How to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts
Massachusetts real estate agents are licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons (Division of Occupational Licensure). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Massachusetts, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Massachusetts?
- At least 18 years old
- Three candidate endorsements from unrelated people (not classmates)
- DOL CORI (criminal record) form; the Board does not currently license applicants on probation or parole
- Valid Social Security or tax ID number, with state tax returns filed
Massachusetts real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons (Division of Occupational Licensure) |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Education or training | 40 hours of pre-licensure salesperson education at a Board-approved school, documented on the Board's Educational Certificate. |
| Exam | PSI administers the two-part exam (general portion and state portion); you must pass within 2 years of finishing the course. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. A salesperson may act only as the representative of a licensed broker and with only one broker at a time (MGL c.112 §87RR). A broker is not listed among the exam application requirements. |
| License term | First license lasts 2 to 3 years and expires on your birthday; renewals then follow on your birthday in renewal years. |
| Continuing education | 12 hours of continuing education before each renewal, including the first; if it isn't done, the license renews as inactive. |
| Reciprocity | Salespersons who passed their exam in CT, RI, WV, NE, IA, TN, MS, CO, GA, PA or NM (or OK with 2 years licensed) may apply for reciprocity; others may seek an education waiver to sit for the Massachusetts exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Salesperson candidate fee (application and exam) | $85 |
|---|---|
| Exam retake fee | $54 |
| Salesperson license renewal | $103 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts
- Complete 40 hours of pre-licensure education at a Board-approved school
- Collect three candidate endorsements
- Apply through eLIPSE with your Educational Certificate and CORI form, and pay the $85 candidate fee
- Schedule the PSI exam after approval
- Pass both the general and state portions within 2 years of the course
- Pay the license fee on eLIPSE and affiliate with a broker to practice
Apply on the official Massachusetts site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Massachusetts?
- Search the name or license number on the official Massachusetts real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.