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Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Associate Broker

An individual broker employed by another broker. Standard and reciprocal issuance are separately recorded as routes.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission · Application information

Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the fee and apply in the Commission-prescribed manner.
Competency
At least two of the preceding five years actively practicing real estate in jurisdictions with substantially equivalent licensing standards.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline, subject to Commission discretion under § 35.230(c).
Interview
The Commission may require a personal interview and supporting competency/experience documentation; a video interview may be requested for good cause.
Other license
Hold a current license in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher licensing standards; submit the licensing law/rules, enactment date and certified professional English translation when needed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-22.

Reinstatement after recovery fund payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactivity
This route covers reinstatement before the five-year nonrenewal threshold; longer inactivity follows the five-year reexamination route.
Order
Comply with any applicable reinstatement order and ordinary activation requirements.
Suspension
License automatically suspended after Recovery Fund payment; repay in full with ten-percent annual interest before reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance with education exception
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Education exception
The Commission may issue a license without the usual education requirement if all required exams are passed, active practice covers at least two of the preceding five years, and other noneducation qualifications are met; credit relevant military experience under § 3304.
Employing broker
An associate must work under an employing broker; reciprocal applicants must provide the employing broker’s sworn statement of reputation, supervision and training.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
An individual broker employed by another broker.
Military status
Servicemember, veteran or military spouse; submit status documentation, fees and application.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
CE/competency may be extended up to six months after deployment; meet other renewal requirements.
Deployment
License expired during deployment; request reactivation within one month after deployment ends.
Inactivity
This closed route is for reactivation before the five-year examination threshold; the statutory five-year reexamination route applies when that threshold has been reached.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal before deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit all renewal requirements before deployment; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Military status
A servicemember scheduled to deploy when eligible for renewal, or qualifying accompanying military spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Section 602(e) permits comparable additional requirements for applicants from a jurisdiction lacking comparable reciprocal opportunities. No particular registered examination is identified for that contingent slot.
Office
Meet applicable office and service-of-process requirements.
Other license
Hold the current corresponding license with the principal place of business outside Pennsylvania; provide official license and discipline certifications.
Regulatory condition
49 Pa. Code §§ 35.222(b) and 35.224(b) also describe substantially comparable qualifications and equivalent additional requirements; the statutory reciprocal examination exemption governs the verified reciprocal route.
Verified statement
State that no discipline/current misconduct proceeding is known, acknowledge familiarity with and agreement to follow Pennsylvania law, and permit disclosure of disciplinary records.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal to standard
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Eligibility exception
The conversion is exempt from the examination eligibility prerequisites specified in § 35.271(a) or § 35.273(a); pass only the state portion.
Existing license
Converting a reciprocal license to standard; notify the Commission within thirty days of changing the principal place of business or losing the home-jurisdiction license.
Standard obligations
Thereafter comply with standard licensing requirements, including continuing education where applicable.
Reactivation reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to reactivate the reciprocal license; § 35.255(b) expressly permits reactivation without reexamination.
Existing license
Hold the equivalent of a current standard license where the principal place of business is located.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew through PALS and pay the fee.
Continuing education
Reciprocal licenses are exempt from the Pennsylvania CE requirement.
Existing license
Current reciprocal license; provide certification of a current home-jurisdiction license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after revocation
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Employing broker
An associate must work under an employing broker; reciprocal applicants must provide the employing broker’s sworn statement of reputation, supervision and training.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
An individual broker employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Revocation
Wait five years after revocation unless the Commonwealth Court orders otherwise; petition for Commission permission and meet current qualifications including examinations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard examination
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Employing broker
An associate must work under an employing broker; reciprocal applicants must provide the employing broker’s sworn statement of reputation, supervision and training.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
An individual broker employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard licensed elsewhere
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Employing broker
An associate must work under an employing broker; reciprocal applicants must provide the employing broker’s sworn statement of reputation, supervision and training.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
An individual broker employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Other license
Actively licensed as a broker in another jurisdiction within the preceding five years; only the Pennsylvania portion is required.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after five years
Continuing education
Document fourteen hours of approved CE; reactivation CE cannot also count toward renewal.
Inactivity
Inactive or expired at least five years; pass both pertinent examination portions and submit a complete application.
Reactivation before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete reactivation application and fee.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE during the two years before applying; those hours cannot also count for renewal in the same period.
Inactivity
Complete reactivation before the five-year inactivity/expiration deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal standard
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew electronically through PALS with the applicable fee by May 31 of even-numbered years.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE in the preceding license period by May 31; waivers for illness, emergency or hardship are available under § 35.383.
Existing license
Current standard license and continuing good reputation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Real Estate Broker — Restricted License

