Requirements checklist
Pennsylvania Salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate or equivalent. They also need 75 hours / 5 credits of qualifying education; degree-based education alternatives may apply under current official rules.
Pennsylvania Salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate or equivalent. They generally complete 75 hours / 5 credits of qualifying education, although degree-based education alternatives may apply under current official rules.
Education requirements
Salesperson candidates need 75 hours (5 credits) of approved or accredited education, made up of Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours / 2 credits) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours / 3 credits). This education must be completed within 5 years before successful completion of the licensing exam. See the course guide for provider verification.
Exam requirements
Register with Pearson VUE and pass the Pennsylvania salesperson exam before applying for standard licensure. See the exam guide for portion structure and passing-threshold details, which should be verified in the current Pearson VUE candidate handbook.
Employing broker requirement
Pennsylvania requires an employing broker willing to supervise and train the applicant. You cannot submit a salesperson application without this in place.
Background check requirement
A Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) is required from every state where the applicant lived, worked, or completed professional training or studies during the past five years. The report must be dated within 180 days of application submission.
Application requirement
Applications are submitted through PALS once education, the exam, the employing broker, and the CHRC are all in place. See the application guide.
Clarus vs. PALS: Two Different Systems
Pennsylvania candidates deal with two separate systems, not one:
- Clarus / Pearson VUE handles salesperson exam-eligibility applications, education-document review for exam eligibility, authorization to schedule, and the exam itself.
- PALS handles the license application that follows after passing the required exam portion(s) — not exam registration.
Passing the exam does not create a license. It allows the applicant to move into the PALS license-application stage.
| Stage | System | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Exam eligibility | Clarus / Pearson VUE | Apply for National and/or PA State exam eligibility, get authorized, schedule |
| Exam | Pearson VUE | Take the required portion(s) at a test center or via OnVUE where currently offered |
| License application | PALS | Apply after passing, employing broker certifies, Commission reviews and issues |