How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts (Updated for 2026)
You've been a real estate salesperson for many years and you're finally ready to become a broker. Congratulations! Now, the question is: How? Can you simply start calling yourself a broker?
First the bad news: becoming a real estate broker requires more than just gumption and positive affirmations. But here's the good news: in this post, we'll give you the exact steps to becoming a real estate broker in the great state of Massachusetts.
Let's get started.
Before we discuss how to become a broker, let's talk about why it's potentially a smart business move.
You can be the boss. As a broker, you can open your own real estate brokerage and work for yourself. You can sell homes directly or hire agents to work with you. If you start a brokerage as an LLC, LLP, corporation, or similar entity, you can act as its broker of record and apply for a broker license for the entity as well. That is not available to salespersons.
You can still work for your current brokerage. Brokers have the option to work for themselves or to work as an associate broker at a brokerage.
Finally, a broker license gives you more options for business model innovation. For example, as a broker you can take advantage of tax strategies that salespersons cannot.
(Entity and tax planning can get complicated, so please talk with a CPA and business attorney before choosing a structure!)
To become a licensed real estate broker, you must meet the following criteria listed on Mass.gov:
Now that you know what's required, let's discuss what steps you need to take to go from salesperson to broker.
Do not pass go, do not collect $200 unless you're already a licensed Massachusetts real estate salesperson. You cannot become a broker without meeting the experience requirement of 3 recent years' work experience as a licensed real estate salesperson.
Before you can sit for the broker exam, you'll need to take a class. Hooray, this is where we come in!
The state of Massachusetts requires that you complete 40 hours of education before applying for your license.
We'll make the pre-license education as painless as possible. And you'll get access to practice tests that mimic the real thing, along with our special study guide and other study tools. Learn more about our broker classes here.
After completing the course, it's time to grab your No. 2 pencils and head to the PSI Services exam facilities. Just kidding: it's the 21st century, so you no longer need pencils. The exam is completed on a computer, and you can even take it online from home if you want.
Before taking the exam, you will need to apply to take the exam through the Massachusetts eLIPSE licensing platform. You will upload your education certificate from the 40-hour course, broker bond, work experience documentation from your broker(s), and other information needed by the Board. After approval by the Board, you will be able to schedule your exam date.
The Massachusetts broker license exam is administered by PSI and can be taken at a PSI test center or via remote online proctoring. The broker license exam has two sections: a General portion and a Massachusetts State portion. You have four hours to take the exam. The General portion has 75 questions scored to 80 points, with 150 minutes allowed. The State portion is 40 questions, 40 points, with 90 minutes allowed. You'll need at least 70% on both sections to pass.
If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section while your eligibility remains valid. Your partial pass is tied to the two-year expiration of your education certificate. Check PSI and eLIPSE for current retake scheduling rules and fees.
After you become a broker, you must renew your license every two years. In order to renew, you'll need to complete an additional 12 hours of continuing education before renewing. You can take your continuing education classes online, and there's no test required!
Note that your first broker license term may be longer than two years because Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years. After that, you'll renew every two years.
What are you waiting for? It's time to get the ball rolling and register for your broker classes. Learn more and register here.
Oh, and before you go, don't forget to download your free checklist of broker requirements.