How long does it take to get a Massachusetts real estate license?

Massachusetts is one of the fastest states in the country. The 40-hour course can be finished in as little as one to two weeks, and PSI prints your license at the test center the same day you pass. Most people go from enrollment to licensed in 2–8 weeks, depending on how quickly they finish the course and schedule the exam.

How much does a Massachusetts real estate license cost?

Plan on roughly $350–$650 all-in: $150–$400 for the 40-hour course, $85 for the PSI exam, a prorated first license fee of $103–$150 paid at the test center, and a $12 PSI processing fee. There's no fingerprinting cost — Massachusetts runs a free name-based CORI check instead.

What score do I need to pass the Massachusetts exam?

You need 70% on both the national portion (80 scored questions) and the Massachusetts law portion (40 scored questions). You get 4 hours total, and 5–10 unscored pretest questions are mixed in. The exam fee is $85, and if you miss your scheduled appointment it costs $54 to rebook.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before I get my Massachusetts license?

No — Massachusetts issues your salesperson license the day you pass, with no broker sponsorship required. That said, a salesperson can only actively conduct real estate business while affiliated with a licensed Massachusetts broker, so you'll need to join a brokerage before working with clients.

Can I get a Massachusetts real estate license with a criminal record?

Often yes. Massachusetts doesn't fingerprint applicants — you'll submit a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form, and the Board reviews any history case by case. A conviction isn't an automatic bar, but failing to disclose one can be. If you have a record, disclose it fully and be ready to provide documentation.

Why is the Massachusetts license fee a range instead of a flat amount?

Because your first license is prorated to your birthday. Every MA license expires on the holder's date of birth, and the first term must run at least 2 but no more than 3 years — so the fee is calculated at the test center, landing between $103 and $150 depending on when your birthday falls. After that, renewals are a flat $103 every two years.

Massachusetts · MA

How to get your Massachusetts real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Massachusetts salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get a Massachusetts real estate license

Hours required: 40 hrs
Total cost: $350 – $650
Typical timeline: 2–8 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Massachusetts real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Massachusetts real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Just 40 classroom hours — one of the lowest pre-licensing requirements in the country (most states require 60–90+). The course must be taken at a Board-approved real estate school, and you'll need the school-issued certificate plus three candidate endorsements (not from relatives or classmates) to sit for the exam.

Confirm you're at least 18 and have a Social Security number
Complete the 40-hour salesperson course at a Board-approved Massachusetts real estate school (live or online)
Receive your Massachusetts Board Educational Certificate of Completion from the school
Collect three signed candidate endorsement forms — endorsers can't be relatives or classmates from your course
Apply for the exam through PSI, submitting your certificate, endorsements, and the CORI form

Step 3

Pass the Massachusetts real estate exam

Massachusetts uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% on both the national and state portions. The exam fee is $85. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 120 scored questions (80 national + 40 Massachusetts law) plus 5–10 unscored pretest items; computer-based at a PSI test center or via online proctoring; 4 hours.

Step 4

Apply for your Massachusetts license

Submit your exam application with education certificate, three endorsements, and the CORI form (a name-based Massachusetts criminal record check — no fingerprinting required)
Pass both portions of the PSI exam with at least 70% (a missed appointment costs a $54 fee to reschedule)
Pay the prorated initial license fee of $103–$150 plus a $12 PSI processing fee — your license is printed and issued at the test center the same day you pass
No sponsoring broker is required for the license to issue — but you must affiliate with a licensed Massachusetts broker before actively representing clients
Note your expiration date: the first license runs a prorated 2–3 years and expires on your birthday
Manage the license going forward through the state's eLIPSE online portal

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Massachusetts license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Massachusetts real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
40-hour pre-licensing course	$150 – $400
PSI exam fee	$85
Initial license fee (prorated to your birthday)	$103 – $150
PSI license processing fee	$12
Background check (name-based CORI — no fingerprinting)	$0
Estimated total	$350 – $650

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: 2 years, expiring on your birthday. $103 renewal fee and 12 hours of continuing education per cycle. No post-licensing course requirement..

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