Real estate · Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania real estate FAQs
Can a convicted felon get a real estate license in Pennsylvania? Yes, you can still obtain a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson's license if you have a prior conviction. However, there is still a chance that your application may be delayed or denied by the Real Estate Commission. You must submit the required documents along with your license application before the Commission will review your case. At each Commission meeting, applications are reviewed and a decision is made whether to approve or preliminary deny your license application. If your application is denied because of a prior conviction, the Commission will give you an opportunity to request an informal conference to further discuss your case. The Commission will then review your application again at the next Commission meeting and make a second decision whether to accept or deny your application. You may still obtain a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson's license if you have a prior conviction; however, you must disclose any past criminal activity with your license application, and submit the required documentation. The Real Estate Commission does not pre-review cases to determine if an applicant's past criminal activity will prevent them from obtaining a license. You must disclose any prior criminal activity to the Commission when it comes time to submit your license application. You must also include the required supporting documentation before the Commission will review your case. Unfortunately, the Commission does not pre-review applications, which means you must first complete the 75-hour pre-license course and pass the state exam before the Commission will review your case and determine if your license application will be approved or denied.
Do you need high school diploma for real estate license in Pennsylvania? Yes. According to Section 521 of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, an applicant for a real estate salesperson's license must be a high school graduate or provide proof to the Commission that he or she completed an education equivalent to high school (GED).
To become a real estate broker in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 240 hours (16 credits) of professional real estate education from an approved provider, and document at least 3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson with experience the Commission considers adequate. Unlike salesperson candidates, broker candidates must submit an application through PALS and be approved by the Real Estate Commission before registering for the exam, which requires a $40 examination qualification fee. Once approved, candidates register with Pearson VUE to take both the National and PA State portions of the broker exam, and four broker license types are available: Associate Broker, Broker Multi-Licensee (Broker of Record), Broker Corporation/LLC/Partnership, and Broker Sole Proprietor.
To become a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 75 hours (5 credits) of pre-licensing education from an approved provider: Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours, 2 credits) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours, 3 credits). You must pass both portions of the licensing exam through Pearson VUE, each requiring a 75% passing score, obtain a Criminal History Records Check from every state where you have lived, worked, or studied in the past 5 years, and secure an employing broker to certify supervision before applying through PALS. The initial license fee is $97, comprising a $72 licensure fee and a $25 application fee.
A licensed real estate agent becomes a REALTOR® by joining their local REALTOR® Association and paying membership dues to local, state, and national organizations. REALTORS® must follow NAR's Code of Ethics and complete ethics training every three years. NAR had approximately 1.5 million members, with 64% holding sales agent licenses, 22% broker licenses, and 16% broker associate licenses.
To become a real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 75 hours (5 credits) of pre-licensing education from an approved provider, and pass both the National and PA State portions of the licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE. You must also secure an employing broker who holds a valid PA broker license and is willing to certify supervision and training before you can apply for your license. The application, including a Criminal History Records Check dated within 180 days, is submitted through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), and the physical license is mailed to the broker's main office 7-10 business days after issuance.
How to get a copy of my real estate license in Pennsylvania? Once your real estate license is issued, a physical copy of it will be printed and mailed to your broker's main office. It is mandatory for the copy to be mailed to your employing broker.
You can verify a Pennsylvania real estate license through the PALS verification portal at www.pals.pa.gov/verify. The system allows searches by individual licensee name or by facility, with the Board/Commission selection set to "Real Estate Commission." The Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) is the official online portal for all professional licensing in the Commonwealth, and it provides real-time license status information.
You can verify a Pennsylvania real estate license through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) at pals.pa.gov/verify. The site allows searches for approved education providers by selecting the Real Estate Commission as the board and choosing the appropriate license type. Individual licensees can also check their own application status in real time through their PALS account. All licensing transactions go through PALS, as the Commission no longer offers paper applications.
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who joins the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and agrees to follow its Code of Ethics. In Pennsylvania, becoming a licensed salesperson requires completing 75 hours of pre-licensing education, passing both portions of the licensing exam through Pearson VUE, and securing an employing broker. Most people complete the education in a few weeks to a few months, depending on format and pace. After obtaining the license, the agent joins their local REALTOR® association and pays membership dues to gain NAR membership. NAR requires members to complete ethics training every three years.