Pennsylvania License Law (RELRA)
Pennsylvania licensees are governed by the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) and the rules of the State Real Estate Commission within the Department of State. This chapter covers the regulator, the statute, and the license categories.
The Commission and RELRA
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State, licenses brokers and salespersons under RELRA, adopts rules, and disciplines licensees. RELRA defines who must be licensed and the standards of conduct. It is the state licensing statute, distinct from federal laws such as RESPA.
Broker vs. Salesperson
A salesperson works under and is supervised by a broker and cannot operate independently or hold escrow. A broker may operate a brokerage, employ salespersons, and maintain the escrow account. Reaching the broker tier requires added experience and education. The broker's operational and supervisory authority is the core of the broker exam.
License Categories
Beyond the standard broker and salesperson licenses, Pennsylvania recognizes niche categories under RELRA, including cemetery broker, builder-owner salesperson, and rental listing referral agent. Understanding these Pennsylvania-specific categories and what each may do is a tested point on the state portion.