Steps to a Massachusetts real estate license
The same standard first-time salesperson path as the hub, broken into ordered, actionable steps.
Step 1 — Confirm baseline eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Step 2 — Complete the 40-hour pre-licensure course
Enroll at an authorized Massachusetts real estate school and complete all 40 hours of Board-approved pre-licensure education. See the license course guide and online course guide.
Step 3 — Obtain your Educational Certificate
Your school issues the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate on completion. It is valid for two years from completion.
Step 4 — Gather your three candidate endorsements
Endorsers cannot be related to you and cannot be classmates known to you only through your pre-license course. They do not need to be Massachusetts residents.
Step 5 — Complete the CORI form and eLIPSE materials
Complete the current DOL CORI form and gather the current eLIPSE application materials, including your Educational Certificate and endorsements.
Step 6 — Submit your application through eLIPSE
Submit the examination/licensure application through the current eLIPSE process. Incomplete applications may be held open for 180 days before being treated as abandoned.
Step 7 — Wait for Board review and examination authorization
The Board reviews your application, including endorsements and CORI materials, before authorizing you to schedule the PSI exam.
Step 8 — Schedule and pass the PSI exam
Register with PSI and pass the required examination portions. See the exam guide and exam prep guide.
Step 9 — Pay the license fee and complete issuance
Current Mass.gov guidance says in-person candidates may pay and receive the license at the testing center; remote candidates receive instructions from PSI. The initial license fee must be paid within 30 days after notice of passing, or the candidate may need to retake the examination.
Step 10 — Affiliate with a broker
Complete broker affiliation before performing licensed activity as a salesperson.
Step 11 — Maintain your license
Complete 12 hours of CE before renewing as Active. See the renewal & CE guide.
Ready for the detail behind each step?
Review the full requirements checklist before you enroll in a course.