How Do I Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts?

How Do I Get A Real Estate License in Massachusetts? 

Are you interested in getting a real estate salesperson's license in the state of Massachusetts?

In our 40-hour MA Real Estate Salesperson's PreLicensure Class, we prepare students to take and pass the exam -- while making it less anxiety-ridden and having some fun. Here is a quick overview of the steps. 

1.  To start, you need to take a 40-hour Real Estate Salesperson’s PreLicensure course from a state-approved licensed school, like ours (state school license #1214). If you're looking for a class, we hope you'll join us!

2.  Meet these qualifications: successful completion of the class; be at least 18 years old when you test; have a social security number. The certificate is dated and delivered upon your class completion and you have two years from that date to take and pass the exam.

3. Apply for the exam on the state of MA's website through their eLipse system. Forms will be provided in our class as well as on the state's site during the application process. This is what you will need: 

The Education Certificate issued to you upon completion of your full attendance at a 40-hour MA Real Estate Salesperson PreLicensure class

A notarized CORI (CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION) form;

3 Endorsements from three people not related to you and not in your real estate class who will provide their information, signature, and endorsement recommending you as a real estate agent; it is not necessary that they live in MA; 

A digital passport-style photo;

Your payment for the exam, $85. (Retakes are $54.)

4. Once your application has been approved you will receive an email with information on how to schedule your exam with the testing company, PSI, for a mutually-available time slot. Currently this takes about 5 weeks. There are five different exam centers throughout MA and at this time you also have the option of taking your exam online. 

5. At the testing center, you will need 2 forms of ID with your signatures on them, one is to be a government-issued photo ID. You'll have a combined total of four hours to take the two portions of the exam, the general exam and the MA state exam. All questions are multiple choice on a computer, with a calculator provided. You'll need a score of 70% or better on each of the two exam portions to pass.

6. After passing your exam, you will be directed to log back in to your online eLipse account to purchase your new license, which will be issued digitally immediately. The new license will be good for at least 2 years, potentially up to three, as it will expire every two years moving forward on your birthday. The license price is about $100-$150, depending on your birthday and when you take the exam.

7. Once your real estate Salesperson's license has been issued, you might laminate a copy to keep on your person for identification as a licensed agent. Another copy you will provide to your Broker to post in their office as you begin your work in sales, leasing, residential, and/or commercial real estate. 

8. To renew a real estate license in MA, you need 12 credit hours of Continuing Education every two years before your birthday. (We teach that, too! -- See our blog about renewing your license when you're ready for that.) Further, once you get your license, you never have to re-take the 40-hour PreLicensure course. You would take Continuing Education and renew or reinstate your same license.

NOTE: In class you will receive more detailed information about this process, including how to request additional time for the exam if it is merited; how to obtain a discount if you are a Veteran; what not to wear to your exam . . . in addition to tips on how to ace the test the first time!

We’d love to help you prepare for your MA real estate license exam. See our upcoming class dates here: www.getmy40hours.com

Your friends at the METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE