How to Pass the Philadelphia Real Estate Exam: A Practical Guide

Preparing to pass the Philadelphia real estate exam can be stressful, but with a focused plan, you can get all the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed. 

This guide gives you a practical, step-by-step approach tailored to Philadelphia’s licensing landscape. You’ll learn how to study efficiently, understand the exam format and scoring, and put into practice reliable practice resources. 

Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or retooling your prep, this post lays out easy-to-follow steps, concrete timelines, and tested strategies so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to measure your progress. By the end, you’ll have a clear study plan, a set of ready-to-use resources, and a realistic timeline to pass the real estate exam in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Real Estate Licensing Requirements You Must Meet

Before you can schedule the exam, you need to confirm that you meet the real estate licensing requirements in Philadelphia. According to the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors, Pennsylvania requires:

• 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education (mandatory for all first-time candidates).
  
• A high school diploma or GED (minimum education requirement).
  
• A criminal background check and disclosure of any prior disciplinary actions.
  
• A sponsoring broker will activate your license after passing the test.

Once your education is completed, your school will supply your candidate ID so you can apply for the Philadelphia real estate exam through PSI and select your preferred testing date.

Know the Philadelphia Real Estate Exam Format

Did you know that only 61% of the test-takers pass the national portion and just 46% pass the state-specific section of the exam on their first attempt? It’s safe to say then that passing the Philadelphia real estate exam is challenging, but it’s not impossible. Knowing how the format is structured can help you study more efficiently:

• 120 multiple-choice questions on the Pennsylvania state licensing exam. 
• Time limit: 3.5 hours (210 minutes). 
• Passing score: 75% — that’s 90 correct answers out of 120. 

The exam is tough, yes,but smart preparation makes it manageable. Now that you know the format, build a study plan with timed practice, focused drills on weak areas, and pacing exercises. Combining targeted study with realistic mock exams will greatly improve your chances on test day.

Understand the Exam Topics: National vs. Pennsylvania-Specific

To study for the real estate exam in Philadelphia, it’s best to break the content into two categories:

National Topics:

• Property ownership
  
• Contracts and agency
  
• Land use controls and environmental issues
  
• Financing and settlement procedures
  
• Real estate math for the Philadelphia exam

Pennsylvania-Specific Topics:

• PA Real Estate Commission rules
  
• Trust account requirements
  
• Licensing duties and prohibited acts
  
• Advertising guidelines
  
• Disclosures required under Pennsylvania law

Tip: Spend 60–70% of your study time on national concepts. Dedicate 30–40% to state laws—they’re shorter but extremely detail-heavy.

This structure reflects the actual weighting of the exam and ensures balanced preparation.

Best Study Strategies for Passing the Exam

To pass the Philadelphia real estate exam fast, use active study techniques instead of reading passively. Here’s how to maximize retention:

• Teach the material aloud: If you can explain agency relationships clearly, you understand them.
  
• Use mixed practice: Rotate between national questions, PA law questions, and real estate math.
  
• Study in short cycles: Forty-minute blocks with short breaks help maintain sharp focus.
  
• Use exam-style wording: PSI uses specific phrasing—get used to it early.
  
• Apply concepts to real examples: It makes rules easier to remember under pressure.

These methods help build long-term retention and reduce stress when you step into the testing center.

Practice & Mock Tests — The Key to Passing

No study method predicts success better than taking Philadelphia real estate practice tests. Mock exams show you how questions are structured, reveal weak areas, and help you learn important test-taking strategies for Philadelphia real estate exam success.

Use Practice Tests Effectively:

• Simulate exam conditions: Use a timer and eliminate distractions.
  
• Analyze every mistake: Write down what rule or law you misinterpreted.
  
• Retake tests: Repeating a mock after reviewing errors strengthens memory.
  
• Prioritize math practice: Commissions, taxes, prorations, and interest calculations appear frequently.

Pro Resource:

Use Lexawise’s Pennsylvania real estate exam prep, which includes:

• Pennsylvania-specific practice questions
• Over 4,500 practice questions covering every major exam topic 
• Smart analytics that track your performance and progress over time 
• Step-by-step Real Estate Math guide for easy, reliable problem solving 
• Unlimited timed practice exams to build confidence and test stamina 
• Downloadable Real Estate Exam Study Guide PDF for study anywhere, anytime 
• 818 flashcards to help you master essential exam terms 
• Complete real estate glossary for fast lookup of any term 
• 24/7 AI tutor ready to answer your questions instantly 
• Video lessons that visually explain complex concepts 
• 100 audio lessons for hands-free review on the go

This features combo ensures your practice aligns with the actual exam, increasing your chances of passing.

Create a Study Plan That Matches Your Schedule

You don’t need endless hours—you need the best study plan for the Philadelphia real estate exam based on your availability.

2 Weeks—Fast Track

Ideal if you want to pass fast.

• Study 4–5 hours daily
  
• Complete one full mock exam every three days
  
• Prioritize high-weight topics

4 Weeks—Standard Schedule

Perfect for most candidates.

• Study 1.5–2 hours per day
  
• Week 1: National basics
  
• Week 2: Contracts + math
  
• Week 3: PA law
  
• Week 4: Practice exams & review

6 Weeks—Flexible Plan

Great for working students.

• Take two full mocks in the final week

• Study 45 minutes daily + weekend review

• Slowly rotate all topics

A structured timeline ensures consistent progress without burnout and helps you balance study, rest, and review to steadily reach your goals.

Test-Day Tips for Staying Calm and Focused

On the day of your exam:

• Arrive early: Give yourself at least 30 minutes.
  
• Bring required IDs: PSI requires two valid forms.
  
• Use time management: About 1 minute per question is ideal.
  
• Skip and return: Don’t get stuck—mark tough questions and revisit them.
  
• Stay grounded: Slow breathing and steady pacing help reduce anxiety.
  

Good preparation makes test day feel predictable—not stressful

After You Pass — Next Steps for Your Philadelphia Real Estate Career

Passing the exam is the final requirement before your career officially begins.

• Submit your application to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
  
• Choose a sponsoring broker that supports training and new agents.
  
• Complete post-licensing education as required in Pennsylvania.
  
• Start practicing: Join a brokerage that offers mentorship, tools, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Your success continues long after exam day, shaping your career growth, client relationships, and professional reputation.

Conclusion

Passing the Philadelphia real estate exam becomes far easier when you understand the test format, follow a structured study plan, and rely on high-quality practice tests that mirror the real exam. 

By combining smart strategies with consistent review—especially on Pennsylvania-specific law and real estate math—you’ll build the confidence needed to walk into the testing center fully prepared. 

Use the right tools, stay organized, and commit to steady progress. With the right approach, earning your Philadelphia real estate license is completely within reach.