Conditional restricted licensing authority under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3112.1 when a correctional facility offers training in the occupation.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission · Application information

Restricted to unrestricted
Ordinary qualifications
Satisfy all other practice-act qualifications, including passing the relevant currently offered examinations; previous passing results remain applicant evidence, and no automatic retake is asserted.
Restricted term
Within thirty days after the restriction term, the supervisor reports compliance with all restrictions.
Restriction of existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Correctional training
The statutory occupational-training predicate must be satisfied.
Existing license
Otherwise eligible current licensee seeking renewal or facing suspension, revocation or limitation for a criminal-conviction fitness ground.
Restrictions
Commission may impose a one-to-two-year restricted term with scope/location limits, supervision and compliance conditions in place of the otherwise adverse licensing decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted initial issuance
Correctional training
Section 3112.1 applies only if a correctional facility offers training in the licensed occupation; that predicate is an applicant condition and no claim is made that broker training is actually offered.
Examination
The restricted authorization addresses criminal-conviction fitness; the ordinary practice-act examination qualification remains, with any applicable applicant waiver.
Fitness
Show rehabilitation, good institutional behavior, completion of applicable training, compliance with parole/probation, and commitment to law-abiding life; Commission discretion applies.
Restrictions
One-to-two-year term, limited scope/location, licensed supervision, prompt notice of supervisor changes and all Commission conditions.

Broker Corporation, LLC, or Partnership

A broker entity registered with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau. Standard and reciprocal issuance are separately recorded as routes.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission · Application information

Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the fee and apply in the Commission-prescribed manner.
Competency
At least two of the preceding five years actively practicing real estate in jurisdictions with substantially equivalent licensing standards.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline, subject to Commission discretion under § 35.230(c).
Interview
The Commission may require a personal interview and supporting competency/experience documentation; a video interview may be requested for good cause.
Other license
Hold a current license in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher licensing standards; submit the licensing law/rules, enactment date and certified professional English translation when needed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-22.

Entity reissue after inactivity
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Broker of record
Designate a currently licensed broker of record; statutory examination qualifications attach to that individual. Already licensed representatives need not automatically retake an examination solely because a company is formed. Relevant members/officers must hold the licenses required by §§ 35.222(c) or 35.224(c)-(d).
Company status
For an entity inactive, expired or out of business, the Board requires initial company and broker-of-record applications. Inspection may be waived when the previous company license ended within thirty days.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
A broker entity registered with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reinstatement after recovery fund payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Broker of record
Maintain a currently licensed broker of record and comply with the reinstatement order. If the entity must make a new initial application under the Board’s entity-reset rule, use the recorded entity reissue route.
Suspension
Entity license suspended after Recovery Fund payment; repay the full amount with ten-percent annual interest before reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Section 602(e) permits comparable additional requirements for applicants from a jurisdiction lacking comparable reciprocal opportunities. No particular registered examination is identified for that contingent slot.
Office
Meet applicable office and service-of-process requirements.
Other license
Hold the current corresponding license with the principal place of business outside Pennsylvania; provide official license and discipline certifications.
Regulatory condition
49 Pa. Code §§ 35.222(b) and 35.224(b) also describe substantially comparable qualifications and equivalent additional requirements; the statutory reciprocal examination exemption governs the verified reciprocal route.
Verified statement
State that no discipline/current misconduct proceeding is known, acknowledge familiarity with and agreement to follow Pennsylvania law, and permit disclosure of disciplinary records.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal to standard
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Eligibility exception
The conversion is exempt from the examination eligibility prerequisites specified in § 35.271(a) or § 35.273(a); pass only the state portion.
Existing license
Converting a reciprocal license to standard; notify the Commission within thirty days of changing the principal place of business or losing the home-jurisdiction license.
Standard obligations
Thereafter comply with standard licensing requirements, including continuing education where applicable.
Renewal reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew through PALS and pay the fee.
Continuing education
Reciprocal licenses are exempt from the Pennsylvania CE requirement.
Existing license
Current reciprocal license; provide certification of a current home-jurisdiction license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after revocation
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Broker of record
Designate a currently licensed broker of record; statutory examination qualifications attach to that individual. Already licensed representatives need not automatically retake an examination solely because a company is formed. Relevant members/officers must hold the licenses required by §§ 35.222(c) or 35.224(c)-(d).
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
A broker entity registered with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Revocation
After the five-year statutory waiting period, obtain Commission permission and submit initial entity and broker-of-record applications meeting current qualifications including examination requirements.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard examination
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Broker of record
Designate a currently licensed broker of record; statutory examination qualifications attach to that individual. Already licensed representatives need not automatically retake an examination solely because a company is formed. Relevant members/officers must hold the licenses required by §§ 35.222(c) or 35.224(c)-(d).
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
A broker entity registered with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard licensed elsewhere
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Broker of record
Designate a currently licensed broker of record; statutory examination qualifications attach to that individual. Already licensed representatives need not automatically retake an examination solely because a company is formed. Relevant members/officers must hold the licenses required by §§ 35.222(c) or 35.224(c)-(d).
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
A broker entity registered with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Other license
Actively licensed as a broker in another jurisdiction within the preceding five years; only the Pennsylvania portion is required.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Renewal standard
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew electronically through PALS with the applicable fee by May 31 of even-numbered years.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE in the preceding license period by May 31; waivers for illness, emergency or hardship are available under § 35.383.
Existing license
Current standard license and continuing good reputation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Broker Multi-Licensee — Broker of Record

