Best Online Real Estate Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
Compare 8 Pennsylvania PREC-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 • Verified by CertLaunch Research Team
Course Cost
$149 – $627
Time to License
4 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$54,300/yr
Required Hours
75 hours
Top 3 Pennsylvania Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best value. Audio-based, self-paced 75-hour course.
$119
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. AceableAgent
Top-rated interactive platform with mobile app and AI tutor.
$299
3. The CE Shop
Interactive LEAP platform with high pass rates and pass guarantee.
$389
Best Real Estate Schools in Pennsylvania
All 11 schools are Pennsylvania SREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$149
$119
- Audio-based course
- State exam study guide available
- Flexible schedule
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 75-hour pre-license course
- Audio lessons
- Infographics
Perry Real Estate College
Starting at
$129
- Affordable pricing
- Payment plans available
- Shop Pay at checkout
Available Packages (1)
Pennsylvania Pre-License
- 75-hour pre-license course
- Fundamentals + Practice
AceableAgent
Top RatedStarting at
$299
- Fortune's #1 rated
- Interactive mobile app
- AI virtual instructor
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 75-hour course
- 1,000+ practice questions
- Study guides
The CE Shop
Starting at
$389
- 96% satisfaction rate
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 75-hour pre-license course
- E-books
- Career resources
- Digital flashcards
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$389
- Livestream options
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- Audio lessons available
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 75-hour course
- Instructor support
- Study guides
- Audio lessons
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$429
- National brand
- Live Online Learning Hub
- Interactive study groups
Available Packages (2)
PA Exam Prep Package
- 75-hour course
- Live Online Learning Hub
- Exam prep
- Student Community
Academy of Real Estate Careers
Starting at
$450
- Pittsburgh area
- 12-month retake policy
- Evening classes
Available Packages (1)
75-Hour Pre-License Course
- 75 hours total
- Books & study materials included
- 12-month class retake policy
Polley Associates
Local ExpertStarting at
$495
- 50+ years in PA
- 23 campus locations
- High referral rate
Available Packages (2)
Pre-License Package
- 75-hour course (Fundamentals + Practice)
- Textbook included
Philadelphia Real Estate Classes
Starting at
$499
- Philadelphia metro focus
- Live instruction
- Weekend classes available
Available Packages (1)
75-Hour Pre-License Course
- Live instruction classes
- Fundamentals + Practice courses
Real Estate Academy of Bucks County
Starting at
$550
- Instructor-led Zoom
- Evening classes
- Local PA school
Available Packages (1)
Total (Fundamentals + Practice)
- 75 hours total
- 8 Fundamentals sessions
- 12 Practice sessions
- Live instruction
Temple University Real Estate Institute
Starting at
$570
- Temple University brand
- Early bird discounts
- Classroom & online options
Available Packages (2)
Both Courses (Early Bird)
- 30-hour Fundamentals
- 45-hour Practice
- Early bird pricing
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Pennsylvania?
Average Annual Income
$48,000 – $70,000
Based on Pennsylvania market data
Top Earners
$100,000 – $200,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Pennsylvania real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $286,000 home (PA median), that's approximately $7,150–$8,580 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $5,005–$6,006. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $30,000–$48,000.
Top-Earning Pennsylvania Markets
Is a Pennsylvania Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Affordable Entry: Total licensing costs under $500 — among the lowest in the Northeast.
- + Diverse Markets: From Philadelphia luxury to Pittsburgh suburbs to rural farmland — many niches available.
- + Strong Demand: Pennsylvania is the 5th most populated state with steady housing demand.
👎 Cons
- - Tough State Section: Only ~46% pass rate on the PA-specific portion of the exam.
- - Transfer Tax: Pennsylvania has a 2% real estate transfer tax that can complicate negotiations.
- - Commission-Only: No guaranteed income — typical for the industry but still a risk for new agents.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Pennsylvania
Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC)-approved 75-hour pre-license course covering Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours). Courses can be completed online or in-person.
