If you want to become a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, the steps are as follows. Complete all required education, pass the state exam, find a sponsoring broker and submit a background check report.
Pennsylvania real estate license examination consists of two sections, national and state. To pass both sections successfully, all 120 scored questions must be correctly answered in both parts.
Education Requirements
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission requires prospective real estate agents to successfully complete a series of educational courses before taking their state licensing exam and starting their real estate career. Approved education providers offer these classes both online and classroom format; Long & Foster Institute of Real Estate also offers an online pre-license course to equip prospective agents on their journey towards becoming real estate professionals.
Once you have completed the required coursework of 75 hours, it is time to take the state licensing exam. The 3.5-hour test consists of two sections – national law and state law – with 120 scored questions plus up to 10 “pretest” questions which are used for statistical purposes. To earn your license, both sections of this examination must be passed with scores of 77% or greater.
Once they pass their examination, prospective agents must submit a license application to PREC who will review their background and history before issuing them a salesperson license. As part of their application they should also request a criminal history report from Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository which could result in PREC refusing them a license if any evidence is discovered during background checking that may lead to criminal records being revealed during an application review process.
Once someone is licensed as a real estate agent, they may join either or both the National Association of Realtors(r) and Pennsylvania Association of Realtors(r). Joining one or both these organizations offers multiple advantages for real estate agents: access to standard forms and resources designed to make transactions faster; legal advice hotlines which provide support; as well as representing real estate at local, state and federal levels.
Passing the Exam
Once your pre-licensing education is complete, the state real estate exam must be passed in order to receive your license. This exam consists of two parts; national (120 questions) and state (60 questions). You will need at least 75% on both parts in order to pass. Pearson VUE testing centers offer this exam; therefore you’ll need to arrange an appointment time and date with them prior to scheduling a date/time for your test session.
Once your application to take the exam has been approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, Pearson VUE will send an email with instructions on how to register for it. Ideally, using their online registration system allows for scheduling convenience – simply select a time and date that works for your schedule! Make sure to bring photo identification along too as photo ID may be required when taking any state exams.
Once you have passed the state licensing exam, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission requires you to apply for your license through them. They require educational documents as well as your passing score report from the exam as well as professional endorsement from a sponsoring broker in order to work as real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania.
Real estate can offer many opportunities, and it is crucial that you meet all state requirements to gain your license. Once licensed, you can start selling homes and building relationships while using technology to stay competitive in Pennsylvania’s real estate industry. Be sure to stay abreast of the latest real estate trends by attending educational programs and events hosted in your locality – we wish you the best on your journey!
Licensing Requirements
Real estate licensing can open doors to an exciting career in one of the fastest-growing lines of business. Real estate agents provide invaluable assistance to both buyers and sellers, navigating local markets to find their dream homes or successfully sell existing ones. But before becoming licensed as a Pennsylvania real estate agent, several hurdles must be cleared: complete 75 hours of official pre-licensing classes; take and pass the state licensing exam; then find an agent sponsor to support you through this process.
BHHS Fox & Roach is dedicated to offering new salespersons an exceptional start in the industry, through comprehensive training and support systems. Our licensed brokers are always on hand to mentor associates as they meet licensing requirements in their state. If you’re considering becoming a real estate agent, visit your local BHHS office to attend one of their career seminars or schedule an appointment with one of their recruiting associates.
Pennsylvania’s real estate licensing process is overseen by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), so you will first need to submit a criminal background report, complete required coursework and pass Pennsylvania’s licensure exam before submitting your application via PALS and selecting a sponsor broker.
Your sponsor broker must submit the Salesperson License Application through PALS via the state website, including a sponsorship form, criminal background check affidavit, proof of coursework completion certificate and examination results.
Once your application has been received and reviewed by BPOA, they will review and approve it prior to sending your license from Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
As a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, it is necessary for you to abide by stringent rules governing real estate transactions and ethical guidelines established by the Real Estate Commission. By adhering to these regulations and guidelines, they will help create an open and fair transaction experience for clients – helping your community while simultaneously building your credibility as an ethical professional in real estate sales.
Working Conditions
Real estate can be an extremely competitive industry that demands the appropriate mindset, yet can also be an extremely rewarding career path for those willing to put in the time and effort needed to succeed. Hiring an experienced real estate agent is a sure way to make the experience less stressful and more successful – this applies whether buying or selling.
After fulfilling your educational requirements, one of the final hurdles standing between you and Pennsylvania real estate licensing is taking the state exam. Planning ahead and being prepared are keys to passing this important test; PSI Services LLC administers licensing exams on behalf of Pennsylvania; applicants must present their Certificate of Completion from each course taken along with receiving a passing score on their final examination in order to be licensed by PSI Services.
Once you’ve passed your state exam, the next step should be finding a broker to sponsor you – Pennsylvania real estate agents must have one to work in the industry. Real estate brokers oversee real estate salespersons and can hire or fire them at any time; additionally they possess extensive knowledge about law, investments and property management.
Selecting the ideal broker can have a profound effect on your income as a new real estate agent. Make sure your chosen brokerage has an excellent track record in real estate as well as multiple offices across Pennsylvania such as Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX or Keller Williams Realty to name but a few of their well-known offerings.
As a new agent, it will take some time for you to build your client base and see each transaction through to completion before any income starts coming in. This could take two to six months; during that time it is essential that your budget accounts for costs such as insurance and retirement savings savings.