About the 2024 Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam blog post image

About the 2024 Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam

How to Prepare For the 2024 Real Estate Exam

Jacqueline Kyo Thomas

Jacqueline Kyo Thomas


You have questions. We have answers. Here are the answers to the most common questions we’re asked about the 2024 Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson exam.

What are the eligibility requirements to take the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam?

Fortunately, the eligibility requirements for the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam are straightforward. Candidates need to meet the following:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid Social Security Number
  • Complete a 40-hour pre-licensure course from a state-approved real estate school (that’s us!)
  • Demonstrate good moral character (you can’t have any serious criminal offenses in your background and you must have filed for and paid all Massachusetts state taxes )
  • Get three (3) complete candidate endorsements from individuals who aren’t related to you

With these boxes checked, you can apply to take the exam.

How do I apply to take the real estate exam in Massachusetts?

After you’ve met the above criteria, which includes taking the 40-hour Massachusetts real estate course online or in person, you are one step closer to becoming an agent. But first, you must apply to take the exam.

In Massachusetts, real estate exams are offered exclusively through a company called PSI Exams. You will need to fill out an application, which is available on this site, and authorize the state to perform a background check on you. Learn more about good moral character compliance here.

Upon approval, you can schedule your exam through the PSI website.

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What topics are covered on the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam?

The Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam is broken into two main sections: Massachusetts State Law and General Real Estate Knowledge. Although the exam is not limited to the following topics, here’s a good overview of what you’ll need to know:

  • Property Ownership
  • Land Use Controls and Regulations
  • Valuation and Market Analysis
  • Financing
  • General Principles of Agency
  • Property Disclosures
  • Contracts
  • Transfer of Title
  • Practice of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Calculations
  • Specialty Areas, for example commercial, industrial, residential, etc.

Don’t worry. We cover everything you need to know during our 40-hour real estate salesperson course. Learn more here.

How many questions are on the exam, and what is the format?

The Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. As mentioned above, it’s broken into two sections. The General Real Estate Knowledge section includes 80 questions. The Massachusetts-specific section has 40 questions.

What is the passing score for the exam?

To pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam, you need to score at least 70% on both sections. In other words, you can’t pass the exam if you score 90% on State and 50% on General. You must score at least 70% on both individually.

What happens if you don’t pass the exam?

If you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it as many times as you need. But here’s more good news: If you pass one section but not the other, you won’t need to retake the entire test. You only need to take the section you didn’t pass.

How much does it cost to take the exam?

For real estate salespeople (or agents), the examination fee is $54 and the application fee is $31. Accepted payment types include Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Discover or Diner cards are not accepted.

If you choose to mail in your application, you may also be able to pay with company checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Make your checks payable to PSI. Include your name in the memo section to ensure your payment is applied to the correct registration. Personal checks are not accepted. Cash is also not accepted.

If you have to retake the test, you will not be required to pay the $31 application fee. However, you will need to pay for the test itself, which comes out to $54 for each retest.

You can also pay the optional $8 cancellation protection fee. This will allow you to cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled test.

Where can I take the real estate exam in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts real estate exam is administered exclusively through PSI. PSI offers convenient options to meet your needs. You can take the test online or onsite at one of PSI’s testing centers. These testing centers are in Boston, Auburn, Fall River, Lawrence, and West Springfield.

Can I take the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam online?

Yes. You can take an online exam through PSI from the place of your choosing. Because this exam is proctored, you need to ensure that you meet several requirements, including having a working camera and microphone, and a dedicated room without distractions or intrusions.

How often is the exam offered?

PSI administers the Massachusetts Real Estate Licensing Exam throughout the year, often daily depending on the setting of the exam (onsite vs online). Exams are also offered on the weekends. Visit the PSI website to schedule a day and time that works well for your schedule.

What identification do I need to bring on the day of the exam?

You must register for your exam with your legal first and last name as it appears on your government-issued identification.

On the day of the exam, you must bring two forms of identification (ID). Look them over to make sure that your IDs are not expired, display a valid signature, and exactly match the name you used to register for your exam.

Present one of the following primary IDs: - A government-issued driver’s license - A learner’s permit (plastic card only with photo and signature) - A national, state, or country ID car - A government-issued passport or passport card - A government-issued military identification card - A government-issued alien registration card (this includes green cards and permanent resident visas)

Be sure that your primary identification includes a photo.

Present one of the following secondary IDs: - Signed credit or debit card - Social security card - Another ID from the primary list

If you do not have the appropriate IDs or if any of the names on your various forms of ID do not match each other or the name on your registration, you will not be permitted to take the exam. You will also forfeit your examination fee.

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What should I study to prepare for the exam?

We’ve prepared a handy guide to help you pass your exam the first time with flying colors. Click here to check out our 12 tips for preparing to ace your real estate exam. We go over everything from the real estate exam’s format to what you need to do the day prior to your exam. We also share tips on how to get the most out of practice exams.

How long do I have to wait to retake the exam if I don’t pass?

You must wait 24 hours before you can schedule a retake of the Massachusetts Real Estate Licensing Exam. Scheduling takes place online. Visit the PSI website to schedule your retake. Keep in mind that you will need to pay $54 to retake.

Also, remember that you must complete your real estate exam within two years after completing your real estate course and receiving the education certificate. However, within those two years, you are free to take the real estate exam as many times as you need to.

You need to wait 24 hours before trying to reschedule your real estate salesperson exam. After that, you can log into your PSI account to schedule the retake. The retake fee is $54.

Did you know that we guarantee that you will pass your exam the first time if you study with us? Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our program to ensure that our students pass the first time. We’re so committed that if you don’t pass, we’ll refund the cost of your course. Learn more here.

What happens after I pass the exam?

Once you pass your exam, you will be automatically licensed to sell real estate in the state of Massachusetts. If you took your exam onsite at a test center, you will take a photo and receive your license the same day. If you took the exam online, you will need to visit a PSI test center to take a photo and pick up your license.

To receive your license, you will need to pay the associated license fee. License fees are prorated and change every month, but expect to pay between $103 to $150. You will also be required to pay a $12 licensing fee.

You can pay your license fees by credit card. You can also use a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to PSI. Cash is not accepted. Note that this payment is different from your examination fee.

How long is the real estate salesperson license valid in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts real estate salesperson license is valid for two years. The license will expire on the date of your birthday. If you do not renew your license every two years, it will automatically expire.

Can I transfer a real estate license from another state to Massachusetts?

Did you know that the state of Massachusetts participates in real estate reciprocity? If you currently have a real estate license from a state that has a standing reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts, you get an advantage. You don’t need to retake the entire real estate exam. Instead, you’ll only need to complete the application process and pass the Massachusetts portion of the exam. We’ll help you get ready for what to expect. Learn more about how to apply for Massachusetts real estate reciprocity here.

What are the consequences of failing the exam multiple times?

Although it’s a blow to the ego (and the wallet), there are no negative consequences to failing the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam. After completing your 40-hour real estate course, you have two years and unlimited retries to ace the exam. You will need to pay the prescribed examination fee for each retake.

Ready to Begin Your Real Estate Journey?

The first step starts with us. Click here to learn more about how to get your Massachusetts real estate salesperson license.

Interested in getting your real estate license online?


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