The individual responsible for the transactions of a licensed partnership, association or corporation. Standard and reciprocal issuance are separately recorded as routes.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission · Application information

Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the fee and apply in the Commission-prescribed manner.
Competency
At least two of the preceding five years actively practicing real estate in jurisdictions with substantially equivalent licensing standards.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline, subject to Commission discretion under § 35.230(c).
Interview
The Commission may require a personal interview and supporting competency/experience documentation; a video interview may be requested for good cause.
Other license
Hold a current license in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher licensing standards; submit the licensing law/rules, enactment date and certified professional English translation when needed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-22.

Reinstatement after recovery fund payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactivity
This route covers reinstatement before the five-year nonrenewal threshold; longer inactivity follows the five-year reexamination route.
Order
Comply with any applicable reinstatement order and ordinary activation requirements.
Suspension
License automatically suspended after Recovery Fund payment; repay in full with ten-percent annual interest before reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Interim broker of record due to illness or injury
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Appoint another licensed broker while the incumbent cannot act due to illness or injury.
Notice
Notify the Commission within fifteen days; the interim appointment continues until the incumbent resumes responsibilities.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance with education exception
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Education exception
The Commission may issue a license without the usual education requirement if all required exams are passed, active practice covers at least two of the preceding five years, and other noneducation qualifications are met; credit relevant military experience under § 3304.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
The individual responsible for the transactions of a licensed partnership, association or corporation.
Military status
Servicemember, veteran or military spouse; submit status documentation, fees and application.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
CE/competency may be extended up to six months after deployment; meet other renewal requirements.
Deployment
License expired during deployment; request reactivation within one month after deployment ends.
Inactivity
This closed route is for reactivation before the five-year examination threshold; the statutory five-year reexamination route applies when that threshold has been reached.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal before deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit all renewal requirements before deployment; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Military status
A servicemember scheduled to deploy when eligible for renewal, or qualifying accompanying military spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Section 602(e) permits comparable additional requirements for applicants from a jurisdiction lacking comparable reciprocal opportunities. No particular registered examination is identified for that contingent slot.
Office
Meet applicable office and service-of-process requirements.
Other license
Hold the current corresponding license with the principal place of business outside Pennsylvania; provide official license and discipline certifications.
Regulatory condition
49 Pa. Code §§ 35.222(b) and 35.224(b) also describe substantially comparable qualifications and equivalent additional requirements; the statutory reciprocal examination exemption governs the verified reciprocal route.
Verified statement
State that no discipline/current misconduct proceeding is known, acknowledge familiarity with and agreement to follow Pennsylvania law, and permit disclosure of disciplinary records.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal to standard
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Eligibility exception
The conversion is exempt from the examination eligibility prerequisites specified in § 35.271(a) or § 35.273(a); pass only the state portion.
Existing license
Converting a reciprocal license to standard; notify the Commission within thirty days of changing the principal place of business or losing the home-jurisdiction license.
Standard obligations
Thereafter comply with standard licensing requirements, including continuing education where applicable.
Reactivation reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to reactivate the reciprocal license; § 35.255(b) expressly permits reactivation without reexamination.
Existing license
Hold the equivalent of a current standard license where the principal place of business is located.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew through PALS and pay the fee.
Continuing education
Reciprocal licenses are exempt from the Pennsylvania CE requirement.
Existing license
Current reciprocal license; provide certification of a current home-jurisdiction license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Broker of record replacement after death
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Partner or corporate officer must file the designation application within fifteen days after the former broker of record dies.
Existing license
Designate an already licensed individual as replacement broker of record.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after revocation
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
The individual responsible for the transactions of a licensed partnership, association or corporation.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Revocation
Wait five years after revocation unless the Commonwealth Court orders otherwise; petition for Commission permission and meet current qualifications including examinations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard examination
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
The individual responsible for the transactions of a licensed partnership, association or corporation.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard licensed elsewhere
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
License capacity
The individual responsible for the transactions of a licensed partnership, association or corporation.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Other license
Actively licensed as a broker in another jurisdiction within the preceding five years; only the Pennsylvania portion is required.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after five years
Continuing education
Document fourteen hours of approved CE; reactivation CE cannot also count toward renewal.
Inactivity
Inactive or expired at least five years; pass both pertinent examination portions and submit a complete application.
Reactivation before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete reactivation application and fee.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE during the two years before applying; those hours cannot also count for renewal in the same period.
Inactivity
Complete reactivation before the five-year inactivity/expiration deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal standard
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew electronically through PALS with the applicable fee by May 31 of even-numbered years.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE in the preceding license period by May 31; waivers for illness, emergency or hardship are available under § 35.383.
Existing license
Current standard license and continuing good reputation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Broker Sole Proprietor

