Loading...
Loading...
Real Estate Broker
Total cost: $954
40 hrs
Pre-License Hours
3 yrs
Experience Required
Yes
Exam Required
12 hrs
CE Hours
$954
Total Fees
Permitted
Dual Agency
Broker Pre-License Education
VerifiedPre-License Hours
40 hours
College Degree Required
No
Approved Providers
Massachusetts-approved real estate schools, colleges, and online providers
Additional Broker Courses
Additional broker-specific courses in management, supervision, and advanced real estate topics required beyond salesperson education
Course Topics
Real estate broker education requirements include pre-license coursework covering topics such as real estate law, brokerage management, contracts, finance, and ethics. Some states require a college degree in addition to pre-license hours, while others accept equivalent experience.
Browse Real Estate Broker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Start with the salesperson license
Broker licensing in Massachusetts typically requires completing your salesperson (real estate agent) license first and practicing for 3 years before you can sit for the broker exam. The pre-licensing courses below are the recommended starting point on the path to a broker license.
Use code LicenseMap35 for 35% off at checkout
Agent Experience & Transaction History
VerifiedAgent Experience Required
Prior real estate sales agent experience
3 yrs
Min Years as Agent
Most states require a period of active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent before qualifying for a broker license. Some states use a points-based system or require a minimum number of closed transactions as an alternative or additional requirement.
State Broker Exam
VerifiedState Broker Exam Required
Real estate broker licensing examination
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Format
PSI
Provider
70%
Passing Score
$54
Exam Fee
Exam Sections
The real estate broker exam typically includes both a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations. Exams are usually administered by third-party providers such as PSI or Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers.
Overall licensing difficulty: 5/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Broker Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Real Estate Broker Exam
Passing Score
70%
Format
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Administered By
PSI
Key Topics Covered
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $54Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Real Estate Broker Exam.
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Broker Practice Capabilities
VerifiedYes
Independent Practice
Yes
Supervise Agents
Yes
Operate Brokerage
Yes
Property Management
Yes
Escrow Handling
Yes
Dual Agency
Yes
Designated Agency
Restricted Activities
Real estate brokers have a broader scope of practice than sales agents, including the ability to operate their own brokerage, supervise agents, and handle escrow funds. Dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) and designated agency rules vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee VERIFY against MA Board fee schedule. Per StateRequirement: $52 fee submitted with application; this may be separate from $150 license fee. Possible GLM is conflating. Kept at $150 pending human verification. | $150 |
Exam Fee Paid to PSI. Updated from $85 on 2026-04-30 per StateRequirement and Pass and Earn (2026). | $54 |
License Fee | $150 |
E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance; varies by provider | $200 |
MLS Fees MLS membership varies by local association | $400 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, license, E&O insurance, and MLS fees | $954 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Post-License Education
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
Regulatory Board
Broker licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state real estate commission. Continuing education typically covers topics such as ethics, fair housing, agency law, and state-specific legal updates. Some states also require post-license education within the first renewal period.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
ARELLO Certification
Accepted
Reciprocal States
Reciprocity Requirements
Real estate broker reciprocity agreements allow brokers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state with reduced requirements. ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) certification may be accepted in some states. Requirements typically include passing the state-specific portion of the broker exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Massachusetts with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Massachusetts requires 3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson (NOT 1 year as previously documented), 40 hours of broker pre-license education (one of the lowest in the nation), and a $5,000 surety bond. Has reciprocity with 11 states plus full reciprocity for OK and NY licensees with 2+ years experience. Educational waiver available for NH, ME (3-yr brokers), and other state salespersons. Renewal every 2 years on birthday.
Massachusetts requires 40 hours of broker pre-license education (one of the lowest in the nation) per regulation 254 CMR 2.00.
Experience: 3 years of active salesperson experience required (corrected from 1 year on 2026-04-30 — original was a fabrication; per MA Board and multiple authoritative sources).
$5,000 surety bond required at application per M.G.L. c. 112 to protect clients against financial loss from unethical or illegal broker actions.
12 CE hours required per 2-year biennial renewal cycle (renewal by birthday) per M.G.L. c. 112 §87 XX 1/2 and 254 CMR 5.00.
Reciprocity with 11 states (CT, RI, WV, NE, IA, TN, MS, CO, GA, PA, NM) plus OK salespersons/brokers (2+ yrs) and NY brokers (2+ yrs).
Educational waiver process for NH licensees, ME brokers (3+ yrs), and other state salespersons.
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in Massachusetts.
Real Estate Broker Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Massachusetts requires 40 hours of pre-license education and 3 years of agent experience for broker licensure. A state broker exam is required. All licensing is managed through the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state real estate commission.