What do I need to do to become licensed as a real estate salesperson or broker in Massachusetts?

To become licensed as a salesperson or broker in Massachusetts you must complete the requisite education, pass the relevant examination and complete the appropriate licensing application. At the outset you must become licensed as a salesperson before you can become a broker. To become licensed as a salesperson you must complete twenty-four hours of education at any one of the Board of Registration approved real estate schools (the education is in various subject matter areas). For a list of schools, you can view the full list of Authorized Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts on the Board of Registrations website.

Once your education is complete the school will provide you with a "Candidate Guidebook" which will contain verification of your completed education and information to make an appointment to take the salesperson examination. Examinations are offered twice daily Tuesday through Saturday in Boston and on Saturday’s at other sites in Massachusetts. All information to take the examination will be contained in the Candidate Guidebook. Upon passing the examination you will be licensed at the test center.

Those salespersons who seek licensure as brokers follow the same practice outlined for salespersons above. There are, however, two differences. First, those seeking licensure as brokers must complete thirty hours of education at a Board approved real estate school (that is in addition to the twenty-four hour salesperson education); and, Second, salespeople must work for a broker for at least one year before they can move on to licensure as brokers (the work experience must either be current or completed no more than two years prior to the time of broker examination and licensure).

Massachusetts Board Of Registration Of Licensed Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons

239 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston , MA 02114
(617) 727-3055 Joseph Autilio, Executive Director

Licensed real estate brokers and salespersons assist consumers wishing to purchase, sell, lease or exchange real property. This assistance encompasses a host of services including appraising property for basic valuations, negotiating purchase, sale or lease agreements, maintaining escrow accounts and advertising.

The Real Estate Board licenses only those candidates who meet the statutory and regulatory requirements for real estate brokers and salespersons. In carrying out its mission, the Board regulates real estate schools and agent curriculum and contracts with a testing vendor to provide the agent examination. Of equal importance, the Board seeks to protect consumers by exercising its authority to discipline those real estate agents who violate licensing laws and regulations.  For more information click here.