An individual broker not registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership and not employed by another broker. Standard and reciprocal issuance are separately recorded as routes.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission · Application information

Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the fee and apply in the Commission-prescribed manner.
Competency
At least two of the preceding five years actively practicing real estate in jurisdictions with substantially equivalent licensing standards.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline, subject to Commission discretion under § 35.230(c).
Interview
The Commission may require a personal interview and supporting competency/experience documentation; a video interview may be requested for good cause.
Other license
Hold a current license in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher licensing standards; submit the licensing law/rules, enactment date and certified professional English translation when needed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-22.

Reinstatement after recovery fund payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactivity
This route covers reinstatement before the five-year nonrenewal threshold; longer inactivity follows the five-year reexamination route.
Order
Comply with any applicable reinstatement order and ordinary activation requirements.
Suspension
License automatically suspended after Recovery Fund payment; repay in full with ten-percent annual interest before reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military issuance with education exception
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Education exception
The Commission may issue a license without the usual education requirement if all required exams are passed, active practice covers at least two of the preceding five years, and other noneducation qualifications are met; credit relevant military experience under § 3304.
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
An individual broker not registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership and not employed by another broker.
Military status
Servicemember, veteran or military spouse; submit status documentation, fees and application.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
CE/competency may be extended up to six months after deployment; meet other renewal requirements.
Deployment
License expired during deployment; request reactivation within one month after deployment ends.
Inactivity
This closed route is for reactivation before the five-year examination threshold; the statutory five-year reexamination route applies when that threshold has been reached.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal before deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit all renewal requirements before deployment; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Military status
A servicemember scheduled to deploy when eligible for renewal, or qualifying accompanying military spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional requirements
Section 602(e) permits comparable additional requirements for applicants from a jurisdiction lacking comparable reciprocal opportunities. No particular registered examination is identified for that contingent slot.
Office
Meet applicable office and service-of-process requirements.
Other license
Hold the current corresponding license with the principal place of business outside Pennsylvania; provide official license and discipline certifications.
Regulatory condition
49 Pa. Code §§ 35.222(b) and 35.224(b) also describe substantially comparable qualifications and equivalent additional requirements; the statutory reciprocal examination exemption governs the verified reciprocal route.
Verified statement
State that no discipline/current misconduct proceeding is known, acknowledge familiarity with and agreement to follow Pennsylvania law, and permit disclosure of disciplinary records.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal to standard
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Eligibility exception
The conversion is exempt from the examination eligibility prerequisites specified in § 35.271(a) or § 35.273(a); pass only the state portion.
Existing license
Converting a reciprocal license to standard; notify the Commission within thirty days of changing the principal place of business or losing the home-jurisdiction license.
Standard obligations
Thereafter comply with standard licensing requirements, including continuing education where applicable.
Reactivation reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to reactivate the reciprocal license; § 35.255(b) expressly permits reactivation without reexamination.
Existing license
Hold the equivalent of a current standard license where the principal place of business is located.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal reciprocal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew through PALS and pay the fee.
Continuing education
Reciprocal licenses are exempt from the Pennsylvania CE requirement.
Existing license
Current reciprocal license; provide certification of a current home-jurisdiction license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after revocation
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
An individual broker not registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership and not employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Revocation
