How to Get a Massachusetts Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide

To become a real estate agent in Massachusetts, you must get a real estate license. The process involves completing the required education, passing the licensing exam, and affiliating with a broker. 

This guide breaks down each step to help you become a licensed agent and answers common questions along the way.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Massachusetts

Follow these steps to obtain your Massachusetts real estate license and start your career in real estate.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid social security number.
• Obtain three candidate endorsements from individuals who are not related to you; these individuals do not need to reside in Massachusetts, and cannot be acquaintances from your real estate course.
• Certify that you have filed all required state tax returns and paid all due state taxes to the best of your knowledge and belief.
• No felony convictions on your record.

Step 2: Complete the 40-Hour Massachusetts Real Estate Course

You must complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course from a real estate school approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. 

This course will prepare you for the real estate exam and teach you essential concepts needed to succeed in the field, including:

• Massachusetts Real Estate Law
• Property Ownership and Land Use Controls
• Real Estate Contracts and Agreements
• Financing and Mortgages
• Fair Housing Laws and Ethics
• Property Valuation and Market Analysis
• Agency Relationships and Responsibilities
• Leases and Property Management
• Environmental Issues in Real Estate
• Closing Procedures and Title Transfers

Completing this course will earn you a certificate of completion, which is required to move on to the next step.

The Board further mandates that of the total required time, at least 21 hours must be completed through live online instruction. The remaining hours are able to be completed online at your own pace and in any order.

After completing the required education, you will have up to two years to apply for and pass the real estate license exam.

If you’re ready to enroll in a real estate school, we partnered with Kaplan to provide exceptional real estate courses to Massachusetts students. 

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount.

Step 3: Apply for the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam

Once you’ve finished the 40-hour pre-licensing course, you’ll need to apply to take the real estate exam through PSI, the official testing provider for Massachusetts.

Your application must include:

• Certificate of completion from the pre-licensing course.
• Valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
• Completed exam registration form from PSI.
• Exam fee payment.

You can apply as soon as you complete your course.

Applications can be submitted online through the PSI website or by mail. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions on scheduling your exam date. Make sure to apply early, as testing dates can fill up quickly.

Step 4: Pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam

The Massachusetts real estate exam consists of two sections:

• National section: 80 questions, 150 minutes
• State-specific section: 40 questions, 90 minutes

You will have four hours to complete the entire exam. To pass, you need a score of at least 70% on both sections. The national portion covers general real estate principles, while the state portion focuses on Massachusetts-specific laws and regulations.

The exam is computer-based and available at PSI testing centers throughout Massachusetts. After finishing the exam, you’ll receive your score immediately. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam.

We provide a Massachusetts real estate crash course and exam prep package to make studying and passing easy. 

This program provides 8+ hours of video content that explains concepts, vocabulary, historical events, and laws on the exam. You get unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ question and answer videos.

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

Once you pass the exam, you must complete and submit your real estate license application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration. This application includes:

• Proof of passing the real estate exam.
• License application fee: $103 to $150; the specific amount depends on the proration schedule set under M.G.L. c. 112, § 87ZZ, which varies according to the month you obtained your license.
• Background check authorization (if required). Note: Massachusetts does not have a fingerprinting requirement along its path to earning a salesperson's license. However, you will need to approve a background check as part of the license application.

Make sure your application is complete to avoid delays in processing.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

Massachusetts requires all new agents to work under a licensed real estate broker. Take the time to research brokerages and choose one that aligns with your career goals. 

Look for brokerages that offer:

• Training and mentorship programs.
• Marketing and lead generation support.
• Commission structures that fit your financial goals.

Once you’ve chosen a brokerage, your license will be officially activated.

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Massachusetts

This section will explore frequently asked questions that students have during the licensing process.

How Much Do Massachusetts Real Estate Agents Make?

Real estate agents in Massachusetts earn competitive salaries. According to Indeed, the average annual income for real estate agents in Massachusetts is approximately $80,871. 

Some experienced agents earn over $100,000 per year based on sales volume and market conditions​

Top-performing agents in competitive markets, such as Boston, can earn even higher incomes, sometimes exceeding $150,000 through commissions from high-value property sales. 

How Much Does a Massachusetts Real Estate License Cost?

The total cost to get a real estate license in Massachusetts is approximately $500–$700. Here is a cost breakdown:

• Pre-licensing course: $200–$400
• Exam fee: $85 for the initial attempt. The retake fee is $54, regardless of whether you are retaking one or both sections of the exam..
• License application fee: $103–$150

Compared to other careers, becoming a real estate agent in Massachusetts has a low starting cost.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts Worth It?

Yes, a career in real estate can be very rewarding if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Massachusetts offers a strong housing market with opportunities for agents to earn competitive commissions. 

You’ll also benefit from the flexibility of setting your own schedule and the satisfaction of helping clients buy or sell properties.

What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

Before jumping into a career, you should consider a few things. 

One of them being how you get paid. Real estate income is commission-based, which means your earnings can vary from month to month.

Are you a people person? Building strong connections with clients, brokers, and other agents will help you succeed. You don’t have to be an extrovert, but maintaining your social battery is critical.

You’ll need to manage your time effectively and stay motivated without a set work schedule. You’re in charge of yourself. It’s a perk and curse.

Stay updated on industry changes and legal requirements by completing continuing education every two years.

Can I Get a Massachusetts Real Estate License If I’m Already an Agent in Another State?

Yes, Massachusetts offers reciprocity agreements with the following states, allowing licensed agents to transfer their license without retaking the entire course or exam:

• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia
• Nebraska
• Iowa
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Pennsylvania
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma (If you have been licensed for 2 years)

If you are licensed in one of these states, you may qualify for a streamlined licensing process. 

Contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration to confirm eligibility and any specific requirements based on your current license and state of origin.

How Often Do I Renew My Massachusetts Real Estate License?

Massachusetts requires agents to renew their licenses every two years. To renew, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education, which helps you stay up to date on legal changes, market trends, and best practices.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Real Estate License in Massachusetts

Obtaining your Massachusetts real estate license can be the beginning of an exciting and profitable career.

Ready to get started? Join our partnered real estate licensing courses today and take advantage of the US Realty Training discount.