Realtor vs. real estate license
These two terms get used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they mean different things.
The difference between a realtor and a real estate license
REALTOR® is a trademarked membership title used by members of a national trade association. It is separate from, and does not substitute for, the Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license issued by the State Real Estate Commission. Someone can hold a PA real estate license without being a REALTOR®, and the reverse is not possible — REALTOR® membership requires an underlying active real estate license plus association membership.
What you actually need to practice in PA
To legally practice real estate in Pennsylvania, you need the state-issued salesperson license, which requires the 75-hour education, the Pearson VUE exam, an employing broker, a CHRC background check, and a PALS application. See how to get a real estate license in PA to start that path. REALTOR® membership, if you choose to pursue it later, is a separate, optional step on top of an active license.