The role of a real estate salesperson in Massachusetts involves representing clients in the purchase, sale, or leasing of property for compensation. This professional activity is strictly regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. Securing a license requires completing specific education, passing a state examination, and fulfilling administrative prerequisites. This process ensures all licensees possess the required knowledge and adhere to the state’s legal and ethical standards.
Meeting the Initial Requirements
The first steps toward licensure involve confirming you meet the Commonwealth’s basic eligibility criteria. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a United States citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and possess a valid Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number.
Applicants must also provide evidence of good moral character. This involves submitting a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) authorization form. Additionally, you must secure three complete candidate endorsements from individuals who are not related to you and who did not attend the pre-licensing course with you.
Completing Pre-Licensing Education
Salesperson applicants must complete a mandatory 40 hours of approved pre-licensing instruction from a certified school. The curriculum covers property law, contracts and agency relationships, real estate finance, and mandatory topics like state and federal fair housing laws.
While both in-person and online formats are available, a minimum of 21 hours must consist of live, real-time instruction with an approved teacher. This ensures interactive learning and engagement. Upon passing the school’s final examination, you receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is required to register for the state licensing exam and is valid for two years.
Passing the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam
The state licensing exam is a significant hurdle administered by the third-party testing service, PSI. This four-hour, computer-based exam is divided into two sections. The national section covers general real estate principles and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.
The state-specific section focuses on Massachusetts real estate law, regulations, and licensing requirements, containing 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70% on each section to pass the entire examination. Registration requires a payment of $85, which covers both the testing and application processing fees.
You may retake the exam as many times as necessary within the two-year period following your course completion date. If you pass one section but fail the other, you only retake the failed portion. The state-specific test covers topics such as the duties of the Board of Registration, consumer protection laws, and environmental issues unique to the Commonwealth.
Submitting Your License Application
After passing both sections of the state examination, you finalize the administrative steps to receive your Salesperson License. The process is streamlined through the state’s online eLIPSE portal. This requires submitting your education certificate, the three required character endorsements, and the notarized CORI form.
You must pay the initial license fee immediately after passing, either at the testing center or through the eLIPSE platform. This fee is prorated based on your date of birth, typically ranging from $103 to $150. Once the fee is paid and documentation is verified, your Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson License is issued digitally.
Choosing a Sponsoring Brokerage
A newly licensed salesperson is prohibited from practicing real estate independently. You must affiliate your license with a licensed real estate broker to begin working, a process referred to as “hanging your license.” This affiliation provides the required supervision and legal oversight for your professional activities.
The affiliation is managed through the eLIPSE portal, formally attaching your license to the brokerage’s business license. When selecting a brokerage, new licensees should consider the firm’s training programs, the commission split structure, and the level of lead generation support offered. Finding a broker who offers strong mentorship bridges the gap between receiving the license and beginning a new career.
Understanding Post-Licensing Obligations
Maintaining an active license requires ongoing compliance with continuing education (CE) and renewal requirements. Licensees must complete 12 hours of approved CE every two years. These hours must be in topics developed and approved by the Board to ensure professional competency.
The renewal cycle is biennial, expiring every two years on the licensee’s date of birth, and requires payment of the renewal fee, currently $103.
To upgrade to a Broker license, salespersons must first accumulate a minimum of three years of active experience working at least 25 hours per week under a licensed Massachusetts broker. After meeting this requirement, you must complete an additional 40 hours of broker-specific education and pass the Broker licensing examination.