What is required to get a license in Massachusetts?

For salespersons:

  • Register and complete the application form online.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Proof of completion of 40 hours of pre license education.
  • You must submit 3 complete candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to you. Classmates you met from only the real estate course may not sign the candidate endorsement.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a valid social security number.
  • You must be ready to pay the license fees on the day of the exam.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Salesperson: $85). License (Salesperson: $103 to 150. This is a prorated fee which is calculated once you pass the exam)

For brokers:

  • Register and complete the application form online.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Proof of completion of 40 hours of pre license education.
  • You must have been licensed and affiliated with a Massachusetts broker in the capacity of a Massachusetts real estate salesperson for 3 years. This experience requirement must be no more than two (2) years old when the examination is taken.
  • You must have a current Massachusetts salesperson license.
  • You must bring the Salesperson wallet license to the test center.
  • You must have a $5,000 surety bond on the original enclosed form (a copy is not acceptable) completed and signed by the insurance agent, signed by you, and witnessed. The professional ID number must be included on the bond, entered by the insurance agent only. The professional ID number is the ID entered when scheduling for the examination.
  • You must submit 3 complete candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to you. Classmates you met from only the real estate course may not sign the candidate endorsement.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a valid social security number.
  • You must be ready to pay the license fees on the day of the exam.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Broker: $106). License (broker: $142 to 200. This is a prorated fee which is calculated once you pass the exam).

What score do I need to pass?

The salesperson exam consists of 80 national questions and 40 state-specific questions. To pass, you must answer correctly at least 70% of the questions.

The broker exam consists of 80 national questions and 40 state-specific questions. To pass, you must answer correctly at least 70% of the questions.

You will receive your score immediately after you complete your exam.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

For the salesperson exam: you are allowed a total of 4 hours.

For the broker exam: you are allowed a total of 4 hours.

What should I bring with me for the exam?

  • 2 Forms of identification with matching names, non-expired and containing a valid signature. (Driver's license, passport, green card, U.S. social security card, debit or credit card with signature). One of them must be government issued and photo bearing.
  • An online calculator will be provided.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is given on a computer.

What is on the exam?

The national portion of the multiple choice exam consists of the following sections:

  • Property Ownership
  • Land use controls and regulations
  • Valuation and market analysis
  • Financing
  • General principles of agency
  • Property condition and disclosures
  • Contracts
  • Transfer of title
  • Real estate calculations
  • Specialty areas

The state-specific portion of the multiple choice exam consists of the following sections:

  • Duties and Powers of the Board of Registration of Real Estate
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Requirements Governing Licensees
  • Additional Topics

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