Real estate
pre-licensing course
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How to get your real estate license in PA
If you’re an avid watcher of HGTV or follow any of the career TikTok accounts, you’re probably well-aware of how lucrative a real estate career can be. You can earn a significant income selling real estate and have more freedom and flexibility than a traditional 9 to 5 job. The question that many of you may be wondering is: How do I even get started? If you’ve ever considered getting your real estate license and you happen to live in Pennsylvania, we have the answers you’ve been looking for.
Why You Need a Real Estate License in PA
If you’ve ever considered a real estate career, you’re probably already aware that all 50 states and Canadian provinces regulate the real estate industry and require salespeople to be licensed. To be compensated for bringing a buyer and seller together, you must Become Real Estate Agent in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth of PA sets the requirements of obtaining a real estate license. They include an education requirement followed by successful completion of an exam.
What Are the Requirements To Get a Real Estate License in PA?
The requirements to qualify for a real estate license are pretty straightforward.
You must be at least 18 years old, (you can Begin your classes before you are eligible for a license; that way, as soon as you hit the age and meet the education, you are ready to go!
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 75 hours of instruction at an approved education provider.
Pass the state exam
THE TWO CLASSES
Real Estate Fundamentals
30 HOURS
Real Estate Fundamentals is the first class required to obtain a real estate license in PA. This fundamentals class goes over the real estate basics, such as law, contracts, and the definition of real estate. You must pass an exit exam to get credit. There is also an attendance requirement of 80%, although you should aim for 100% to avoid missing anything.
Real Estate Practice
45 HOURS
Real Estate Practice is the second of the two courses in the series. It covers the business side of real estate, including state laws, financing, and running the business. There is also an exit exam and an attendance requirement similar to the fundamentals course. Each class is graded, including attendance, but you do not have to take both classes consecutively. As a matter of fact, you do not even have to take them at the same school. Once you receive credit for completing one course, you can transfer it to another school and finish your education there.
THE STATE EXAM
Real Estate Fundamentals
Once you complete both classes with a passing score, you will receive a transcript and finally be eligible to sign up for the STATE exam. Before taking the exam, you must log onto the Pearson VUE website for instructions on proving your eligibility. Once your eligibility is approved, then, you may schedule your exam.
The STATE exam is comprised of two parts: The National with 80 questions and the State with 40 questions. Each portion is graded separately, and you must pass both parts of the exam. Don’t worry though, if you fail one part, you can go back and retake it. The current cost for the exam is $49, but make sure to check with Pearson VUE for the most up-to-date information and pricing.
Once you pass the STATE exam, you are eligible for a real estate license in Pennsylvania. In the State of Pennsylvania, you must hang your license with an employing broker. You should begin your employment search while still in real estate school so that you are ready as soon as you pass your exam. In PA, you are additionally required to renew your license every two years on May 31 of the even-numbered years. You must complete a 14-hour continuing education requirement each cycle to complete the renewal.
REAL ESTATE CLASS OPTIONS
Self-Paced Online
Online real estate classes are usually the least expensive option and offer the most flexibility. Still, the information is delivered flatly, usually with slides and a voice-over. Most students lose attention quickly and report that they didn’t learn what they felt like they needed to pass the exam and be prepared for a thriving career in real estate.
In-Person
The infamous traditional type of class, in-person classes are led by an instructor and have their pros and cons. In-person courses are not only reported to be the most effective learning method, but they also offer the benefit of networking in the classroom. If you don’t understand a topic, ask the instructor or classmate. The downside of in-person real estate classes is the cost and the fixed schedule. If timing or budget is a concern, you might benefit from one of the online or hybrid options.
Remote
Due to COVID-19, the State of Pennsylvania now allows remote learning, such as an instructor-led course, over a platform such as Zoom. This hybrid form of learning is a good option if you are far from your instructor or need to isolate yourself due to COVID-19 concerns. Although not quite as effective as in-person, this can be the next best option for a more interactive learning experience.
Cost of Class
The cost of real estate class in PA varies significantly between the different schools and courses offered. At the time of writing this article, the fees have ranged from $149 to $795. The fee for both classes at JBREA is currently $555.
Although the cost might be an essential factor, this fee should be considered an investment in your education and future earning potential. Choose your education based on quality and desire rather than cost alone. At JBREA we recognize the importance of a quality real estate education and want to lower entry barriers. That is why we are proudly offering a payment plan option.
GET YOUR PA REAL ESTATE LICENSE
Now that you know the steps of obtaining your real estate license in PA, are you ready to take your future into your own hands and become a licensed real estate agent?
