Massachusetts Real Estate License Course

The 40-hour pre-licensure course

Massachusetts uses a single 40-hour pre-license course, taken at an authorized school.

What the course covers

The Massachusetts pre-license course covers real estate principles and practices, real estate math, property management, real estate finance, and Massachusetts-specific law and regulation under 254 CMR. It is a single 40-hour course rather than a stack of separate classes.

Live vs. self-paced hours

Authorized schools may use different approved delivery structures. Confirm the school’s authorization, full 40-hour credit, attendance requirements and Educational Certificate process before enrolling.

Choosing an authorized school

Before enrolling, confirm the school currently appears on the Board's list of authorized real estate schools, that the specific course carries the correct 40-hour credit, and that its format fits how you study. School authorization can change, so verify current status directly with the Board of Registration rather than relying on a provider's own marketing claims.

After the course

Completing your 40 hours earns you a Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate, valid for two years from completion. This starts your window to move toward the eLIPSE application and PSI examination. If the certificate expires before you pass all required examination portions, you must repeat the education and reapply. See the MA real estate license exam guide for what happens next.

Course traps to avoid