In Massachusetts, the real estate profession is regulated by the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, a division of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. As in many states, you must first become a real estate salesperson if you wish to later transition to being a real estate broker. Massachusetts has a fairly easy process to become licensed as a salesperson, compared to many states. In this Fact Sheet, we will guide you through that process and show you how to obtain and keep your Massachusetts real estate salesperson license.

Obtaining a License

Here are the steps to take to get your salesperson license:

• Here's why the Massachusetts process is relatively simple: once you sign up for your mandatory salesperson course, you are guided through each step of the way automatically. That is to say, you'll receive all testing and application information upon completion of your course, and if you pass the exam you'll be both notified and licensed directly at the testing center.

• With that said, your first step is to pick a state-approved course. You can find a complete list of schools here. The course is 40 hours and as noted, at completion you will be able to register for the salesperson's exam. Massachusetts has no requirements for work experience to be a salesperson, although this is required to become a broker.

• Take and pass the state exam. You'll receive a “Candidate Handbook” to help you study for this examination upon completion of your course – this handbook is not available online.

• Pass the exam and you're in! You'll find out whether you're licensed or not that day, at the testing center.

Massachusetts has an alternate pathway to licensure for those who hold a real estate salesperson license in another state. This is extremely state-specific – that is, the procedure will be somewhat different depending on what state granted you your original license. Generally, though, it requires simply filling out a different application, verifying your previous licensure, and paying a fee. If granted a state waiver, you need not take a Massachusetts specific course or the MA examination. Massachusetts has supplied a state-by-state guide to this process, which is available in PDF form here.

Maintaining a License

Massachusetts real estate salesperson licenses expire every two years on the licensee's birthday. Approximately six weeks prior to expiration, you will receive a renewal form in the mail (so make sure your address remains current with the Board – address changes can be easily done online here). Massachusetts does not accept online or emailed renewal forms, but if you lose or don't receive the renewal form, simply contact the Board to be sent a new one. The fee for renewal is 103 dollars for salespersons.

Massachusetts also has a comparatively mild continuing education requirement for salespersons – you must complete 12 hours of pre-approved coursework every renewal period. Learn all about this continuing education requirement, as well as where it can be fulfilled, at this link.

Discipline in the profession is jointly handled by both the Board and the Division of Professional Licensure, another Massachusetts agency. The Board will take direct action on any complaints received by members of the public, and retains the authority to strip brokers and salespersons of their licenses, to suspend those licenses, or to issue public reprimands. Because real estate agents are empowered with handling escrow accounts, they must be particularly careful in dealing with client funds – any break from proper handling and procedure may result in termination of a license. The Division of Professional Licensure maintains a registry, online and viewable by the public, of all complaints made and disciplinary actions taken against real estate salespersons and brokers.