How Hard Is It to Become a Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts?
Learn how hard it is to become a real estate agent, or REALTOR, in Massachusetts in this detailed guide.
Learn how hard it is to become a real estate agent, or REALTOR, in Massachusetts in this detailed guide.
The FTRS Team
Thinking about getting into real estate in Massachusetts? You might be wondering, "How hard is it to become a real estate agent?" or even "How hard is it to become a Realtor?" It's a common question. We've got you covered!
Here's the good news: the process to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts is pretty straightforward if you're willing to put in some effort. The process isn't as tough as becoming a doctor or lawyer, but it does take time, study, and a bit of cash. We'll break it down step by step, based on what the state requires. This focuses on getting a salesperson license, which is where most folks start.
Before we begin, let's clear up the terms used to refer to real estate agents, because they're not all interchangeable. A "real estate agent" usually means a licensed real estate salesperson or broker in MA. A "REALTOR" is an agent who's also joined the National Association of REALTORs (NAR). Becoming a REALTOR is optional and comes after you get licensed. There's no such thing as a special "REALTOR’s license."
If you want more on becoming an agent, you can also check out our guide on how to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts.
Alright, with that out of the way, let's get into it.
To even start, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid social security number. You don't have to be a resident of Massachusetts.
The MA Real Estate Board will run background checks before issuing your license (CORI and SORB) to ensure that you have good moral character. Important things they’re looking for are no criminal history, active probation, or unpaid taxes. If you have a criminal history the Real Estate Board will review it case by case. They will not review the record before you pass the exam and apply for a license, but their website has some basic information and guidelines on how they conduct their review here
The whole process to become an agent in MA from start to finish can take between two months to a year, but most people wrap it up in about three to four months. It's not super hard if you stay organized, but the exam can be a hurdle for many pre-license candidates.
Here's a basic overview of how the process goes, with some links to more information if you want additional details:
1.) Take the 40-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
You have to complete 40 hours of classes at a State approved real estate school first. This covers basics like real estate laws, math, and how the industry works. You can do it online or in person, full-time or part-time. At Freedom Trail Realty School, we offer flexible Massachusetts real estate licensing classes that fit your schedule, with quizzes, Q&A, and math reviews to help you learn.
If you're coming from another state you don’t need to take the course or the exam and can apply for a reciprocal license right away. But you will probably want to know about the Massachusetts real estate laws and regulations before you begin practicing! There's a Massachusetts reciprocal license study course for that.
Cost: About $249–$699, depending on the licensed Massachusetts real estate school you choose.
Tip: You can check the license for the real estate school you want to attend on the Mass.gov list of approved real estate schools here.
2.) Apply and Get Approved for the Exam
After the course, send your completion certificate to the state with a $31 fee. They'll approve you after background checks in about 4-8 weeks. Then pay $54 to schedule the test with PSI Exams.
Cost: $85 for the application and exam.
3.) Pass the Massachusetts Real Estate License Test
This is where getting your Massachusetts real estate license becomes a bit harder, and requires more than just organization skills. The salesperson license exam has 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 on national topics and 40 on MA-specific laws. You need 70% on each section to pass, and you get 4 hours. It's tricky because questions test if you can apply what you learned, not just memorize. About 60-70% pass on the first try, but you can retake failed sections after 24 hours. Study is key. Aim for 20+ hours post-class, using practice questions
For help, our Trail Guide: The Real Estate Exam is a solid test prep tool. Take it online at home or in person at centers in Boston, Lawrence, and elsewhere.
Read more about the exam in our article All About the Massachusetts Real Estate License Test.
4.) Pay Fees and Get Your License
If you pass the exam, you will need to pay $103–$150 (this is based on your birthday; just assume $150) plus a $12 issuance fee.
You'll get your license online from the State’s eLIPSE platform after passing.
Total upfront costs to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts: Budget around $450–$1,000, including classes, tests, and extras like MLS access ($30–40/month) or E&O insurance ($30/month).
Once you get your license you can join a brokerage to start working. Work as an agent is often commission-based, so good training helps. Some brokerages also pay a salary or offer W2 assistant jobs to help you get started.
To keep your license, you need to take the required 12 hours of continuing education classes every two years with an approved school.
You might be specifically interested in becoming a real estate broker or REALTOR. That involves leveling up after you get your salespersons license. The salesperson license is a required first step no matter what, so getting a salesperson license is your first task if you don't already have one.
After 3 years of experience as a salesperson you can get a broker license by taking another 40-hour class, purchasing a $5,000 bond, and passing a harder exam (75 national questions plus 40 state). Brokers can work independently or run a firm. It's harder to become a broker due to the experience and extra education needed, and many agents skip becoming a broker and remain salespersons for their entire career. Becoming a licensed broker is not required to be a real estate agent.
To become a REALTOR, you must join your local NAR chapter after getting your license. It costs about $500/year and will likely include extra classes. Becoming a REALTOR is optional but has perks, and it is a bit harder to become a REALTOR than it is to become a real estate agent.
On a scale of 1-10, it’s probably around 6 for most people who are working around other work and life commitments. If you don’t have a 9-5 job to work around it might be a bit easier, and if you have a demanding work and home life schedule it might be a bit tougher, but it’s doable for everyone with some planning and discipline.
The 40 hour class is doable if you commit time and plan ahead. If you take your class with a reputable school it will give you everything you need to pass the license exam. The rest is on you: If you pay attention in class and study hard, you'll likely pass on your first try. That means you need to read your text book, review your notes from the 40 hour course, and take practice tests until you memorize the information from the course. It's easier than years of college, and if you're motivated, it's totally achievable.