Real Estate Agent / Salesperson / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Real Estate Agent / Salesperson License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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What the Massachusetts data shows for Real Estate Agent / Salespersons

To practice as a real estate agent / salesperson in Massachusetts, the state licensing board requires 129 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Real Estate Salesperson Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Massachusetts's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Pre-License Coursework".

Upfront cost is $150, with renewal running $100 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 12 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
57/100
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
129 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$201
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$84/yr
$167 every 2 years
Continuing Education B-
6.0 hrs/yr
12 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Pre-License Coursework
129 hours
Exam Requirement
State Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$201
Renewal Fee
$167
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
12 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson →

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Compare all states for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts requires 129 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Real Estate Salesperson Exam), and an initial fee of $201. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses real estate agent / salespersons who complete its requirements (129 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for real estate agent / salesperson licensing in Massachusetts. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Massachusetts? ▼
To stay licensed as a real estate agent / salesperson in Massachusetts, plan on 12 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $167.
How much does it cost to get a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license in Massachusetts? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Massachusetts is $150. The renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license processing take in Massachusetts? ▼
In Massachusetts, license processing for real estate agent / salespersons typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this real estate agent / salesperson license

Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a real estate agent / salesperson-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.