Licensure
This chapter covers who must be licensed in Pennsylvania, the education and examination requirements, and the affiliation between salespersons and brokers. Meeting these requirements is a prerequisite to lawfully practicing real estate.
Education and Examination
A candidate for a Pennsylvania salesperson license must complete 75 hours of Commission-approved real estate education before sitting for the licensing examination. The exam, administered through Pearson VUE, includes a national portion and a Pennsylvania state portion. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. Broker licensure requires additional education and documented experience as a salesperson.
Broker Affiliation
A Pennsylvania salesperson must be employed by and licensed under a single broker and cannot conduct licensed activity independently. The salesperson's license is maintained by the employing broker, and the broker supervises the salesperson's work. When a salesperson changes brokers, the license must be transferred through the Commission. This affiliation is the legal foundation of the broker's supervisory responsibility.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Pennsylvania real estate licenses are issued on a two-year cycle and must be renewed before expiration. Licensees must complete required continuing education during each renewal period to keep their knowledge current. Practicing on an expired or lapsed license is prohibited. Maintaining licensure in good standing is an ongoing professional obligation.