How to get a real estate license in Massachusetts

Looking to for a career change in 2025? In this article, we’ll show you how to get a real estate license in Massachusetts, walking you through the steps you’ll need to take, the costs involved, and the best schools to help you prepare for the Massachusetts real estate exam. To begin, you’ll need to complete a 40-hour course at an approved Massachusetts real estate school.

To be eligible for a Massachusetts real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma
• Have a social security number

Quick Facts: Massachusetts real estate licensing

Massachusetts requires all prospective real estate professionals to complete 40 class hours at an approved school. Some of our favorite online real estate schools in Massachusetts include The CE Shop, Freedom Trail Realty and Colibri Real Estate. The Massachusetts real estate exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions and you’ll be given four hours to complete it. You’ll need a passing grade of 70% to get a real estate license in MA.

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How to get a real estate license in Massachusetts in 5 steps

Here’s the step-by-step process to get a real estate license career in Massachusetts. 

Step 1. Complete a 40-hour prelicensing course

Estimated cost: $200 to $600

Before you can sit for the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam, you must complete 40 hours of approved prelicensing education. Available online or in person, most approved Massachusetts real estate courses will teach you about the Commonwealth’s real estate law and provide the training you’ll need to the state licensing exam successfully. Pricing for prelicensing courses vary, but they generally cost between $200 and $600.

PRO TIP

Are you a member of the Massachusetts Bar? Attorneys in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar Association are exempt from taking a 40-hour course, but still must complete the application process outlined below. If you think you may qualify for an education exemption, visit the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Education Waiver.

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Step 2. Get three candidate endorsements 

After completing your 40 hours of coursework, you must obtain three endorsements from individuals unrelated to you. They don’t need to be Massachusetts residents, though they can’t be classmates from your real estate course.

Step 3. Submit your Massachusetts real estate license application

Cost: $85

It’s time to submit your application to sit the Massachusetts real estate exam, which is administered by PSI Services. You can register online by visiting PSI’s registration site. You’ll need to create an online account, complete a form and submit it with proof of your course completion, along with an $85 application fee. Your school will provide an educational certificate to prove you’ve completed the required coursework. You may also submit your application via email, phone or mail. For details on how to do so, visit this Mass.gov real estate licensing webpage.

Step 4. Pass the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam

Next, it’s time to pass the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam. The two-part exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have four hours to complete the exam.
You’ll need a passing grade of 70% or higher on the Massachusetts real estate exam to get licensed. See our FAQs section below to learn more about passing, failing, and retaking the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam.

If you wish to take the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam online, we recommend running the required computer compatibility check here at least 24 hours before the exam. You may also choose to take the exam in person at the locations listed below.

Exam locations

The Massachusetts real estate licensing exam can be taken in person at examination centers located in:
– Auburn
– Boston
– Fall River
– Lawrence
– West Springfield

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5. Pay the licensing fee to get your MA real estate license

If you take the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam online, you’ll be emailed instructions on completing the licensing process online with PSI Services. If you opt to take the exam in person, the great news is that you’ll get your Massachusetts real estate license as soon as you pass the exam at the testing center. Be prepared to pay the licensing fee using either a debit or credit card since they don’t accept cash. The licensing fee ranges from $103 to $150, plus a $12 processing fee.

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Massachusetts real estate schools: Our top picks

Your 40-hour real estate course should not only help you prepare for the state real estate exam, it should also set you up to succeed as a newly licensed agent in Massachusetts. Check out some of our top picks for Massachusetts real estate schools below.

Top Pick

Freedom Trail Realty

Best for career support

Freedom Trail is Massachusetts’ first board-certified online real estate school. Higher than average exam pass rates. Access to MA real estate job board & a broker recruitment program.

Starting at:

$229

Visit Freedom Trail Realty

Also Popular

The CE Shop

Best features & packages

Intuitive user dashboard. Streamlined navigation. 5-day free trial. A pass guarantee with packages that incl. Exam Prep Edge.

Starting at:

$131

Use HW30 to SAVE 30%

Also Popular

Colibri Real Estate

Best for course upgrades

Excellent student support, intuitive online platform, and package upgrades that feature instructor engagement, exam prep and career resources.

