Are you an aspiring real estate agent in Pennsylvania?
If so, you might be confused about the courses you need to take and the requirements you need to submit.
Fortunately, the process isn’t as complicated as you think!
To help you out, we’ve prepared a complete guide on how to get your real estate agent license online in Pennsylvania this 2022.
We’ve also got a few tips on the best online real estate schools in Pennsylvania.
So let’s begin!
Real Estate License Qualifications in Pennsylvania
All applicants for a Pennsylvania real estate license need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED)
Undergo a criminal history check
Have a Letter of Good Moral Standing
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Real Estate License Online in Pennsylvania
Here are the steps to getting a Pennsylvania real estate license:
Step 1: Complete the required real estate pre-licensing education
Step 2: Pass the course final exam
Step 3: Schedule your PSI Pennsylvania real estate exam
Step 4: Pass the Pennsylvania real estate exam
Step 5: Get a sponsoring broker
Step 6: Complete the Pennsylvania Salesperson Application
Let’s discuss each step further.
Step 1: Complete the Required Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education
In Pennsylvania, you are required to complete 75 hours of real estate pre-licensing education approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
75-hour PA pre-licensing coursework includes:
Hours | education requirements |
---|---|
30 | |
45 |
Tip: the best course of action to save time and money is to enroll in an approved online real estate school that offers the 75-hour real estate pre-licensing course. |
If you decide to enroll in an online real estate school, we highly recommend AceableAgent and Colibri Real Estate.
Both online schools are approved in Pennsylvania and offer convenient and flexible study time. (Read more about these schools in the FAQs down below.)
However, if you fit any of the descriptions below, you don’t have to complete the 75-hour real estate pre-licensing education.
- Obtained a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate from an accredited college
- Obtained a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Completed 75 hours of pre-licensing education in a state that meets Pennsylvania reciprocity requirements
Step 2: Pass the Course Final Exam
To get your Certificate of Completion (the proof that you’ve completed all 75 hours of pre-licensing education), you need to pass the course final exam. To pass, you need a score of 75%.
This course exam needs to be proctored. Online real estate schools have made it convenient to pass this requirement with remote proctoring.
Step 3: Schedule your PSI Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam
After completing your pre-licensing requirements, you will need to schedule the actual Pennsylvania real estate exam.
To schedule an exam, first create a PSI account.
Then, you will need to pay an examination fee of $49 and provide documents and transcripts to verify your education and identity.
Note: through the PSI website, you can choose to take the exam through either an in-person Test Center or Remote Online Proctored Exam.
Step 4: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam
The PSI-administered Pennsylvania real estate exam contains two sections - state and national.
Applicants are expected to complete the exam in 180 minutes (3hrs). The breakdown is:
- 120 minutes (2hrs) for 80 state questions
- 60 minutes (1hr) for 30 national questions
To pass, you should have at least 60 correct answers for the state portion, and 23 correct for the national.
What happens if you fail?
You can always retake it. However, you have to reschedule with the PSI and pay another $49 for the exam fee. Also, you cannot retake the exam on the same day.
For more information, refer to the Pennsylvania Candidate Information Bulletin.
Step 5: Get a Sponsoring Broker
To be fully licensed in Pennsylvania, you must get a sponsoring broker or real estate mentor.
Now, when looking for a sponsoring broker, you will have to consider agency reputation, commission, as well as the opportunities offered to help forward your career as a PA salesperson.
Will your sponsoring broker provide you necessary education, support, and training?
What are the benefits, leads, and marketing opportunities that will be offered to you?
These are just some questions you need to answer before settling with a real estate broker.
Step 6: Complete the Pennsylvania Salesperson Application
Complete the Pennsylvania salesperson application through the PALS portal.
There, you should submit all necessary documents, including education transcripts, exam documents, background checks, etc...
The Commission will take 1 to 2 weeks to consider your license application. Within that given period, you will be informed of either approval and issuance of the salesperson license or notification of missing documents.
If approved, expect your real estate license to be issued to you in less than a week.
Pennsylvania Real Estate License FAQs
How much does it cost to get a Pennsylvania real estate license?
Aside from paying for pre-licensing education, you will need to pay additional fees to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. These include a license fee, background check fee, application fee, exam fee, and recovery fund fee amounting to about $100+.
To be sure, your most expensive cost will be education.
Now, an in-person real estate school in Pennsylvania can go to the thousand dollars!
That’s why we’re advocates of online real estate education. You can get the same quality education, plus the additional benefits of self-paced learning, 24/7 access to resources, and more for around $300-500.
How long before I can get my Pennsylvania real estate license?
It can take around 4-6 months to finally get hold of your real estate license.
Again, education will be the longest process.
If you go with an online real estate school, you can finish the course as quickly or slowly as you want.
What are the best online real estate schools in Pennsylvania?
We already mentioned the 2 best online real estate schools in Pennsylvania.
That’s right - AceableAgent and Colibri Real Estate.
AceableAgent is considered “the most modern real estate school today”. With its unique mobile app, you’ll be able to take your pre-licensing course on the go.
What’s more, it’s packed with animations, videos, and graphics to help you enjoy, focus, and retain the information.
We also love the flexible options for a pre-licensing course offered by Colibri Real Estate. These are 100% Online Packages and LiveStream Packages.
If you’re looking for more guidance and interaction, a Livestream class is a great option. However, if you prefer to work in your own time, the online format will work best for you.
We recommend getting Colibri Real Estate's Ultimate Learning package that also includes the Sherri Johnson Bootcamp, professional development membership, and a printed course textbook.
Conclusion
So you see, the process isn’t complicated at all.
However, it will take time, dedication, and investment.
But once you finally get hold of your very own real estate license, all that will be worth it.
We hope that this article has been a great help.
Good luck!