Pass the Course Final Exam
You must pass the final exam for each course module. Upon passing, your school will issue a Certificate of Completion required to schedule the state licensing exam.
Schedule and Pass the State Licensing Exam
Register with Pearson VUE and pay the $49 exam fee. The exam has 120 questions (80 national + 40 state-specific) and you need 75% on both sections to pass.
Complete a Background Check
Submit fingerprints and pay the $22 background check fee. Pennsylvania requires a criminal history check through the Pennsylvania State Police.
Apply for Your Salesperson License
Submit your license application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission with the $107 fee (includes $72 license fee, $25 application fee, and $10 recovery fund fee).
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Pennsylvania requires all new salespersons to work under a licensed real estate broker. Your license cannot be activated until a broker sponsors you.
Pennsylvania Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a US Social Security number
- No college degree required
- Must pass a criminal background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 75 hours of PREC-approved pre-license education
- Pass school final exam for each course module
- Pass Pennsylvania state licensing exam
- Exam administered by Pearson VUE
Pennsylvania Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Pennsylvania real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course | $149 – $627 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $49 – $49 | Pearson VUE |
| License Application | $107 – $107 | PA Real Estate Commission |
| Background Check | $22 – $22 | PA State Police |
| Fingerprinting | Included – Included | Included in background check fee |
| Estimated Total | $327 – $805+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch |
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 75% (both sections)
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $49
Exam Topics
- Real estate principles and practices
- Pennsylvania real estate law
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property ownership and land use
- Real estate math and calculations
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Pennsylvania state-specific section has a lower pass rate (~46%) than the national section (~61%). Focus extra study time on PA real estate law and Commission regulations. Schools like RealEstateU and AceableAgent offer excellent exam prep tools to help you master these topics.
How Long Does It Take?
4–5 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
6–10 weeks
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
3–6 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering real estate careers beyond Pennsylvania? See how licensing requirements, costs, and timelines compare in nearby and popular states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?
Total costs range from $327 to $805+. This includes the pre-license course ($149–$627), state exam fee ($49), license application ($107), and background check ($22). Using CertLaunch discounts can significantly lower your course cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?
Most people complete the process in 4 to 12 weeks. Pennsylvania requires 75 hours of pre-license education, which you can complete at your own pace online. After finishing your coursework, you'll need to schedule and pass the state exam, then apply for your license.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete 75 hours of PREC-approved pre-license education, pass the state licensing exam, clear a background check, and find a sponsoring broker.
Is the Pennsylvania real estate exam hard?
The PA exam is moderately challenging, with roughly 64% of candidates passing on their first attempt. The state-specific section tends to be harder than the national portion. Schools that include exam prep packages can significantly boost your pass rate.
Can I take the Pennsylvania real estate course online?
Yes! Pennsylvania allows you to complete all 75 hours of pre-license education online through PREC-approved schools. Online courses let you study at your own pace from anywhere. Compare online schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit and price.
How much do real estate agents make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for real estate sales agents in Pennsylvania is approximately $54,300 according to BLS data. Top earners in markets like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can make $100,000 to $200,000+ per year.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Pennsylvania?
No, Pennsylvania does not require a college degree. You need a high school diploma or GED, plus completion of the 75-hour pre-license course. This makes real estate one of the most accessible career paths available.
What is the best real estate school in Pennsylvania?
The best school depends on your priorities — budget, study style, and timeline. CertLaunch compares all PREC-approved online schools side-by-side so you can find the right fit. Use exclusive CertLaunch discount codes to save on any school you choose.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate school in Pennsylvania?
Online courses offer flexibility and are often more affordable. In-person classes provide structured schedules and face-to-face interaction. Most Pennsylvania students choose online for convenience. Compare both options on CertLaunch to see pricing and features.
Can I get a real estate license in Pennsylvania with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission reviews each application individually, considering the nature and severity of offenses. You must disclose any criminal history on your application.