Starting at:

$141

Use HousingWire30 to SAVE 30%

How to get a real estate license in Massachusetts: FAQs

Now that you’ve learned how to get a real estate license in Massachusetts, you’re ready to launch a new career. Still not sure if real estate is right for you? Do you need more details about the licensing process? Below, we answer frequently asked questions for prospective and new real estate agents in Massachusetts.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?

While several variables contribute to how much it costs to get a real estate license in Massachusetts, you should expect to spend between $400 and $800. This includes:

• The prelicensing course, which can cost between $200 and $600
• The $85 exam registration fee
• A licensing fee that ranges from $103 to $150
• A $12 PSI licensing fee

How much money does a Massachusetts real estate agent earn?

When it comes to being a real estate agent in Massachusetts, incomes vary widely. According to Indeed, the average annual earnings for real estate agents in Massachusetts is $76,151, while Salary.com lists an agent’s average earnings as $51,036 (as of this writing).

Ultimately, your earnings are based on commissions, and they’ll depend on the commission split you negotiate with your brokerage, property values in your area, and the level of hustle you’re able to bring to the profession.

You best bet is to ask some new and experienced agents that you know and trust in your area what you can expect to earn.

We can help you hone your skills and learn to build a healthy pipeline of clients. Check out the helpful articles listed at the bottom of this article and start building up your client roster.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?

You can expect it to take about 6 weeks to get a real estate license in Massachusetts. However, the amount of time depends on how fast you finish the 40-hour pre-licensing course. To be safe, expect the process to take a couple months.

How hard is it to pass the Massachusetts real estate exam?

The Massachusetts real estate license exam for salespeople is a two-part exam that consists of 120 multiple choice questions. It’s broken out into two sections that cover Massachusetts law and general real estate knowledge. You’ll be given four hours to complete both sections of the exam.

While the exam is known for being challenging, people who have taken the 40-hour prelicensing course are sufficiently prepared to pass the exam with the necessary 70% passing grade.

If you want to level up and take the Massachusetts broker licensing exam, you can expect 115 multiple-choice questions and a four-hour exam.

What should I bring to the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam room?

You must bring two forms of valid, non-expired, signature-bearing ID to the exam. Otherwise, you’ll be denied admission.

• Primary identification with a photo can include any of these options:
• Government-issued driver’s license
•  U.S. Learner’s Permit (plastic card only with photo and signature)
•  National/State/Country Identification Card
•  government-issued Passport or Passport Card
• U.S. government-issued Military Identification Card
•  government-issued Military Identification Card for spouses and dependents
• U.S. government-issued Alien Registration Card (Green Card, Permanent Resident Visa)
• Secondary identification may include:
• Signed credit or debit Card Social Security Card

Please note: Be sure you bring the forms of ID mentioned above because a student or employment ID will not be accepted. If you don’t have the proper ID, or if the ID doesn’t matter your registration information, you won’t be allowed to enter the test center and will have to forfeit your exam fee. 

What happens if I fail the MA real estate licensing exam?

You’ll need to pass the Massachusetts real estate exam within two years of your real estate coursework. If you pass one half but fail the other half, you only have to retake the portion you failed.

If the second anniversary of your course completion passes, the portion of the exam that you passed expires, as well. If you need to get a new educational certificate, you must retake the entire exam. 

Are Massachusetts real estate exam fees refundable?

You’ll need to pay in advance for all exam appointments, including retake appointments. Your exam fee is non-refundable and is valid for one year, meaning you can take the exam more than once during that timeframe.

If you’re a no-show for your exam appointment or you don’t cancel your reservation at least two days in advance, you’ll lose your $85 registration fee.

What can’t I bring to the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam?

There are specific items you can bring with you into the examination room. You aren’t allowed to bring your own calculator into the test, but an online one will be provided. As for personal belongings, you can stash them in a stage space onsite.

These items include:

• Electronic devices (cell phones, recording devices, electronic watches, cameras, laptops, tablets, smart watches, radios or electronic games)
• Bulky or loose clothing or chats that could hide items inside
• Outerwear like jackets, vests and coats, or cardigans, scarves, and shawls
• Hats and headgear that have no religious origin
• Personal items like purses, reading materials, notebooks, writing devices, drinks, food or good luck items

There are also restrictions to what you can do if you’re taking your exam remotely. During that process, a proctor will communicate with you onscreen. If someone who isn’t authorized to be there enters the room, the proctor will pause the test.

