From Dream to Licensed (In PA)

What It Really Takes to Become a Real Estate Agent in Pennsylvania

I meet a lot of people who are thinking about becoming real estate agents — they’ve been researching online, asking friends questions, and wondering if this dream is worth pursuing.

Spoiler alert: It is.

But you need more than a dream — you need a plan.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re already picking out a business name, I want to walk you through what it actually takes to get licensed in Pennsylvania. I’ll also share why the smartest move you can make is connecting with a real estate broker early in the process.

🧭 Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can even sign up for a class, you’ll need to check a few boxes:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED

If you meet those requirements, let’s move to the next step.

📚 Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

You’ll need to complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course approved by the state of Pennsylvania. You can take this online or in person, depending on what fits your schedule and learning style. This course teaches you the basics of real estate law, contracts, financing, property management, and more. It’s not hard — but it does require focus.

👉🏾 Pro tip: This is the perfect time to connect with a real estate broker who can support you as you study. I help aspiring agents create study plans, prep for their exams, and even begin setting up their business backend before they get their license.

📝 Step 3: Pass the PA Real Estate Exam

Once your course is complete, you’ll take the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam, administered by Pearson Vue.

You’ll need to pass both the national portion and the state-specific portion. And yes — it's totally normal to feel nervous. That’s why being part of a community and having a mentor matters.

🤝 Step 4: Secure a Sponsoring Broker

Before you can apply for your license, you’ll need to choose a real estate brokerage to hang your license with.

This is where many new agents freeze up — and where mistakes can be costly. Some pick the first broker who calls them. Others wait until after they pass the test to start looking. But here’s what I tell my students:

The sooner you connect with the right brokerage, the better.

A strong brokerage will:

Help you prep while you’re in school
Walk you through the application and fingerprinting process
Give you tools to launch your business right away
Set you up with systems and marketing before your license is issued

🕵🏾 Step 5: Background Check

The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission requires a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.

Don’t panic if you’ve had past issues — but be honest and transparent. If you’re not sure how something might affect your license, talk to your broker (yes, again — another reason to choose one early).

📄 Step 6: Submit Your License Application

Once you’ve passed the exam, completed your background check, and have your sponsoring broker lined up, you’ll submit your official application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.

From there, the waiting game begins — but when you’ve done things right, you’ll be ready to go the moment your license hits your inbox.