Wait five years after revocation unless the Commonwealth Court orders otherwise; petition for Commission permission and meet current qualifications including examinations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard examination
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
An individual broker not registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership and not employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Standard licensed elsewhere
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion
Application
Apply through PALS, obtain Commission examination eligibility approval, pay required fees, and provide transcripts, experience records and supporting documents.
Course currency
Courses must be completed within ten years before passing; two credits are allowed for each year of active out-of-state brokerage during the preceding ten years.
Course distribution
Without a qualifying degree, two credits must be office management, two law, and at least six of the remaining twelve must cover three Commission-developed courses; salesperson qualification credits cannot be reused. Approved course/provider rules and four-credit caps apply under § 35.271(b).
Criminal history
Board guide requests criminal history checks for every jurisdiction of residence, employment or professional studies during the previous five years, issued within 180 days; volunteer checks are not accepted.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent and 16 credits/240 hours of professional real estate instruction; qualifying real-estate bachelor degrees or a juris doctor satisfy the professional education requirement under § 35.271(b)(1).
Experience
Three years of licensed salesperson experience or other experience/education the Commission deems equivalent.
Inspection
The Board guide requires an office inspection before initial licensure.
License capacity
An individual broker not registered as a corporation, LLC or partnership and not employed by another broker.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old.
Office
Comply with 49 Pa. Code §§ 35.241–35.242; a Pennsylvania office must meet privacy, entrance and permanent business-name display requirements.
Other license
Actively licensed as a broker in another jurisdiction within the preceding five years; only the Pennsylvania portion is required.
Reputation
Good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence; disclose convictions and provide the required recommendations.
Score window
The Commission must receive the properly completed application within three years after passing the examination.
Service of process
Provide written consent to service on the Commission Chairperson and Secretary of the Commonwealth when ordinary service cannot be made.
Reactivation after five years
Continuing education
Document fourteen hours of approved CE; reactivation CE cannot also count toward renewal.
Inactivity
Inactive or expired at least five years; pass both pertinent examination portions and submit a complete application.
Reactivation before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete reactivation application and fee.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE during the two years before applying; those hours cannot also count for renewal in the same period.
Inactivity
Complete reactivation before the five-year inactivity/expiration deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal standard
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew electronically through PALS with the applicable fee by May 31 of even-numbered years.
Continuing education
Fourteen hours of approved CE in the preceding license period by May 31; waivers for illness, emergency or hardship are available under § 35.383.
Existing license
Current standard license and continuing good reputation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Exam — PA State-specific Portion

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-delivered written examination
Exam questions
40 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
75 (scaled score; handbook table labels the minimum passing score 75%)
Exam fee
$49 for the state-specific portion
Examination outline
  • I. REAL ESTATE COMMISSION (4 ITEMS)
    • A. Duties and powers
    • B. Complaints, investigations, hearings, and appeal
    • C. Real Estate Recovery Fund
  • II. LICENSURE (6 ITEMS)
    • A. Activities requiring a license
    • B. Types of licenses (Broker only)
    • C. Eligibility for license (Broker only)
    • D. License renewal and reactivation
    • E. Change of employment
    • F. Exemption from licensure
    • G. Suspension and revocation
  • III. AGENCY AND DISCLOSURE (10 ITEMS)
    • A. Duties of licensees
    • B. Agency disclosures
    • C. Agency relationships
    • D. Compensation
  • IV. REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF LICENSEES (10 ITEMS)
    • A. Advertising
    • B. Broker/Salesperson relations
    • C. Prohibited conduct
  • V. MISCELLANEOUS (5 ITEMS)
    • A. Property disclosures
    • B. Documents, contracts, and forms
    • C. Pennsylvania Human Relations Action
    • D. Time-shares, planned communities, and condominiums
    • E. Rentals, leasing, and property management
  • VI. BROKERAGE MANAGEMENT (5 ITEMS)
    • A. Office requirements and inspections (Broker only)
    • B. Funds and accounts
Examination sources

