Massachusetts Real Estate License
Exam & Registration Guide
The MA license exam is administered by PSI in two parts — General and State — 120 questions, 240 minutes, passing at 70%. Here's the whole path from course to license.
Exam Format
The two portions can be passed separately — pass one and complete the other within 2 years. Each exam includes 5–10 unscored experimental questions.
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Try 10 free questions
10 random questions from the real bank — no signup. Take the full 120-question format in the mock exam.
How to Register for the Exam
Six steps, from course to license:
- 1
Finish the 40-hour prelicensing course
Complete 40 hours at a Board-approved school (that's us) and get your Educational Certificate — valid for 2 years.
- 2
Apply to the State Board
Submit your application on the MA real estate Board (mass.gov) with 3 endorsement signatures (non-relatives) + the application fee ($31 salesperson / $52 broker). You can only schedule once the Board approves you.
- 3
Schedule with PSI
After approval, create an account at test-takers.psiexams.com/mare to book, or call (855) 340-3704. Exam fee is $54. Your name must match your government ID exactly.
- 4
Pick a test center or remote proctor
5 MA centers: Auburn, Boston (Charlestown), Fall River, Lawrence, West Springfield — or choose Atlas live remote online proctoring.
- 5
Take the exam · pass at 70%
Arrive 30 minutes early with two signature IDs. It's computer-based with an on-screen calculator, and you get your score immediately. The two portions can be passed separately (retake the failed one within 2 years).
- 6
Get licensed
Pass both portions → pay the license fee on the DOL eLIPSE platform and receive a digital license in about 24 hours. The license is valid 2–3 years, expiring on your birthday.
On Exam Day
- ▪Two valid signature IDs — one with a photo (driver's license, passport, military ID) plus a second (e.g., credit card, Social Security card). Names must match your registration exactly.
- ▪No phones, watches, bags, or personal pens/paper (the center provides scratch paper and an on-screen calculator).
- ▪Arrive 30 minutes early; arriving late or with mismatched ID means you're denied admission and forfeit the fee.
Who Can Sit the Exam
Salesperson
- At least 18 years old
- 40 hours of prelicensing education
- 3 endorsements from non-relatives
- $31 application + $54 exam fee
Broker
- 40 hours of broker education
- 3 years as a salesperson (≥25 hrs/week)
- $5,000 surety bond
- $52 application + $52 exam fee
Renewal: every 2 years, after completing 12 hours of continuing education (CE). We offer all 12 CE hours, bilingual.
Ready? Start here
Drill with real-format practice questions, or enroll in our prep course.
Summarized from the PSI Massachusetts Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin; the Board and PSI are the authoritative sources.