Massachusetts licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts
A practical step-by-step guide to Massachusetts licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Massachusetts licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 27, 2026
- License type
- Salesperson
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI
- Estimated cost
- $400–$700
- Estimated timeline
- 2–4 months
- Renewal cycle
- Biennial (every 2 years)
Massachusetts salespersons must complete 12 hours of state‑approved continuing education during each two‑year license term. CE courses cover topics such as fair housing, agency law, environmental issues and consumer protection; failure to complete CE results in the license being renewed as inactive.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet eligibility requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, possess a Social Security number and be current on Massachusetts tax obligations.
Complete 40‑hour pre‑licensing course
Enroll in and finish a 40‑hour state‑approved real estate course covering agency relationships, contracts, law, fair housing and financing.
Submit license application and obtain test authorization
Submit the salesperson application with course completion certificates and required documents to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
Schedule and pass the PSI exam
After receiving an authorization to test, schedule and pass the Massachusetts salesperson exam administered by PSI. You must pass both the national and state sections with a score of at least 70%.
Affiliate with a broker and activate license
Once you pass the exam, select a sponsoring broker and pay the licensing fee to receive your active license.
Renew license and complete continuing education
Renew your license every two years and complete 12 hours of continuing education covering required topics.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $400–$700. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing course | $250–$400 | Cost of the 40‑hour pre‑licensing education. |
| License examination fee | $85 | Approximate PSI exam fee for the Massachusetts salesperson exam (state and national sections). |
| License application fee | $150–$170 | State application and initial license fee. |
| Background check | $35 | Fee for the CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and background check. |
| Continuing education | $50–$100 | Cost for 12‑hour CE package every two years. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How long is the Massachusetts salesperson pre‑licensing course?
Massachusetts requires 40 hours of state‑approved pre‑licensing education covering real estate fundamentals.
What continuing education is required for Massachusetts license renewal?
Salesperson licenses must be renewed every two years, and licensees must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education during each renewal cycle.
After you pass the exam
Passing the exam does not create an operating system. New agents still need to manage contacts, follow-ups, active deals, deadlines, client communication, partners, and daily priorities.
New Agent Checklist
Set up the business basics, contacts, partners, follow-up habits, and first-deal readiness.
First 30 Days
Build a practical launch rhythm for contacts, partners, client conversations, and daily work.
License Cost Calculator
Estimate state licensing costs, education, exam, application, background, and setup expenses.
First-Year Budget Calculator
Plan startup and operating costs before your first year gets noisy.
Agent Nook workflow
Licensed is only the beginning.
Agent Nook helps new agents keep deals, deadlines, clients, partners, and daily work organized from the first transaction forward.