How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts

1. Complete Pre-License Education

To qualify as a real estate agent in Massachusetts, you need to complete 40 hours of pre-license education with a Massachusetts Real Estate Board-approved course. You can see a list of course options here. 

The pre-licensing education covers these (and other) topics:

• Licensing laws
• Real estate practice
• Forms of ownership, transfer, and recording of title
• Financing and settlement
• Closing

Important note: You need to take the MA Real Estate Salesperson License Exam within two years of completing the pre-licensing education.

2. Obtain Real Estate Educational Certificate

This form has to be completed by your board-approved Real Estate School. You can find it at the end of this Candidate Information Bulletin.

3. Obtain Three Candidate Endorsements 

These endorsements, or referrals, need to be from individuals unrelated to you. They do not need to be Massachusetts residents. Your classmates that you meet in your real estate course cannot sign the candidate endorsement. You can find the Candidate Endorsement Form – to be filled out in ink – in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

4. Submit Real Estate Salesperson License Application

To apply for the exam, you first need to gain approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. You can email your license application, along with the Education Certificate and Candidate Endorsement Form, and any other required documents, to: MA.ApplicationProcessor@psionline.com

Or you can mail your application to:

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

For a full list of required documents for your application, see the Candidate Information Bulletin.

Once you receive approval from the board, you will be eligible to schedule the exam.

5. Schedule Real Estate Salesperson Exam

For the fastest scheduling process, register for your exam online by accessing PSI’s registration website: https://www.psiexams.com/mare.

You can also register by phone, email, or regular mail – for more information on how to do this see the Candidate Information Bulletin.

When you register, you will need to pay the exam fee of $85.

6. Pass Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam

You will have 240 minutes to complete the 120-question test. It’s split into 2 portions, covering state-specific questions and general questions. 150 minutes are allowed for the 80-question general portion, and 90 minutes for 40 state questions. 

Some of the topics covered in the exam are:

• Real estate practice
• Contracts 
• Property ownership
• Leasing and property management
• Transfer of title
• Valuation and market analysis
• Financing
• Real estate calculations

On the day of the exam, you must provide 2 forms of valid identification. See here for details about accepted types of ID). 

Once you’re in the exam site, you will need to place all electronic devices, bulky clothing, and other personal items in a secure location. You will then sit at a computer to take the test. 

To pass the exam, you need a score of at least 70%. Your score will be displayed on the screen immediately upon completing the exam, and a score report will be emailed to you. If you fail, your score report will include information on your strengths and weaknesses.

Important note: you will receive your Real Estate License when you pass the exam, if your application is approved and you pay the license fee. See more on this below.

7. Pay License Fee and Receive License

If you pass the exam, meet all the application requirements, and pay your license fee, you will receive your license at the test center immediately after completing the exam. The license fee will be calculated at the test center (in accordance with Massachusetts Law). It will be between $103 and $150. You will also be required to pay a $12 PSI licensing fee. 

If you do not pay for the license upon passing, you will have to fill out a License Application Instruction Form to apply by mail within thirty (30) days of passing the exam. You can also request a duplicate License Application Instruction Form after your exam by emailing scorereport@psionline.com or by calling (855) 340-3704.

8. Secure a Sponsoring Broker

To become a licensed and practicing real estate agent in Massachusetts, you need to be associated with a registered brokerage firm or broker. Before submitting your application, you’ll need to have secured this sponsorship. It’s important to choose the right broker, as they’ll play a key role in growing your real estate career.

Consider the following when choosing a broker to work with:

• Their reputation as a broker or brokerage firm
• The types of agents they look for
• If they provide education and training for agents
• If they provide marketing materials and potential leads
• Which systems they use
• The benefits they offer
• What is their commission structure?
• What is the growth potential?

Once you’ve received your Massachusetts Real Estate Agent License, you might want to consider if you’re interested in becoming a Realtor. Here is what this means:

Real Estate Agent vs Realtor: What’s the difference?

For a real estate agent to become a Realtor, they need to become a member of the National Association of Realtors®. The NAR is an organization for real estate agents and other industry professionals. Members are required to subscribe to standards and a code of ethics set by the association. Membership offers access to market data and transaction management services, and other benefits.

To become a part of this community, these are the steps you need to take:

• Get your state real estate license
• Join your local REALTORS® Association – find one close to you with their “find an association” tool
• Pay the application fee – this varies by association
• Maintain membership dues – to keep your title of REALTOR®, you need to pay an annual fee of $150