Northeast · Real Estate License
Massachusetts
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
RE Board
Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Division of Occupational Licensure
Official website →40
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$270
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
6–52 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
12 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 40-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Enroll in a Board-approved school. At least 21 hours must be live instruction. Receive Certificate of Completion.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Application via eLIPSE Portal
Upload Certificate of Completion, notarized CORI form, 3 personal reference forms, passport-style photo. Pay $31 application fee.
Estimated time: 1 day
Application Review and Background Check
Board reviews application, conducts CORI and SORB background checks. Incomplete applications held for 180 days.
Estimated time: 4–6 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Schedule via PSI website or call (800) 733-9267. Pay $54 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Receive License and Pay License Fee
License printed same day at testing center. Pay license fee ($103–$150 prorated). Must pay within 30 days of passing or must retake exam.
Estimated time: Same day
Affiliate with a Sponsoring Broker
Find a sponsoring broker. Broker of Record submits Affiliation Notice to the Board.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified40 hours total. At least 21 hours must be live, real-time instruction (Zoom or in-person). Up to 19 hours may be self-paced online. Education valid for 2 years from completion.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (40 hrs — covers licensing laws, ethical standards, agency, contracts, financing, valuation, property ownership, land use, transfer of title, fair housing)
Provider type: Board-approved real estate schools (online, in-person, or hybrid)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Massachusetts-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI testing centers or via online remote proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 70% |
| State (Massachusetts) | 40 | 90 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes within 2-year education certification period. 24-hour wait between attempts. $54 per retake. Only failed section needs retaking; passed section remains valid until education certification expires.
5–10 unscored pretest questions may appear. ~8–10 math questions on national section (~10%). 5 PSI test center cities in MA. Online remote proctoring available. Licenses printed same day at testing center.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Application Fee | $31.00 | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (via eLIPSE) | |
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $54.00 | PSI Services | |
| Initial License Fee Note: $103 is the standard biennial fee. Initial fee can be up to $150 because first license period extends to 3rd birthday (up to 3 years). Some sources cite $103, others $150. (Alt: $103 per Mass.gov biennial renewal listing) | $150.00 | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (via eLIPSE) | |
| CORI Background Check | $35.00 | Commonwealth of Massachusetts | |
| Estimated Total | $270.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not required
Non-residents and non-US residents may obtain a license.
Citizenship
Not required
Must have a valid SSN or Tax Identification Number.
Background Check
Required
CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check — name/DOB-based, NOT fingerprint-based. Also SORB (Sex Offender Registry Board) check. Notarized CORI form required.
Personal References
3 required
Three personal reference forms from non-relatives.
Tax Compliance
Required
Must certify filing of all required state tax returns and payment of all due state taxes.
Sponsoring Broker
Required after passing exam
Must affiliate with a licensed MA broker to practice. Broker of Record submits Affiliation Notice.
Reciprocity
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements
Type: Tiered Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (14)
Colorado
Full reciprocity — no exam required. Letter of Good Standing within 90 days.
Connecticut
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Georgia
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Iowa
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Mississippi
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Nebraska
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
New Mexico
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Pennsylvania
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Rhode Island
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Tennessee
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
West Virginia
Full reciprocity — no exam required.
Oklahoma
Conditional: must have been licensed 2+ years, then full reciprocity (no exam).
New Hampshire
Conditional: may take only MA state exam; general exam and pre-licensing education waived.
Maine
Conditional: may take only MA state exam; brokers must have 3+ years licensure.
Full reciprocity (11 states): no exam required — need Letter of Good Standing, CORI, photo, application fee. Conditional (3 states): exam waiver varies. All other 35 U.S. states: education waiver available (can skip 40-hour course and sit for full MA exam). Education waiver valid for 2 years.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
12 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$103.00
First Renewal Notes
No special first-renewal CE rules. Standard 12-hour CE requirement applies. First license is prorated — valid until 3rd birthday after issuance, then standard 2-year cycle begins.
Deadlines
On licensee's birthday during renewal year. Renewal window opens 90 days before expiration.
MA attorneys in good standing with Board of Bar Overseers are exempt from CE requirement. Lapsed licenses require CE completion and reactivation form.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Massachusetts requires 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
Licensing portal transitioned from ePlace to eLIPSE. All applications, renewals, and reinstatements now processed through eLIPSE. Paper applications no longer accepted.
Effective: 2025-06-16 · Affects: application_process
Residential Rental Broker Fee Law: broker fees must be paid by the party who hired the broker. Landlords cannot require tenants to pay landlord's broker fee.
Effective: 2025-08-01 · Affects: requirements
Sources
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-real-estate-brokers-and-salespersons
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.mass.gov/real-estate-brokers-and-salespersons-licensing
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.mass.gov/how-to/prepare-for-and-schedule-your-real-estate-license-exam
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-reciprocity-as-an-out-of-state-real-estate-brokers-or-salespersons-license
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/mass-real-exam/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-a-real-estate-license
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible