Get Licensed To Sell

What do I need to do to become licensed as a real estate salesperson or broker in Massachusetts?

To become licensed as a salesperson or broker in Massachusetts you must complete the requisite education, complete the appropriate licensing application and pass the relevant examination. At the outset you must become licensed as a salesperson before you can become a broker. To become licensed as a salesperson you must complete forty (40) hours of education at any one of the Board approved real estate schools (the education is in various subject matter areas). For a list of schools, see the list of Authorized Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts on this site. You can also check in your Yellow Pages under real estate schools.

Once your education is complete the school will provide you with a “Candidate Handbook” which will contain verification of your completed education and information to make an appointment to take the salesperson examination with the Board’s test administrator. All information to take the examination will be contained in the Candidate Handbook. Upon passing the examination you will be licensed at the test center.

Those salespersons who seek licensure as brokers follow the same practice outlined for salespersons above. There are, however, two differences. First, those seeking licensure as brokers must complete forty (40) hours of education at a Board approved real estate school (that is in addition to the salesperson education). Second, salespeople must work for a broker for at least three (3) years before they can move on to licensure as brokers (the work experience must either be current or completed no more than two (2) years prior to the time of broker examination and licensure). Once your education is complete the school will provide you with a “Candidate Handbook” and you may contact the Board’s test administrator to take the examination. Upon passing the examination you will be licensed at the test center.

If you would like more information on licensure, please contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons at (617) 727-2373.

I worked as a salesperson several years ago, may I use that experience to obtain my broker license?

You may use prior salesperson experience so long as the experience is not over two (2) years old and/or there has not been a two (2) year gap in time between your current and past salesperson experience.

What are the rules and what regulations must I know in order to become licensed and maintain a real estate license in Massachusetts?

(1) Purpose. 254 CMR 2.00 sets forth the application procedures, examination, experience, good moral character requirements for licensure.

(2) Applications. Applications for licenses shall be made on forms furnished by the Board and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(3) Examinations. No broker or salesperson license shall be issued to any individual unless such individual satisfactorily passes a written examination conducted by the Board or its agent. Prior to taking the examination applicants must submit certification to the Board that the required education has been completed. This certification shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months following the date on which the education was completed. Any applicant who is an attorney at law in good standing of this Commonwealth shall not be required to take such examination.

(4) Re-Examination. An individual who fails to pass the written examination for a real estate broker or salesperson may be re-examined by paying the prescribed fee.

(5) License Fees. An individual who has been notified of passing the examination for real estate broker or salesperson must pay the prescribed fee within 30 days from the date of notification. If the required fee is not paid within the specified time period the individual shall be required to be re-examined and pay the prescribed fee for such examination. This requirement may be waived by the Board upon showing of good cause.

(6) Experience Requirement for License as a Broker. A salesperson seeking licensure as a real estate broker must:

(a) Be employed or affiliated with a licensed real estate broker in performing those activities as defined (for licensed salespeople) in M.G.L.c. 112, § 87PP for at least one year. The Board shall determine the form and manner to verify such employment or affiliation.

(b) Be employed or affiliated with such licensed real estate broker for a minimum of twenty-five hours per calendar week under the supervision of such broker.

(c) Obtain licensure as a real estate broker within two years of the date that such employment or affiliation as a real estate salesperson is terminated.
(7) Moral Character. Each individual seeking a license as a broker or salesperson shall furnish evidence of good moral character. Applications for a license shall be accompanied by the recommendations of three reputable citizens, not related to the applicant, who reside in or have their place of business in the Commonwealth. Each recommendation shall certify that the individual bears a good reputation for honesty and fair dealing and shall recommend that a license be granted to such individual.

(8) Personal Appearance. Applicants may be required to appear at the office of the Board for an interview.

(9) Qualification Reports. The Board may require each individual seeking a license to submit a report from an independent source pertaining to the individual’s previous occupation or any other information which is material to the qualification of such individual for a license.

(10) Surety Bonds. No broker’s license shall issue or be renewed until such broker gives the Board the bond required by M.G.L. c. 112, § 87TT.

(11) Business Entities. No licensee may engage in the business of real estate brokering in a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), association or society unless the entity is licensed by the Board.

No broker’s license shall issue to a corporation, LLC, partnership, LLP, association or society unless an officer in such corporation, society or association or partner in a partnership is a licensed broker in the Commonwealth and designated as the broker of record for the entity. The broker of record must be currently licensed at all times, otherwise the license of the entity shall cease. The broker of record shall be in responsible charge of the business entity and personally responsible for the acts of the entity and its employees and agents.
(12) LLC, LLP Insurance. An LLC and LLP must maintain professional liability insurance which meets the following minimum standards:

(a) The insurance shall cover negligence, wrongful acts, errors and omissions and insure the LLC and it officers or the LLP and its partners as required by M.G.L. c. 156C, §. 65 and M.G.L. c. 108A, §. 45(8)(a).

(b) The insurance shall be in an amount for each claim of at least $50,000 multiplied by the number of individual licensees employed by, or officers of, the LLC, and in an aggregate amount of at least $150,000 multiplied by the number of individual licensees who are employed by, or officers of, the LLC.

(c) The insurance shall be in an amount for each claim of at least $50,000 multiplied by the number of individual licensees employed by, or partners of, the LLP, and in an aggregate amount of at least $150,000 multiplied by the number of individual licensees who are employed by, or partners of, the LLP.

(d) The requirements of 254 CMR 2.00(12) shall be satisfied if the LLC or LLP maintains insurance sufficient to provide coverage at a level of at least $300,000 for each claim with an aggregate top limit of liability for all claims, during any one year, of at least $1,000,000; and

(e) The insurance required by 254 CMR 2.00(12) may provide that it does not apply to any dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, or malicious act or omission of the insured LLC, or any officer or employee thereof, or the LLP, or any partner or employee thereof.

(f) Cancellation or any other interruption in required insurance coverage shall require the LLC or LLP to immediately cease the practice of real estate brokering until such time as the LLC or LLP is in compliance with 254 CMR 2.00(12).

(g) An LLC or LLP must notify the Board within 5 business days, if the LLC or LLP insurance coverage is canceled or otherwise interrupted. Failure to provide required notice to the Board will subject the LLC and its officers or the LLP and its partners who are licensed by the Board to disciplinary action pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 87AAA.

(h) An LLC or LLP may be required to provide verification of compliance with 254 CMR 2.00(12), satisfactory to the Board, when it seeks initial licensure, the renewal of such license and at any other time at the request of the Board.
(13) Reciprocal Licensure. The Board may issue a real estate salesperson or brokers license to individuals licensed in other states or jurisdictions without requiring the satisfaction of the education and examination requirements where such other state or jurisdiction has laws similar to the Commonwealth governing the practice of real estate brokering and extends the same privilege to licensed Massachusetts real estate brokers and salespersons. Applicants for reciprocal licensure shall apply on the form provided by the Board and pay the prescribed fee.

(14) License Renewal. No license may be renewed later than one year following the expiration of such license nor may any broker or salesperson practice when such license has expired. Any license renewal sought after license expiration but prior to the end of the one year grace period must be on the form provided by the Board and verify to the Board’s satisfaction completion of continuing education as required by M.G.L. c. 112, § 87XX 1/2, and be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

Do I need to hire a real estate broker to sell my home?

No, you need not hire a broker. A homeowner can choose to sell his or her own home. A real estate broker is employed when the homeowner has decided to utilize the services of a broker in selling the home and that broker becomes your agent representing you. This commonly occurs when the broker enters into a “listing agreement” with the seller to sell the home.

You may not sell real estate without a license if you do not own the property.

 

Authorized Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts

By the Division of Professional Licensure


School Name City/Web Address Tel. #/Email
ABA School of Real Estate Worcester
website
508-493-3393
email
ABC Real Estate Training Institute Haverhill
website
978-373-2859
email
Abigail Adams Real Estate School Norwell
website
781-982-7515
Accelerated Real Estate School Westwood
website
781-269-1640
email
Access Realty Institute Quincy 617-376-0702
Advance Real Estate Academy Bellingham
website
508-966-0921
Advantage Real Estate Academy Milton 617-894-0620
Advantage Real Estate School Billerica 978-667-1848
AGENT RISING Real Estate School & Training Mattapoisett
website
508-728-3648
Alliance Real Estate Academy Auburn 508-845-9752
ALLMASS Academy of Real Estate Natick
website
508-293-1880
email
American Real Estate Academy Waltham
website
800-462-0044
email
Anita Hill Training & Seminars License School Methuen
website
978-975-0735
email
Anjos Realty Institute Middleboro 774-213-9128
Annex Real Estate School Quincy
website
617-472-4330
email
Antonio Real Estate School New Bedford 508-728-2656
email
Assabet Valley Regional Voc. School Marlboro 508-485-9430
Bay Path Regional Voch. Tech. High School Charlton 508-248-5971
Bay State Academy Auburn
website
800-422-9782
email
Bentley College Waltham 617-489-4244
Berkshire Center for Real Estate Education, LLC Pittsfield 413-499-0070
Berkshire Community College Pittsfield
website
413-499-4660
email
Berkshire County Board of Realtors Pittsfield
website
413-442-8049
email
Bill Morgan Real Estate Academy Swampscott
website
781-631-1211
email
Boston Realty Institute Boston
website
617-785-8571
email
Boston School of Real Estate, Inc. Boston
website
617-861-8357
Braese Real Estate School Woburn 781-933-0005
Bremis School of Real Estate Somerville 617-623-2500
Bristol Community College Fall River 508-678-2811
Brookline Adult and Community Education Brookline
website
617-730-2700
Bunker Hill Community College Charlestown
website
617-228-2498
email
Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors, Inc. Real Estate Institute W. Yarmouth 508-957-4300
Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable 508-362-2131
Career School of Real Estate N. Adams 413-664-4941
CATIC Real Estate School Westborough 781-237-8770
CCTE Real Estate School, LLC Osterville 508-774-7539
Celata Real Estate Academy Revere
website
781-289-7500
Center For Real Estate Studies and Training Auburn
website
508-832-6600
email
The CE Shop, Inc. Norwell
website
1-888-827-0777
Champion Real Estate Academy of Massachusetts Worcester 508-612-7839
Coco, Early & Associates Real Estate School Methuen 978-687-8484
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Tewksbury
website
1-800-779-3830
Commonwealth Real Estate Academy Somerville 617-666-2121
Commonwealth Realtors Real Estate Institute Weymouth 617-773-3300
email
Conway Country School Of Real Estate Hanover 781-826-0088
Conway School of Real Estate Norwell 781-871-0080
CORE, Real Estate Studies, Inc. Easton
website
508-272-8198
email
Credentials Real Estate Academy Lawrence
website
1-888-400-0273
email
Dukes Academy Vineyard Haven
website
508-696-1900
email
Eastern Middlesex Real Estate Academy Reading
website
781-944-6006
email
Eastern Real Estate School Fall River 774-526-4993
Eastman School of Real Estate North Reading
website
781-944-6394
ERA Key Realty Services Worcester
website
508-853-0964
email
Ergon Transnational Real Estate & Asset Management Corporation Boston 617-372-0031
First American Real Estate School Boston 617-772-9261
First Choice Real Estate School Westfield 413-568-7500
Fontaine Real Estate School Fitchburg
website
978-343-4382
email
Freedom Trail Realty School Boston
website
617-702-2823
email
Gateway School of Real Estate Adams 413-743-5903
George Russell Realty School Worcester 508-799-9997
GNAR Real Estate School
(offer only Continuing Education)
Newburyport
website
978-462-5415
email
Greater Boston Real Estate Board’s Center for Professional Development Boston 617-423-8700
Greater Brockton Real Estate Institute, Inc, Stoughton 781-344-1900
Greater New Bedford Association of Realtors New Bedford 508-993-0406
Greenwood Real Estate School Wakefield 978-815-7507
Harris “MULTIPLE LOCATIONS” Real Estate School Rowley
website
978-948-5578
The Higgins Group Realtors Lexington 781-862-1700
Holyoke Community College Holyoke 413-552-2320
Hopps Realty School South Dartmouth 508-992-6479
Host Group Real Estate, LLC Boston
website
1-800-918-5240
email
JMB Real Estate Academy, Inc. Lowell 978-454-7314
Kathy Roosa School of Real Estate Westford 207-351-3335
Keep Me Certified – On-line Continuing Education Only Boston
website
617-651-1335
Leading Edge Real Estate Academy Winchester 781-729-5505
Lee Institute, Inc. Brookline
website
617-734-3211
email
Mahoney Law Group, P.C. Braintree 781-849-0700
Massachusetts Real Estate Academy Revere 781-241-4760
Massachusetts Real Estate School Woburn 781-787-0911
Massachusetts Academy of Real Estate Braintree
website
781-848-1404
Massachusetts Association of Realtors Waltham 781-890-3700
email
Massasoit Community College Brockton
website
508-588-9100
Metropolitan Real Estate Saugus 781-953-9688
Metropolitan School of Real Estate Somerville
website
617-201-0402
email
Mid-Cape Real Estate School, LLC W. Dennis, MA 508-394-6588
Morris School of Real Estate East Bridgewater 508-378-3961
NAIOP Massachusetts Needham
website
781-453-6900
Nantucket Community School Nantucket, MA 508-228-7285
ext. 1571
National Real Estate Studies S. Dennis
website
1-800-856-2690
email
NEAR Real Estate Academy Westford 978-577-6138
email
Neves & Cashman Real Estate School
654 State Road, Suite A1
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
website
508-990-7775
email
New England Real Estate Academy Norton
website
508-622-0809
New England Real Estate Institute Quincy 617-773-3034
North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors Fitchburg
website
978-345-2531
email
North Shore Center for Real Estate Education Beverly 978-232-9410
North Shore Community College Danvers
website
978-458-2901
email
North Shore Real Estate Academy Peabody
website
800-409-2575
email
Page One Education, Inc. Waltham, MA
website
339-223-1835
email
Panther’s Path Realty School Lenox 413-441-9590
Park Place Real Estate School Leominster 978-537-5100
email
Pathway Home Realty Group, Inc. Newton Centre 617-969-6188
email
Patriot Real Estate Group Quincy, MA
website
617-513-3016
email
Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors, Inc. Pembroke
website
781-826-5139
Premier Realty Concepts, Inc. Adams 413-448-2502
email
Professional Real Estate Training Institute Randolph
website
617-499-7710
Real Estate Careers Institute Feeding Hills
Website
413-439-0225
Real Estate Institute of Massachusetts, Inc. Braintree
website
617-780-7663
email
The Real Estate School Braintree 781-664-4936
The Real Estate School Office of Timothy A. Sherman Braintree 781-664-4936
Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley, Inc. Springfield
website
413-785-1328
Reis Real Estate School Bridgewater 508-697-8808
Roxbury Community College Roxbury Crossing
website
617-541-5306
R-Pal Real Estate Academy Gloucester
website
781-479-4295
Salem State College Salem
website
978-542-6302
Sandwich Community School East Sandwich 508-888-5300
email
Silva Real Estate East Bridgewater 508-378-8890
email
Somerville Adult Education Evening School Somerville
website
617-625-6600
email
South Shore Real Estate Academy Quincy
website
508-493-1090
South Shore Real Estate School Braintree, MA 781-843-3200
SouthShore Signature Real Estate Kingston
website
781-585-5027
email
Spindler & O’Neil Real Estate School North Reading
website
978-664-2100
email
Springfield Technical Community College Springfield
website
413-755-4334
email
Statewide Real Estate School, Inc, AAAStatewideCourses.com Scituate
website
781-749-7100
email
Summit Realty Academy New Bedford 508-667-8853
The Spencer School of Real Estate Newtonville
website
617-965-8388
Thomas F. Williams Real Estate School Quincy 617-847-4200
Today Education Services S. Yarmouth 508-888-8008
email
Towne & Country Realty Academy New Bedford 508-994-6637
Triad Realty School Norton 508-277-3516
email
Trinity Real Estate Academy
20 Belgrade Avenue, Unit 6
Roslindale, MA 02131 617-971-8535
University of Massachusetts Hadley
website
413-545-0530
Upper Cape Cad Regional Technical School Bourne 508-759-7711
x201
Western Massachusetts Real Estate Academy Longmeadow 413-565-5478