broker.
If you place your license in escrow, GPAR requires written notification of this change. Your licensure must reflect that change. A failure to update your licensure may result in dues billing or an assessment being placed upon your office/broker. Please visit your PALS account and change your licensure status to inactive.