Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts

To get a Massachusetts real estate license you must be 18+, complete 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $720–$1,440 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons.

DABy Diego Alvarez-Cruz
Rental Market Analyst
RKReviewed by Renata Kowalski
Metro Housing Analyst
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
40
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$720+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Massachusetts path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Massachusetts also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education

Massachusetts requires 40 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Massachusetts licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Massachusetts-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Massachusetts salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons

Visit →

A Massachusetts real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Massachusetts agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons.

Massachusetts markets
Boston, MA real estate market→Nantucket, MA real estate market→Martha's Vineyard, MA real estate market→

Massachusetts real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Massachusetts-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Massachusetts real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $720–$1,440 all-in for Massachusetts. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts?
Most people finish the 40-hour Massachusetts coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 40 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons issues licenses and sets the rules for Massachusetts real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Massachusetts licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Massachusetts are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons before enrolling.
RK

Renata Kowalski Metro Housing Analyst

Renata Kowalski is a metro housing analyst who reviews WealthyBud's city and metro market guides, verifying figures against county and state housing records. She focuses on cross-checking price and inventory claims before they go live.