How long does it take to get a real estate license?
The answer depends on your state. Pick yours to see it.
For the appraiser trainee license, Pennsylvania requires no exam and no experience, so the timeline depends on completing 87 classroom hours and the Board's review, which the application instructions state takes about 3 weeks. Most applicants finish the coursework within a few months. Upgrading to a certified credential then takes at least another 12 months for Certified Residential or 18 months for Certified General of logged experience.
Sources: Pennsylvania appraisers board: Licensed Appraiser Trainee Application (January 2026); Pennsylvania: Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser Licensure Requirements Snapshot (PA Board); Pennsylvania: Certified General Appraiser Licensure Requirements Snapshot (PA Board).