Thinking about a career in real estate and wondering whether to pursue your license in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions we get at Garden State Real Estate Academy—and for good reason.
Both states offer fantastic opportunities for real estate agents, but the licensing process, exam structure, and education requirements are not identical. If you live near the state line or plan to work in both markets eventually, understanding the key differences between a Pennsylvania real estate license and a NJ real estate license can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Let’s walk through it together—plain English, step-by-step (no legalese, we promise!).
1. Pre-Licensing Course Requirements: How Many Hours and What You’ll Learn
Before you can even think about taking the licensing exam, both states want to make sure you understand the basic laws, principles, and math involved in real estate transactions.
New Jersey (NJ Real Estate License)
- Requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education.
- You must attend a licensed New Jersey real estate school like ours (shameless plug—but we are one of the top-rated schools in the state!).
- The course includes topics like:
- Real estate law
- Fair housing
- Contracts
- NJ-specific rules and disclosures
- Ethics and agency relationships
Once you finish the 75 hours, you’ll receive a course completion certificate, which qualifies you to schedule the state exam.
Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Real Estate License)
- Also requires 75 hours, but split into two separate courses:
- Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hours)
Both courses must be passed individually before you can schedule your exam. That means more quizzes, more paperwork, and more to keep track of—but hey, if you’re organized and focused, you’ll do great.
2. Age, Education & Eligibility: Can You Apply?
New Jersey
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
Pennsylvania
- Also requires you to be 18+
- Also needs a high school diploma or equivalent
No big surprises here. As long as you meet the age and education criteria, you’re good to go.
3. The State Licensing Exam: What’s the Test Like?
NJ Exam
- 110 multiple-choice questions
- A mix of national real estate knowledge and New Jersey-specific laws
- Must score at least 70% to pass
The exam is proctored by PSI, and you can take it online or in-person.
PA Exam
- Also proctored by PSI
- Divided into two separate sections:
- National portion: 80 questions
- Pennsylvania portion: 30 questions
- You must score at least 75% on each section
That means you could ace one part and still have to retake the other. Not fun—but completely manageable if you’re well-prepared.
Tip: Don’t cram the night before. Our exam prep classes teach students how to think like the exam writers—and that can make all the difference
4. Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Here’s a step that trips people up if they don’t plan ahead.
New Jersey
- Fingerprinting is done after your pre-licensing course but before you apply for the license.
- Must complete a criminal background check through IdentoGO.
- You have 1 year from course completion to pass the exam and apply for your license.
Pennsylvania
- Requires fingerprinting and background checks BEFORE you’re allowed to schedule the exam.
- Done through IdentoGO, just like NJ.
- Be sure to register with PALS, the Pennsylvania online application system, before moving forward.
5. Broker Sponsorship: Do You Need One?
Let’s talk about sponsors—and no, we’re not talking about NASCAR.
In NJ:
- You must be sponsored by a licensed New Jersey broker before you can become a licensed salesperson.
- This means choosing the right brokerage is a big part of your early real estate journey.
In PA:
- You can actually take the exam without a broker, but you can’t activate your license until you have one.
- This gives you a little more wiggle room to “shop around” after the exam.
At Garden State, we offer broker introductions, resume tips, and interview prep for students who want help finding a good fit.
6. License Reciprocity & Working Across State Lines
If you’re thinking long-term (and you should be), this is a big deal.
Pennsylvania
- Offers license reciprocity with several states, including:
- New York
- Maryland
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- This means if you’re licensed in those states, you can often skip the full course and just take the exam—or sometimes even waive the exam entirely!
New Jersey
- Does not offer formal reciprocity with any state.
- However, if you’re already licensed elsewhere, you may qualify for education waivers or alternative pathways to licensure.
This is why we always say: Don’t guess—ask us. We help hundreds of out-of-state agents navigate the process each year.
7. Continuing Education and Long-Term Requirements
Getting licensed is only the beginning. Both states require ongoing education to renew your license.
NJ:
- Must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years
- Includes 6 hours of core topics like ethics and fair housing
PA:
- Requires 14 hours of CE every two years
- At least 7 of those hours must be in mandatory topics
At Garden State Real Estate Academy, we offer online CE classes that fit your schedule and make staying licensed painless.
Which State Should You Choose?
Both licenses open the door to an exciting, flexible, and rewarding career in real estate. But your ideal path may depend on:
- Where you live (or want to work)
- Whether you already hold a license in another state
- How soon you want to get started
- Whether you plan to work across state lines in the future
If you’re still unsure, our admissions team is happy to talk you through the pros and cons. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Why Choose Garden State Real Estate Academy?
Whether you’re pursuing a Pennsylvania real estate license or a NJ real estate license, we offer:
- Expert-led pre-licensing courses (online or in-person)
- Flexible schedules including weekends and evenings
- Live support from real estate pros who actually care
- State exam prep and test-taking strategies
- Broker connections and post-license guidance
Start Your Real Estate Journey with Confidence
Your real estate career starts with a strong foundation—and that begins with the right education. At Garden State Real Estate Academy, we’re committed to helping you pass your licensing exam and succeed long after you’ve earned your license. Whether you’re pursuing your first real estate license in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, or looking to grow your career with additional certifications and continuing education, our expert instructors and flexible course options are here to support you every step of the way.
Garden State Real Estate Academy offers live, online, and in-person classes taught by industry professionals who understand how to make real estate laws, math, and ethics not just understandable—but engaging. Ready to take the first step toward your future in real estate? Visit www.GSREA.com or call us at 609.923.0590 to explore our pre-licensing, exam prep, and CE training programs today!
