A Massachusetts real estate broker is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell and rent real estate. The main difference between a broker and a real estate agent is that brokers are licensed to work independently and employ agents.

Read on to learn the five-step process for getting a real estate broker license in Massachusetts.

What’s Required to Be a Massachusetts Real Estate Broker?

To become a licensed real estate broker in Massachusetts, you must meet the following criteria per the Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons:

Be at least 18 years old
Have 3+ years of experience working for a broker
Have a current Massachusetts salesperson license
Obtain 3 complete candidate endorsements

How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts

Once you meet the requirements, follow these five steps to get your Massachusetts real estate broker license.

Step 1: Complete 40 hours of education

Before you apply, you must take 40 hours of real estate training. You can complete your education at any state-authorized real estate school.

Step 2: Purchase a Massachusetts surety bond

Massachusetts requires a $5,000 surety bond for real estate brokers. With SuretyBonds.com, you can buy your Massachusetts real estate broker bond for just $50. We’ll email your official bond immediately after purchase.

Step 3: Apply for your exam

Complete the Professional Service Industries (PSI) registration form and email it to [email protected]. When applying, you will need to submit the following items:

PSI registration form, including three candidate endorsements
$106 exam fee or credit card information
$5,000 surety bond form
Signed documentation of completed training course
Signed documentation of appropriate work experience

You’ll receive an email from PSI when the Board approves you. Then, you may go online or call PSI to schedule your exam.

Step 4: Pass the license exam

Apply for your Real Estate License Examination online. The exam has two parts and 120 questions. You must score a minimum of 70% to pass. Be sure to bring two forms of identification to in-person testing centers.

Step 5: Pay all required fees

If you take the exam at a testing center, the facilitators will collect payment then print and issue your license. If you take the online exam, the PSI will send instructions on how to get your license.

You'll pay a prorated broker fee between $142 and $200, plus a $12 licensing fee. PSI accepts card, money orders or cashier's checks.

How to Renew Your Real Estate Broker License

Massachusetts real estate broker licenses expire after two years on your birthday. Before you renew, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education. Renew your license online through the ePlace Licensing and Permitting Portal. You’ll need to provide your Record ID and authorization codes as well as pay the renewal fee.

Massachusetts real estate broker bonds expire after six years. A SuretyBonds.com representative will contact you with renewal instructions and an invoice to keep your bond active before your term ends.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MA Real Estate Broker License?

The entire process can take anywhere from 1–6 months. This mainly depends on whether you take full-time or part-time training classes.

Once you apply, the Board typically takes 4–6 weeks to process Massachusetts real estate broker applications and issue licenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Massachusetts Broker License?

You can expect to pay around $258–$316 for your Massachusetts real estate broker license. These fees include:

Application fee: $52
Examination fee: $52
Broker license fee: $142–$200
PSI licensing fee: $12

Contact Information

Board of Real Estate Brokers

Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington St.

Suite 710

Boston MA 02118-6100

(617) 701-8661

[email protected]

How to Get a Massachusetts Real Estate Broker License