In a remote test, you are not allowed to have the following:

• Earbuds, earphones, hats, caps, hood, shades or anything that would normally be placed on your face or head
•  Food and drink

In a remote test, you are not allowed to take breaks or leave your station, and your work area must be cleared of personal items. Talking during the test is also not permitted, and your hands must be kept above the desktop. Photographing your exam is also forbidden. If you get caught doing any of these things, you may have to forfeit your exam.

Can I apply for a Massachusetts real estate license online?

Yes. You can apply for a Massachusetts real estate license by mail or online. To apply for a real estate license by examination, visit the Mass.gov website and click on “apply for examination online.” That will take you to the PSI website, where you’ll select the state of Massachusetts, then “All MA Real Estate exams.” To renew your real estate license, head to the Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson Licensing page and click “renew online.” There, you’ll continue through to the ePlace portal.

What is the average value of a home in Massachusetts?

According to data acquired by Zillow, the average Massachusetts home value is $625,065 (as of this writing). That’s a 5.3% increase over the past year. The average home goes pending in around 13 days.

How do I renew my Massachusetts real estate license?

A Massachusetts real estate license stays active for two years. During a renewal year, your license comes due for renewal on your birthday. You’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education before renewing your MA real estate license.

It costs $103 to renew your real estate salesperson license.

Once you’ve completed your continuing education, head to the Mass.gov website and click on Renew Your Real Estate License. Licenses are available for renewal 90 days prior to their expiration. Be sure to keep track of your username and password — you can apply for, amend, or renew your license through this portal.

What are the continuing education requirements for a Massachusetts agent renewing for the first time?

If you are renewing your Massachusetts real estate license for the first time, you must take 12 credit hours of classes. Once your continuing education is complete, you will also need your Record ID and Authorization Code to renew. This information can also be found on the renewal form mailed to your address on record. 

Where and when can I complete my Massachusetts real estate continuing education classes?

You’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years at a state-approved school once you’re a licensed agent in Massachusetts. Professional development is a requirement in most states, and it helps agents to develop new skills and keep up-to-date.

Check out our list of the best real estate schools in Massachusetts or visit The CE Shop or Colibri Real Estate to find continuing education courses that interest you.

Some schools bundle your first license renewal/continuing education courses with your pre-licensing course package, helping you to save money. For example, The CE Shop’s Premium Package includes your first 12 hours of continuing education upfront. Or you can purchase their 12-hour qualifying courses a la carte for $29 each.

In Massachusetts, The CE Shop’s 12-hour continuing education courses cover topics like how to create a comparative market analysis, USDA (rural) home loans or developing a safety plan around open houses.

Does Massachusetts have real estate license reciprocity with any other state?

Massachusetts currently has reciprocity agreements with the states listed below. Once you’ve obtained a real estate license in Massachusetts, you’ll be able to move to any of the states below and bypass their education and state exam requirements for licensure.

As a licensed agent in one of the states listed below,  you’ll be able to move to Massachusetts and practice real estate without completing 40 hours of schooling or sitting the MA exam (though some stipulations may apply).

• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia
• Nebraska
• Iowa
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Pennsylvania
• New Mexico
• Salesperson & brokers licensed for two years from Oklahoma

Licensed agents in other states may still get an education exemption. Complete this educational waiver form to learn more.

Learn more about Massachusetts education and attorney waivers at this link.

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The full picture: How to get a Massachusetts real estate license 

You’ve done it! Welcome to the real estate industry. Now what? It’s time to start building your network of potential clients. How do you do that, you ask? How do you get your first listing and start finding buyers? HousingWire is here to help you navigate your real estate career in the Commonwealth by providing helpful news, insights, and valuable information for every stage of your career. Check out our homepage for valuable career advice from licensed agents, brokers and other industry experts!

Helpful links & article sources

• Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Licensing 
• Frequently asked questions: MA Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
• Massachusetts Department of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
• Massachusetts ePlace Portal
• Apply for reciprocity for an out-of-state real estate broker or salesperson license
• Apply for a real estate license by examination
• Requirements for Online Continuing Education Courses
• Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

HW Media, LLC has established an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. HW Media, LLC is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. Any questions regarding course content or technology should be directed to The CE Shop.