Free Pennsylvania Real Estate Practice Exam Questions 2024

You can make the Pennsylvania real estate market work for you by launching a career as a real estate agent. But first, you must get a real estate license. And before you get a license, you must pass the real estate exam.

Not many people pass the real estate exam on their first attempt. But with the right resources, you will increase your chances of success . This article will provide guidelines that will get you familiar with the test topics and formats so you can have every advantage moving forward.

Pennsylvania real estate laws and regulations

The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission oversees the state’s real estate industry. It enforces laws and regulations that will help guide your real estate career. The laws and regulations will also be covered in the real estate exam.

Many laws regulate the Pennsylvania real estate market. Here are a few to consider.

• Disclosure Agreements: Disclosure agreements require sellers to disclose information about the property to the buyer. They must be transparent when providing information on faulty systems, non-working smoke detectors, restrictions on deeds, foundational issues, appliance repairs, and more. Sellers may get fined if they fail to share this information. The deal could also fall through.
• Landlord and Tenant Laws: Landlord and tenant laws apply to every aspect of the tenant and landlord relationship. They include rent amounts, lease agreements, security deposits, repair and maintenance, evictions, and more.
• Adverse Possession: Also known as squatter’s rights, adverse possession awards ownership of a home to anyone who lives in and maintains a property for a certain number of years . In Pennsylvania, a person can take over a property after 21 years of residence and maintenance. Other rules apply. For example, an individual must show public use of the land. They must also possess the land for a continuous period.
• Homestead Laws: Homestead laws allow homeowners to declare their land as a homestead. Doing so can safeguard their equity in the home and protect them from foreclosure. Pennsylvania’s homestead laws allow a $300 exemption for properties owned by married couples. Square footage, market value, and acreage will also be considered.
• Contract Laws: There are several contracts involved in a real estate transaction. Contract laws ensure the documents are accepted by both parties. They must also contain details regarding offers, counteroffers, offer acceptance, earnest money, and price. The necessary deadlines must also be met.
• Basic Home Insurance: The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan offers insurance to homeowners in high-risk areas , such as those that are prone to crime and natural disasters, and need major repairs. It is a shared market plan. Homeowners may need to fulfill requirements to qualify.
• Statute of Limitations: The Statute of Limitations regulates how long a person has to file a claim for a crime that was committed. Pennsylvania imposes a two-year limit on most property-related crimes such as fraud, trespassing, and injury to personal property.

What’s on the Pennsylvania real estate exam?

The Pennsylvania real estate exam consists of several topics. You must become familiar with these topics to pass the e xam.

The exam includes national topics that refer to general real estate, and state topics that are specific to Pennsylvania. Here’s what you can expect.

National

• Real Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions, and Property Use: Real property refers to any type of real estate. This topic will cover the characteristics of real property, legal descriptions that describe real property, and how the property can be used . It regulates the functions and activities that take place on a property on a temporary and ongoing basis.
• Forms of Ownership, Transfer, and Recording of Title: There are various types of real estate ownership including sole ownership, joint tenancy, partnerships, and more. Applicants must understand the various forms of ownership. They must also understand how ownership is transferred through the title.
• Property Value and Appraisal: Several factors affect property value including interest rates, the home’s condition, the neighborhood, and the state of the market. Agents must understand how property is valued through the appraisal process.
• Real Estate Contracts and Agency: There are several contracts involved in the real estate process including lease agreements, purchase agreements, and deed contracts. Applicants must understand what these contracts mean and the information they contain. They should also understand real estate agency which determines how a agent represents a client.
• Real Estate Practice: Real estate practice means engaging in conduct that requires a real estate license.
• Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues: Property disclosures refer to the information a seller must disclose to a buyer regarding the condition of a home. Environmental issues include asbestos, lead paint, mold, pollution, radon, lead , and other issues that can affect a home’s environment.
• Financing and Settlement: Most people buy a home through financing. They will make a down payment and pay off the balance over the next few decades. The settlement is the final stage of the home transaction . It is when the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.
• Real Estate Math Calculations: Agents must know common real estate calculations including loan-to-value ratio, down payment amounts, and cap rates. Applicants will typically be required to perform calculations on the real estate exam.

State

• Real Estate Commission: Agents must understand how the Real Estate Commission works and how it regulates activity in the industry.
• Licensure: Applicants must understand how to obtain and maintain a real estate license.
• Regulation of the Conduct of Licensees: Agents must follow a code of ethics to maintain their license. Unethical conduct includes fraudulent misrepresentation, dual agency without disclosure, and misrepresentation or concealment of property flaws. Applicants should be familiar with proper agent behavior.

Pennsylvania real estate exam FAQs?