Real Estate National/General Examination for Brokers

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
National/general portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations, scored separately from the state portion; every item is classified as knowledge, application or analysis; candidates who fail retake only the portion they failed
Exam questions
80 scored items plus 5 unscored pretest items
Examination outline
  • I. REAL PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS, LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS, AND PROPERTY USE (BROKER 10 of 80 scored items; 2 KNOWLEDGE, 5 APPLICATION, 3 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Real property vs. personal property (3 Items): 1. Fixtures, trade fixtures, emblements; 2. Attachment, severance, and bill of sale
    • B. Characteristics of real property (2 Items): 1. Economic characteristics — a. Scarcity; b. Modification / Improvement; c. Permanence of Investment / Fixity; d. Area Preference / Situs; 2. Physical characteristics — a. Immobility; b. Indestructibility; c. Non-homogeneity / Uniqueness
    • C. Legal descriptions (2 Items): 1. Methods used to describe real property; 2. Survey
    • D. Public and private land use controls – encumbrances (3 Items): 1. Public controls – governmental powers — a. Police power, eminent domain, taxation, escheat; b. Zoning ordinances; 2. Private controls, restrictions, and encroachments — a. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), HOAs; b. Easements; c. Licenses and encroachments
  • II. FORMS OF OWNERSHIP, TRANSFER, AND RECORDING OF TITLE (BROKER 8 of 80 scored items; 2 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 3 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Ownership, estates, rights, and interests (4 Items): 1. Forms of ownership; 2. Freehold estate — a. Fee simple absolute; b. Fee simple defeasible, determinable, and condition subsequent; c. Life estate; d. Bundle of rights; 3. Leasehold estates and types of leases — a. Estate for years and from period to period (periodic estate); b. Estate at will and estate at sufferance; c. Gross, net, percentage leases, and etc.; 4. Liens and lien priority; 5. Air surface and sub-surface rights
    • B. Deed, title, transfer of title, and recording of title (4 Items): 1. Elements of a valid deed; 2. Types of deeds; 3. Title transfer — a. Voluntary alienation; b. Involuntary alienation; 4. Recording the title — a. Constructive and actual notice; b. Title abstract and chain of title; c. Marketable title and cloud on title; d. Attorney title opinion, quiet title lawsuit, and title insurance
  • III. PROPERTY VALUE AND APPRAISAL (BROKER 10 of 80 scored items; 2 KNOWLEDGE, 4 APPLICATION, 4 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Concept of value (3 Items): 1. Market value vs. market price; 2. Characteristics of value; 3. Principles of value
    • B. Appraisal process (3 Items): 1. Purpose and steps to an appraisal; 2. Federal oversight of the appraisal process
    • C. Methods of estimating value and Broker Price Opinions (BPO) (4 Items): 1. Sales comparison approach (market data); 2. Cost approach — a. Improvements and depreciation; b. Physical deterioration, functional, and economic obsolescence; c. Reproduction or replacement costs; 3. Income approach; 4. Gross rent and gross income multipliers; 5. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA); 6. Broker Price Opinion (BPO); 7. Assessed value and tax implications
  • IV. REAL ESTATE CONTRACTS AND AGENCY (BROKER 15 of 80 scored items; 3 KNOWLEDGE, 6 APPLICATION, 6 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Types of contracts (2 Items): 1. Express vs. implied; 2. Unilateral vs. bilateral
    • B. Required elements of a valid contract (3 Items): 1. Voluntary; 2. Agreement / Promise; 3. Legally competent parties; 4. Lawful consideration; 5. Legal act / Purpose
    • C. Contract performance (2 Items): 1. Executed vs. executory; 2. Valid vs. void; 3. Voidable vs. unenforceable; 4. Breach of contract, rescission, and termination; 5. Liquidated, punitive, or compensatory damages; 6. Electronic contracts and digital signatures; 7. Statute of Frauds; 8. Time is of the essence
    • D. Sales contract (2 Items): 1. Offer and counteroffer; 2. Earnest money and liquidated damages; 3. Equitable title; 4. Contingencies; 5. Disputes and breach of contract; 6. Option contract and installment sales contract
    • E. Types of agency and licensee-client relationships (2 Items)
    • F. Creation and termination of agency (2 Items)
    • G. Licensee obligations to parties of a transaction (2 Items)
