Massachusetts Real Estate License Requirements

To sell or lease real estate in Massachusetts and earn a commission, you must have a Massachusetts Real Estate License.

The steps to obtain a MA Real Estate License:

Step #1: Complete the 40-hour Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Course.

Step #2: Obtain (3) character endorsements.

Step #3: Apply for your MA real estate salesperson license.

Step #4: Schedule your MA State License Exam.

Step #5: Take and pass the State Licensing Exam.

Step #6: Receive your salesperson license.

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Step 1: Complete the 40-Hour Massachusetts Pre-license Education Course

Massachusetts salesperson license applicants must take an approved 40-hour pre-license course before being approved for the state licensing examination. A board-approved real estate school must administer the course.

Applicants have the choice to complete the course as a classroom or online learning course. Many choose to do the pre-license course online because of its flexibility and affordability.

The 40-hour pre-license course content covers national and state topics concerning real estate practice. It will cover topics such as brokerage and law of agency, contracts, valuation, federal and Massachusetts laws, licensing requirements, and disciplinary procedures.

Once you pass the course final, you will be issued a Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate form essential for your application. Your education is valid for two years from the certificate date.

Step 2: Obtain (3) Character Endorsements

Massachusetts requires all candidates to submit three candidate endorsements from people not related to the applicant. The endorsements also cannot be submitted from classmates in the real estate course.

Step 3: Send in Your License Application

Massachusetts requires all applicants to be approved by the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson. First you must mail in all applicable documents to the state’s testing vendor, PSI.

The documents you need are listed and found in the Candidate Information Bulletin. All documents must be included in your application when you mail it in. PSI will not process incomplete documents. Make sure to include:

Current picture
The $85 application fee
Three character endorsements
Notarized CORI acknowledgment form
School education form

Mail your application to:
PSI Examination Services
ATTN: Examination Registration MA RE 3210 E Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89121

Step 4: Schedule the State Exam

Once your license application is approved, you can schedule the exam. To schedule an exam online, go to http://www.psiexams.com. Online scheduling is the easiest and fastest way to book your exam. Otherwise, you can schedule over the telephone by calling (800) 733-9267 or through email at [email protected]. For standard mail and fax registration options, see the Candidate Information Bulletin.

The exam fee is $85 paid to PSI via credit card, debit card, voucher, or check. If you are an active duty military or veteran, the fee is $54.

If you must cancel or change your exam reservation, you must do so two business days before the exam by calling (800) 274-7292. If you fail to call and change 48 hours before the exam, you will forfeit the exam fee.

Bring with you to the exam two forms of signature identification. Primary identification must be government-issued and have your photo, such as a state driver's license, military ID, or U.S. passport. A secondary ID card must have your printed name and signature, like a U.S. Social Security card, debit or credit card, or another form of primary ID.

Refer to the Massachusetts Real Estate Candidate Handbook for information on examination schedules, site locations, exam security, reporting, and preparation.

Step 5: Take and Pass the State Exam

The Massachusetts state exam has a general portion and a State portion. The question numbers vary according to each exam form.

About the salesperson real estate exam:

You must pass the state portion with a minimum score of 70%. The exam is 40 questions and you have 90 minutes.
You must pass the general portion with a minimum score of 70%. The exam asks 80 questions and you have 150 minutes.
The exam may include 5-10 "pretested" questions that will not count towards your score. These questions are not identified.

You can see the specific breakdown of the number of questions asked in each topic area in the Candidate Handbook.

Immediately upon exam completion, you will receive a score report marked “pass” or “fail.” To pass the salesperson licensing exam, you need at least a 70%.

Step 6: Receiving Your License

If you pass the exam, you will receive your Massachusetts Salesperson License immediately at the test center, as long as you’ve met the licensing requirements and paid the licensing fee. All candidates must be prepared to get their license at the testing center.

Licensing fees are prorated based on Massachusetts General Law Chapter 112, Sections 87XX and 87ZZ, and are calculated at the test center. Salesperson fees typically range from $103-150. PSI also charges a $12 licensing fee.

Cash is not accepted. License fees can be paid by credit card, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to “PSI.”

If you do not receive your license at the center for whatever reason, you will be given a License Application Instruction Form that must be mailed within 30 days.

Once you leave the test center with your license in hand, congratulations! You are a Massachusetts real estate salesperson!

Massachusetts Real Estate License Requirements

General Requirements

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