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Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts salesperson applicants must complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education
  • The exam has 120 questions total: 80 national and 40 state-specific
  • Passing score is 70% on EACH portion (56/80 national AND 28/40 state)
  • Exam time is 4 hours total (2.5 hours national, 1.5 hours state)
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and sponsored by a licensed broker
Last updated: January 2026

Massachusetts License Requirements

Massachusetts has relatively accessible entry requirements compared to other states, with only 40 hours of pre-license education required.

Salesperson License Requirements

Basic Requirements

RequirementDetails
AgeAt least 18 years old
SponsorshipMust be sponsored by licensed broker
Education40 hours pre-license course
ExamPass both national and state portions

Education Requirements

Complete 40 hours of approved education:

Course ComponentHours
Principles of Real Estate24
MA Real Estate Law16
Total40

The 40-hour course covers:

  • License law and regulations
  • Law of agency
  • Contracts and property law
  • Fair housing
  • Financing principles
  • Massachusetts-specific statutes

Note: Massachusetts has one of the lowest pre-license education requirements in the country, making it more accessible for new agents.

Examination Details

DetailSpecification
ProviderPSI/Pearson VUE
National Questions80 questions
State Questions40 questions
Total Questions120 questions
Total Time4 hours
National Time2.5 hours
State Time1.5 hours
Passing Score70% on EACH portion
National Passing56 out of 80
State Passing28 out of 40

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Exam Fee$54
License Application$150 (2-year license)
Total Initial$204

Broker License Requirements

Experience Requirement

RequirementDetails
Experience3 years as licensed salesperson
AlternativeNone - experience required

Broker Education

RequirementHours
Broker qualifying course40 additional hours
Total (including salesperson)80 hours

Broker Examination

DetailBroker Exam
Questions120 total
National80 questions
State40 questions
Passing70% each portion

Application Process

  1. Complete 40-hour course from approved school
  2. Pass course final exam
  3. Schedule state exam through PSI/Pearson VUE
  4. Pass state exam (70% on each portion)
  5. Find sponsoring broker
  6. Submit license application ($150)
  7. Receive license after Board approval

Continuing Education

Renewal Requirements

RequirementDetails
License Term2 years
CE Required12 hours per 2-year cycle
TopicsBoard-approved courses

CE Breakdown

ComponentHours
Core topicsVaries
ElectivesVaries
Total12
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Massachusetts Salesperson Licensing Process
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