  • V. REAL ESTATE PRACTICE (BROKER 12 of 80 scored items; 5 KNOWLEDGE, 5 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Responsibilities of broker (3 Items): 1. Practicing within scope of expertise; 2. Unauthorized practice of law
    • B. Brokerage agreements between the broker and principal (seller, buyer, landlord, or tenant) (3 Items): 1. Seller representation – Types of listing agreements — a. Exclusive right-to-sell and exclusive agency listing; b. Non-exclusive or open listing; c. Net listing (conflict of interest); d. Multiple listing service (MLS); 2. Buyer representation; 3. Property management agreement — a. Accounting for funds; b. Property maintenance; c. Leasing property; d. Collecting rents and security deposits; 4. Termination of agreements; 5. Services, fees, and compensation
    • C. Fair Housing (3 Items): 1. Equal opportunity in housing; 2. Protected classes; 3. Fair housing laws; 4. Illegal practices, enforcement, and penalties; 5. Prohibited advertising; 6. Housing and Urban Development (HUD); 7. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • D. Risk management (3 Items): 1. Supervision; 2. Compliance with federal regulations; including Privacy and Do Not Contact; 3. Vicarious liability; 4. Antitrust laws; 5. Fraud and misrepresentation; 6. Types of insurance — a. Errors and Omissions; b. General Liability
  • VI. PROPERTY DISCLOSURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (BROKER 9 of 80 scored items; 4 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Property conditions and environmental issues (5 Items): 1. Hazardous substances — a. Lead-based paint; b. Asbestos, radon, and mold; c. Groundwater contamination and underground storage tanks; d. Waste disposal sites and brownfields; e. Flood plains, flood zones, and flood insurance; 2. Clean Air and Water Acts; 3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — a. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); b. Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA); c. Environmental site assessments (including Phase I and II studies) and impact statements; d. Wetlands protection
    • B. Environmental and property disclosure obligations and liability (4 Items)
  • VII. FINANCING AND SETTLEMENT (BROKER 8 of 80 scored items; 3 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Financing concepts and components (2 Items): 1. Methods of financing — a. Mortgage financing – conventional and non-conventional loans; b. Seller financing – land contract/contract for deed; 2. Lien theory vs. title theory and deed of trust; 3. Sources of financing (primary and secondary mortgage markets, and seller financing); 4. Types of loans and loan programs; 5. Mortgage clauses
    • B. Lender Requirements (2 Items): 1. FHA requirements; 2. VA requirements; 3. USDA loan requirements and rural development financing; 4. Conventional requirements; 5. Buyer qualification and Loan to Value (LTV); 6. Hazard and flood insurance; 7. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) and mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
    • C. Federal Financing Regulations and Regulatory Bodies (2 Items): 1. Truth-in-Lending and Regulation Z; 2. TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID) — a. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB); b. Loan Estimate (LE); c. Closing Disclosure (CD); 3. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) — a. Referrals; b. Rebates; 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); 5. Mortgage fraud and predatory lending
    • D. Settlement and closing the transaction (2 Items)
  • VIII. REAL ESTATE MATH CALCULATIONS (BROKER 8 of 80 scored items; 3 APPLICATION, 5 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Property area calculations (1 Item): 1. Square footage; 2. Acreage total
    • B. Property valuation (2 Items): 1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA); 2. Net Operating Income (NOI); 3. Capitalization rate; 4. Gross rent multiplier; 5. Gross income multiplier; 6. Equity in property; 7. Establishing a listing price; 8. Assessed value and property taxes
    • C. Commission/compensation (1 Item)
    • D. Loan financing costs (1 Item): 1. Interest; 2. Loan to Value (LTV); 3. Fees; 4. Amortization, discount points, and prepayment penalties
    • E. Settlement and closing costs (1 item): 1. Purchase price and down payment; 2. Monthly mortgage calculations- principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI); 3. Net to the seller; 4. Cost to the buyer; 5. Prorated items; 6. Debits and credits; 7. Transfer tax and recording fee
    • F. Investment (1 Item): 1. Return on investment; 2. Appreciation; 3. Depreciation; 4. Tax implications on investment
    • G. Property management calculations (1 Item): 1. Property management and budget calculations; 2. Tenancy and rental calculations
Examination sources