Pennsylvania real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to pass
If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to pass the Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Pennsylvania-specific laws. This guide explains the Pennsylvania real estate exam format, passing score, scheduling process, exam-day requirements, and proven study strategies to help you prepare with confidence.
- Pennsylvania real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
- How hard is the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
- Pennsylvania real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Pennsylvania real estate exam
- Where can you take the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Pennsylvania real estate exam topics
- Practice questions for the Pennsylvania real estate exam
- FAQs
Pennsylvania real estate exam overview
The Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE and includes both national and Pennsylvania-specific content. You must complete your required pre-licensing education and receive exam authorization before scheduling the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 120 scored multiple-choice questions |
| National section | 80 scored questions |
| Pennsylvania state section | 40 scored questions |
| Time limit | National: 150 minutes State: 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 75% on each portion |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail score report |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator provided |
The exam also includes 5–10 unscored pretest questions on each portion that do not count toward your final score.
What is the passing score for the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
To pass the Pennsylvania real estate exam, you must score at least 75% on both the national and Pennsylvania-specific portions.
Important scoring details:
- The national and state sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions to qualify for licensure
- Results are available immediately after testing
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic score report by topic area
- Unanswered questions are counted incorrect
If you pass one portion and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section as long as you remain within your eligibility period.
How hard is the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
The Pennsylvania real estate exam is considered moderately challenging because it tests both national real estate concepts and detailed Pennsylvania-specific laws and regulations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Pennsylvania-specific questions are more detailed than expected
- Questions often include similar answer choices
- Scenario-based questions require application of concepts
- Time pressure can become a factor during the exam
What makes it challenging:
- Detailed state licensing law
- Agency and contract questions
- Real estate math calculations
- Long, application-based questions
Common reasons people fail:
- Focusing too heavily on memorization
- Not practicing enough exam-style questions
- Underestimating Pennsylvania-specific material
- Spending too much time on difficult questions
Best ways to pass:
- Take timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on Pennsylvania laws and disclosures
- Review explanations for missed questions
- Practice real estate math consistently
Pennsylvania real estate exam math questions
The Pennsylvania real estate exam includes math-related questions covering common real estate calculations.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Percentages
- Closing costs
- Property measurements
Candidates should also memorize common real estate measurements, including:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet in one mile
An on-screen calculator may be provided during the exam.
If a difficult math problem slows you down, skip it and return later to maximize your time.
How to schedule the Pennsylvania real estate exam
Before scheduling the Pennsylvania real estate exam, you must complete your required pre-licensing education and receive authorization to test.
Steps:
- Complete your Pennsylvania pre-licensing education
- Submit your exam eligibility application through Clarus
- Upload your course completion documents
- Wait for authorization approval email from Pearson VUE
- Schedule your exam online through Pearson VUE
- Choose a testing center or remote proctored option
- Pay the exam fee at the time of scheduling
- Receive your confirmation notice
You can also schedule by phone at 833-551-0235.
Candidates must schedule at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-in testing is not available.
Where can you take the Pennsylvania real estate exam?
You can take the Pennsylvania real estate exam at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Pennsylvania testing locations include:
- Allentown
- Altoona
- Erie
- Harrisburg
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh East
- Pittsburgh West
- State College
Pearson VUE also offers testing locations across the United States.
Can you take the Pennsylvania real estate exam online?
Yes. Pearson VUE offers remote online proctoring for the Pennsylvania real estate exam.
To test remotely, you will need:
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Webcam and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet, private testing environment
Remote testing includes live monitoring and identity verification throughout the exam.
Please note:
- Breaks are not allowed during remote exams
- Scratch paper is not permitted during remote testing
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Pennsylvania real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | Unlimited within eligibility period |
| Waiting period | Cannot retest the same day |
| Retake fee | Fee required for each attempt |
| Eligibility period | 5 years from first completed salesperson education course |
| Passing score validity | 3 years after passing |
If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed portion.
What to expect on exam day
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and could lose your exam fee.
What to bring:
- Two valid forms of identification
- One must be a government-issued photo ID with signature
- Your name must exactly match your Pearson VUE registration
Recommended items:
- Confirmation email or appointment number
Prohibited items:
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Study materials or notes
- Bags or purses
- Food or drinks
Testing rules:
- The exam is closed book
- Scratch paper and note materials are provided at testing centers
- All testing is monitored in person or through remote proctoring
- You must follow all Pearson VUE security procedures at all times
Getting your results:
After completing the exam, you’ll receive instructions for accessing your official score report through your Pearson VUE account.
Pennsylvania real estate exam topics
The Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam includes both national real estate concepts and Pennsylvania-specific laws and regulations.
National topics include:
- Real property and ownership rights
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property value and appraisal
- Real estate finance and mortgages
- Fair housing laws and regulations
- Property disclosures and environmental issues
- Settlement and closing procedures
- Real estate math calculations
Pennsylvania-specific topics include:
- Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission duties and powers
- Licensing requirements and regulations
- Agency relationships and disclosures
- Regulations governing licensee conduct
- Advertising and handling client funds
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
- Property disclosures and required documents
- Rentals, leasing, condominiums, and planned communities
Because the exam places strong emphasis on Pennsylvania-specific regulations, candidates should spend extra time reviewing state laws and disclosure requirements.
Practice questions for the Pennsylvania real estate exam
Question 1
A property has an appraised value of $250,000. The buyer obtains a loan with an 80% loan-to-value ratio. What is the down payment amount?
a) $50,000
b) $200,000
c) $20,000
d) $25,000
Answer: a) $50,000
Question 2
Which statement best describes joint tenancy?
a) Each tenant owns an undivided interest with right of survivorship
b) Each tenant owns a divided interest with right of survivorship
c) Each tenant owns an undivided interest without right of survivorship
d) Each tenant owns a divided interest without right of survivorship
Answer: a) Each tenant owns an undivided interest with right of survivorship
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Pennsylvania exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, realistic exam simulations, and proven study tools.
Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep separately and still access Colibri Real Estate’s industry-leading prep tools.
Colibri Real Estate offers three Pennsylvania exam prep options depending on how much support you want:
Exam Prep
A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes:
- Simulated exams
- Unlimited practice tests
- Flashcards
- Readiness tracking
- Audio review tools
Designed for students who want flexible, independent study support anytime, anywhere.
Exam Prep Live
Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus:
- Live instructor Q&A
- Exam Crammer Webinar Series
- Guided review sessions focused on key topics
Ideal for students who want additional instruction and live support while preparing for the exam.
Exam Prep Ultimate
Includes everything in Exam Prep Live, plus additional long-term support and required post-licensing education resources designed to help students build confidence beyond exam day.
Starting from scratch? All Colibri Real Estate pre-licensing packages include built-in exam prep tools plus access to Rubi, an AI-powered study assistant that helps answer questions as you learn.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
Colibri Real Estate stands behind its exam prep with a clear promise.
If you purchase a qualifying pre-licensing package or standalone exam prep program and don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, you may be eligible for a full refund.
Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works:
- Complete the exam prep program
- Pass at least three practice exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Take your state exam within 30 days of completing the exam prep program
- If you don’t pass, submit your results to request your refund
FAQs
In Pennsylvania, your passing real estate exam scores are valid for three years from the date you pass the first exam section. You must complete your license application within that three-year period or you will need to retake the exam.
Yes. Pennsylvania salespersons must work under a licensed broker before practicing real estate.
You only need to retake the portion you failed as long as both sections are completed within your eligibility period.y to PSI.
Yes. Pearson VUE offers remote online proctoring for eligible candidates.