How to Get Your Massachusetts Real Estate License in 2023

There are two types of real estate licenses in Massachusetts: the MA Real Estate Salesperson license and the MA Real Estate Broker license.

To get your Massachusetts real estate license you must first pursue the salesperson license. Once you gain 3 years of experience working as a salesperson then you will be eligible to pursue the broker license. For the purpose of this article we will focus on how to get the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson license.

What is the process of getting your real estate license in Massachusetts

1. Be 18 years old and have a valid social security number.
2. Complete a 40 hour online Massachusetts real estate license course.
3. Submit an application to take the Massachusetts real estate license exam.
4. Take and pass the 4 hour Massachusetts real estate license exam with a score of 70%+.
5. Pay $150 to the State.

That's it! Once you complete these 5 steps you will be eligible to join a real estate brokerage and begin selling real estate in MA!

Let's now go into some more detail on the specifics of how to get your Massachusetts Real Estate License.

Step 1: Basic MA Real Estate License Requirements

The most basic requirements to enter the process to get your Massachusetts Real Estate License are that you are 18 years old and that you have a valid social security number.

Step 2: Complete a MA Real Estate License Course

Massachusetts mandates that those aspiring for a real estate license must enroll in Massachusetts-based real estate classes before they can appear for the licensing examination. Upon completion of your course, you will receive a certificate indicating that you've successfully completed a real estate course at a recognized school, which then qualifies you to attempt the license exam. This course, demanding a commitment of 40 hours, provides flexibility in delivery mode - it can be pursued either digitally or through traditional in-person classes.

Personally, I would recommend Freedom Trail Reality School, which is where I enrolled and completed the MA real estate license course online. If you enroll with Freedom Trail using that link then you will receive 5% off of whichever package you purchase and I will receive a 5% refund.

Some of the things that I like about Freedom Trail were:

• I thought that the instructors were very high quality and engaged students throughout the entire curriculum.
• Class scheduling is extremely flexible - you can take the classes in any order that is convenient for your schedule.
• They offer both on-demand streaming classes and live webinar classes, so you can mix instructor interaction with convenient scheduling. (Note: MA requires that you take at least 21 of the 40 hours in a live format while the remainder can be on-demand).
• Their self-study materials and practice tests were comprehensive and more than enough to help me pass the exam and receive my MA real estate license!

Step 3: Apply to take the MA Real Estate Salesperson exam

Once you complete the real estate license course you will become eligible to apply to take the exam.

At a high level, your must submit an application complete with the following details:

1. The certificate of completion from a certified school of the 40 hours of required education
2. A current picture of yourself (similar to a passport photo)
3. A check or credit card form to pay the exam fee
4. Endorsements from 3 people who, if contacted, can attest to you being an upstanding person
5. A signed and completed CORI form

You can find the application materials along with the full details on how to apply on the Mass.gov website.

Step 4: Take and pass the 4 hour Massachusetts real estate license exam

Once you register for the exam, there will be a 2-4 week waiting period before your exam will be scheduled. During this time, you will want to review your study guide and establish effective study habits in order to maximize your chances of passing the exam on your first try.

In this section I'll answer some frequently asked questions that people have about the MA real estate exam.

What do you need to pass the MA real estate exam? What is a passing score for real estate in MA?

To pass the exam you will need to score 70% or higher on BOTH the national and the state portions of the exam. The national portion consists of 80 questions and the Massachusetts portion of the exam consists of 40 questions. If you fail either portion, then you will need to only retake the portion that you failed in order to receive your MA Real Estate license.

How many questions are on the mass real estate exam? Is the MA real estate exam multiple choice?

There are 120 questions on the exam (80 for the national section and 40 for the state section). All questions on the exam are multiple choice.

How many times can you take the real estate exam in Massachusetts?

There is no set limit on the number of times you can retake the real estate exam in Massachusetts. However, if you fail one part of the exam (either the state or the national portion), you only need to retake the portion that you failed. Each time you retake the exam, you will need to pay the exam fee again.

How to study for the ma real estate license exam?

Studying for the Massachusetts real estate license exam requires a multi-faceted approach, including understanding key concepts, utilizing practice tests, and maintaining consistency in your study routine. Here's a detailed strategy:

Complete the Pre-Licensing Coursework

This is a state-mandated requirement that offers the foundational knowledge necessary for the real estate exam. Ensure you fully understand the concepts and topics covered in this coursework, such as Massachusetts real estate laws and regulations, principles of real estate, finance, property management, and more.

Review Course Material Regularly

Regular review and revision help to reinforce the concepts you've learned. Create a study schedule that allocates time each day for revising different topics.

Utilize Study Guides

There are several study guides available specifically tailored to the Massachusetts real estate exam. These guides can help you review important concepts and provide practice questions for you to work on.

Take Practice Exams

Practice exams are invaluable for preparing for the real estate exam. They not only help you gauge your understanding of the material, but also get you familiar with the exam format and timing.

There are also numerous other online resources that provide free practice questions.

Understand State-Specific Laws

The Massachusetts portion of the real estate exam will cover state-specific laws and regulations. Make sure to dedicate sufficient time to understand Massachusetts laws related to real estate transactions, brokerage, disclosures, and more. In most cases (if not all cases), Massachusetts laws expand upon National laws to ensure better consumer protections, fair dealings, and other more restrictive regulations.

Join Study Groups

Collaborating with others who are also preparing for the exam can be very beneficial. You can ask questions, discuss difficult concepts, and learn from each other.

Remember, preparation is key, and consistency is crucial. Allocate enough time for preparation, maintain a steady study routine, and stay focused on your goal. Good luck!

Step 5: Pay $150 to the state

Once you finish taking your exam, you will learn immediately if you passed or failed. If you passed, then you will be issued your license on the spot as long as you came prepared to pay the $150 fee to the state.

Congratulations, you are now a licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Massachusetts! You are ready to join a real estate brokerage and start practicing as a real estate agent!