How to Become a Realtor®
In Pennsylvania, you can complete the required training, become a licensed real estate agent and start a new career in a matter of weeks or months.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Pennsylvania
- Complete the Required Education and Exam Prep
- Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exams
- Join a Brokerage
- Apply for your Pennsylvania Real Estate License
- Become a Pennsylvania Realtor®
Step 1: Complete the Required Real Estate Education and Exam Prep
You must successfully complete 75 hours of approved real estate education and be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or an equivalent. The education requirements must be completed within five years of passing the real estate exams.
In Pennsylvania, you can complete the required training, become a licensed real estate agent and start a new career in weeks or months.
Find a Real Estate Education Provider
- Realtors® Educational Institute (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Bucks County Association of Realtors® (Warminster, PA)
- Lancaster County Association of Realtors® (Lancaster, PA)
- Association of Realtors® School (Malvern, PA)
- Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors® (Enola, PA)
- Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy (Bethlehem, PA)
- Pocono Real Estate Academy (Stroudsburg, PA)
- Real Estate School of York and Adams Counties (York, PA)
Step 2: Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exams
Once you’ve completed your education, it’s time for your exams. You must have a passing score on the Pennsylvania and national portions of the salesperson licensing examination within three years of the date of your Pennsylvania licensing application.
To help you navigate this process, you should work with a real estate education provider.
Step 3: Join a Brokerage
In order to legally practice real estate in Pennsylvania, you must work under a supervising broker. Brokers are licensed by the commonwealth to oversee real estate transactions and ensure that you are adhering to the required legal and ethical standards.
To become a Realtor® and gain access to PAR resources, join a brokerage that is a member of the National Association of Realtors®.
Step 4: Apply for Your Pennsylvania Real Estate License
Complete a background check
You must obtain a Pennsylvania report of your criminal history. Request your criminal history background check through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) site.
All background check documents cannot be older than 90 days from the date the application has been submitted.
Apply for your real estate license
Your license is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of State with regulations approved by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission. You must provide proof that you are working for a real estate broker to apply for your license.
Log on to the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to create your profile, upload your documentation and submit your application for a real estate license.
Step 5: Become a Pennsylvania Realtor®!
To call yourself a Realtor®, you must be a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to NAR’s Code of Ethics. To join NAR, you must join a local and state association. To begin the process, contact one of the local Pennsylvania associations.
Benefits of Becoming a Realtor®
As a Pennsylvania Realtor, you have access to PAR standard forms, the Legal Hotline, member savings and much more. Follow PAR on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and information.
Each local association provides its members with a variety of benefits, such as access to the local MLS, lock boxes, etc.
NAR offers a host of benefits to its members as well. Learn more about NAR benefits.