At this point, you should have a solid grasp of real estate topics, laws, and regulations. However, you may still have questions regarding the test format, what you need to take the test, and license requirements. This section will provide the answers you require.

1. How long is the real estate exam?

The real estate exam consists of 120 questions , 80 on the national portion and 40 on the state portion. You have two hours to complete the national portion of the test, and one hour to complete the state portion.

2. What is the passing score?

You must get a score of 75% to pass the test.

3. How many hours of pre-licensing education do I need before I can take the exam?

You need 75 hours of pre-license education before you can take the exam.

4. Will my college degree count toward my pre-license requirement?

Yes, if you majored in real estate, you can apply your college credits to your pre-license education credits.

5. How much does it cost to take the real estate exam?

You must pay a $49 fee to take the real estate exam.

6. How do I apply to take the real estate exam?

You can apply to take the real estate exam through the Pearson Vue website. Go to Clarus to start your application. Once, it’s completed, submit it through Pearson along with your pre-licensing course certification and the test fee.

You can also schedule by phone at 888-511-5352.

7. Where can I take the real estate exam?

Pennsylvania testing facilities are located in:

• Allentown
• Altoona
• Erie
• Harrisburg
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh (East)
• Pittsburgh (West)
• State College

8. When should I show up for the real estate exam?

Arrive 30 minutes before your exam is set to begin to give yourself extra time for sign-in, identification, and familiarizing yourself with the exam process. If you show up late, you may not be admitted to the examination site and you will forfeit your fee.

Your picture will be taken upon sign-in and it will be included in your score report. If you do not want your picture taken, notify Pearson Vue at least two weeks before your exam date.

9. What should I bring to the exam?

You must bring two forms of identification to the exam , a government-issued ID and a second ID with your signature and pre-printed legal name. Your identification must match your exam registration form, registration confirmation notice, and completed course certificates.

10. When will I get my test score?

You will get your test score immediately after you finish your exam . If you pass the exam, you will just get a pass notification. If you fail the exam, you will get a diagnostic report that shows your strengths and weaknesses.

11. What if I fail the exam?

If you fail the Pennsylvania real estate exam, you can retake it as often as you like . Your education course will cover you for five years. If you do not pass the exam within five years, you must retake the course.

You cannot retake the exam on the same day as your failed exam. You must schedule a new exam date on the Pearson Vue website. You must pay the fee each time you retake the exam.

12. I passed the exam. Now what?

After you pass the exam, you must choose a sponsoring broker and complete the online salesperson application. The application must be completed within three years of passing the exam. You must submit it to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission along with proof that you passed the test.

You must also receive a criminal record check through the PATCH website . The results and a $107 application fee must be submitted with your application. Your sponsoring broker must also complete their section of the application.

Once your license is approved, the commission will mail a copy of your license to your sponsoring broker’s office within 7-10 business days.

13. What can I do to increase my chances of passing the real estate exam?

• Study real estate vocabulary: Real estate vocabulary will be included in the test. Make sure to get familiar with key terms and phrases .
• Practice real estate math: The test will contain math calculations. You will be required to figure them out on-site. Learn how to determine each solution. Bring a calculator to minimize miscalculations.
• Answer every question: You will not get penalized for wrong answers. Answer every question on the test , even if you have to guess.
• Eliminate wrong answers: If you are unsure of an answer, start by eliminating answers you know are incorrect. Work your way backward to find the right answer.
• Utilize exam prep material: Most real estate courses will provide exam prep material that helps familiarize you with the topics and the test format. Take advantage of these materials. If your course doesn’t provide them, try to attain them from another source.

14. What should I look for in a real estate school?

Your real estate school will be a major factor in whether you pass or fail the real estate exam. If you choose the right school, you will receive the prep you need to pass the test. Choose the wrong school, and you may deal with non-engaging coursework, unknowledgeable instructors, and other elements that impede your ability to succeed.

So what should you look for in a real estate school? Here are a few suggestions.

• Knowledgeable Instructors: The courses should be taught by knowledgeable instructors who teach engagingly.
• Online reviews: Look at online review s to determine the type of experience the school offers.
• Course Features: Your school should offer the courses you need as well as exam prep courses that get you prepared for the test.
• Pass Rate: The school’s pass rate will give you an indication of how well it can prepare you for the exam.
• Real estate division approval: The school must be approved by the Real Estate Commission to ensure you are qualified to take the exam.

Pennsylvania is a great state to launch a real estate career. But before you get your license, you must pass the real estate exam. The exam is not easy, but the tips in this article will prepare you by reviewing the topics and giving you the information you need to register for the test and get your license.

Good luck reaching your career goals.

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the Agent Advice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International.

Last Updated: 6/11/2024