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A step-by-step guide to Massachusetts real estate salesperson licensing, including education, exam, application, and activation requirements.
By Leap Real Estate Team | 5 minutes read
Becoming a real estate agent in Massachusetts requires more than completing a course and passing a test. Applicants must satisfy state eligibility requirements, complete approved pre-licensing education, submit the correct examination documents, pass the licensing examination, and finish the licensing process through the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure.
The standard entry-level credential is a Massachusetts salesperson license. A salesperson may perform real estate activities under the supervision of a Massachusetts-licensed broker. After gaining experience, a salesperson may eventually pursue a broker license, which has additional requirements.
To apply for a Massachusetts salesperson license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old. The state’s examination materials also require applicants to complete the prescribed education and provide the documentation needed to establish eligibility for the exam.
Massachusetts does not require applicants to be Massachusetts residents. For example, the state allows candidate endorsements from individuals who live outside Massachusetts, provided those individuals meet the applicable endorsement requirements.
Applicants should also be prepared to disclose information requested through the state’s character and background-review process. A past criminal matter does not necessarily mean an applicant cannot become licensed, but incomplete or inaccurate disclosures can delay an application or create additional questions from the licensing authority.
Before taking the salesperson examination, candidates must complete 40 hours of pre-licensing salesperson education through a Board-approved real estate school. The school provides a Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate confirming that the required education has been completed.
Choose a course that is specifically approved for Massachusetts salesperson licensing and that explains how the school handles attendance, testing, certificates, and exam preparation. A course may cover subjects such as:
The education certificate is an important part of the examination application. Massachusetts regulations state that the education certification is generally valid for no more than 24 months after the education is completed, so candidates should avoid letting the certificate age out before completing the exam process.
After finishing the 40-hour course, gather the documents required for the salesperson examination. Current state examination instructions identify the following materials and requirements:
The three endorsements must come from individuals who are not related to the applicant. Fellow classmates from the real estate course cannot sign the endorsements, although the endorsers do not need to be Massachusetts residents.
The examination is administered through the state’s testing process, and applicants should follow the current candidate information bulletin for registration, identification, scheduling, and testing-center instructions. The state indicates that a minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
The examination fee is not refundable or transferable and is valid for one year from the date it is paid. Candidates who miss an examination appointment may need to pay a retake or rescheduling fee. Because procedures and fees may be updated, confirm the current amount and scheduling rules before submitting payment.
Massachusetts requires licensing applicants to provide information for a criminal-offender-record review. The state’s online licensing instructions refer to a Department of Occupational Licensure, or DOL, CORI authorization form that must be submitted with the application materials.
Applicants should complete the form carefully, answer disclosure questions truthfully, and follow any instructions for notarization or additional documentation. The current state materials emphasize the CORI authorization process; they do not establish a universal fingerprinting requirement for every Massachusetts salesperson applicant. If the Board requests fingerprints or supplemental records in an individual case, follow those instructions promptly rather than assuming the standard process is the same for everyone.
Once the examination has been passed, complete the remaining license application steps through Massachusetts’ eLIPSE online platform. Applications, payments, and required documents are submitted electronically through the system.
Before applying, confirm that you have:
A salesperson generally needs to affiliate with a Massachusetts broker to practice actively. The sponsoring broker provides supervision and the brokerage structure required for conducting licensed real estate activity. Speak with several firms before choosing one, comparing training, commission arrangements, fees, technology, lead programs, culture, and the level of support provided to new agents.
Do not begin performing activities that require an active license until the state and brokerage have confirmed that the license is properly issued and affiliated.
Massachusetts licenses are generally valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years. The expiration date is tied to the licensee’s birth date under the state’s licensing schedule.
To renew an active license, agents must complete 12 hours of continuing education before renewal. If the continuing-education requirement is not completed, the license may be renewed as inactive, meaning the licensee cannot continue practicing as an active agent.
Renewals are available during the 90 days before expiration and are submitted through eLIPSE. Keep track of the expiration date, complete continuing education early, and maintain copies of course certificates and renewal records.
After receiving approval, a new Massachusetts agent should:
For current requirements, forms, fees, examination instructions, and renewal rules, consult the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons before enrolling or applying.
Ready to start? Explore the Massachusetts real estate pre-licensing course from Leap Real Estate for course options and enrollment information.
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