How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts?

This article offers a detailed look at the time it takes to become a licensed real estate salesperson in The Bay State.

The time frame is broken down by the steps in the process. You’ll also find out what variables can shorten or extend the duration of each one.

As a plus, we cover the time commitment associated with meeting Massachusetts real estate license renewal requirements so that you can better plan for the future.

You’re on your way to learning how quickly you can get your Massachusetts real estate license. So let’s get started!

Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a 40-hour pre-licensing education requirement that can be completed anywhere between two weeks and two-plus months, depending on your class schedule.

One of the schedules with the shortest duration is also the most commonly offered. Classes are taught in person or in a virtual classroom all day on the weekend, two weeks in a row.

Weekday classes are offered on a 2-week fast track, too. For those, you must attend five full-day sessions over that period and can choose between live and livestreamed formats.

Those same delivery options are also available for part-time evening classes, which can take 3-5 weeks to complete based on how often the class meets.

Some schools have a hybrid course where you can combine live online and on-demand classes. You can finish that in about a month with a dedicated effort.

Those who require more time due to work and family demands can take a self-paced online course. You set the completion date in this case.

Courses that typically take the longest to finish are taught at a community college. That time frame is 8-10 weeks.

Pre-licensing education is designed to prepare you for the exam. But many candidates also do a refresher on the coursework before taking the test.

How long should you study for the real estate exam outside of the 40-hour course? It’s different for everyone. However, a general rule is to start with two weeks and adjust based on progress.

You can do supplemental preparation while your application is being processed so it doesn’t extend your timeline. And spend the time on activities such as the ones listed below.

• Review class exercises, assignments, and your notes.
• Take an online prep course tailored to the MA exam.
• Do as many practice tests as you can.

Exam prep courses usually include mock exams and assessment tools. So you can more easily see where you’re performing well and what areas you need to study more.

That will help you better determine when you’re ready to sit for the test.

Read these tips for studying for the real estate exam to boost your chances of acing the test.

As part of the application process for getting a Massachusetts real estate license, three people must vouch for your good character.

Therefore, you’ll need to identify them, make the request, and have them sign the endorsement form.

This step can easily take a week or two, depending on how quickly you can line up your references and get the paperwork completed.

If you start working on this while taking the pre-licensing course, you can have this form ready before finishing classes. That allows you to apply without adding this step to the wait time.

So that you know, your references cannot be related to you. Classmates you meet in real estate school are also ineligible to provide an endorsement.

Before applying, you must also have a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement Form ready to submit. It’s called a CORI form, for short.

This form permits the Division of Professional Licensure to perform a background check.

While it can take up to 10 days for the results of a CORI request to be ready, the check is run as part of the application review process. So it doesn’t typically lengthen the overall timeline.

Getting the form notarized should take an hour or two at most, including time spent finding a notary public and making an appointment.

For more details about this topic, read our guide on getting a Massachusetts real estate license with violations on the record.

You can submit your application after completing pre-licensing education, securing character endorsements, and having a notary authenticate your signature on the CORI form.

The fastest way to send it is by email. But you can also use regular mail, which will take several days for delivery.

Then, you’ll need to wait for the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons to pre-approve you for the exam. That can take two weeks to a month or more.

You’ll find the application in the Examination Candidate Information Bulletin published by the test vendor PSI Services, along with a checklist of documentation requirements.

In addition to the checklist items, you’re required to provide an explanation and supporting documents if you answer any of the criminal history or disciplinary action questions affirmatively.

You must also pay the appropriate exam and application fee.

If your application is complete and your background is clean, it will be reviewed as quickly as possible.

If any information is missing or your criminal record dictates appearance before the Board, the turnaround time will be longer.

Availability at the test centers or for remote proctors determines how far out your exam slot will be. As an estimate, be prepared for a wait time of a week or more.

As for registering and booking an appointment, PSI says their online scheduling system is the quickest method. It’s available 24/7.

The second fastest way to schedule is by telephone, which is manned by live registrars.

Your time commitment for exam day depends on whether you go to one of the test centers or take the test remotely via computer.

In the latter case, you need to set aside the four hours PSI allows for the exam. In the first instance, you’ll have to add travel time.

Here’s the breakdown of the time involved:

• You have 150 minutes for the national portion of the exam.
• The total time allowed for the state portion is 90 minutes.
• There’s a 30-minute window for check-in ahead of the test.

After passing the Massachusetts real estate exam, you can get your license on the spot if you are at a testing site. You simply need to pay the prorated license fee.

Others are required to mail their passing score report to PSI. Applicants can expect to receive their license 2-3 weeks after paying the fee.

For the complete breakdown of other licensing expenses, read our guide on how much a real estate license in MA costs.

You must affiliate with a sponsoring broker to hold an active license, which allows you to conduct real estate transactions.

Finding the right fit is critical to your success. That’s why you should exercise due diligence when choosing where to hang your initial license.

You can start this search early on so that you don’t delay the launch of your new career. And that also lets you complete activities in manageable chunks over time.

So, how do you use a couple of weeks of your time to make the best choice?

• Figure out what you’re looking for. We have an excellent guide to choosing the right broker to work for.
• Use word of mouth, do internet research, and reference our directory of the best real estate brokerages in Massachusetts to find companies you may want to work for.
• Prepare questions you want to address, set up meetings, and conduct interviews.

Depending on the number of firms on your list and how quickly you research and interview, you may need more than two weeks. That’s okay. It’s important not to rush the process.

To maintain an active license, you must satisfy two conditions:

• Complete continuing education (CE)
• Renew every two years

For CE, MA real estate license renewal requirements specify that you must fulfill at least 12 hours every renewal period at an accredited Massachusetts real estate school.

The courses are two hours each, and providers offer them à la carte and as a 12-hour bundle.

With in-person and virtual classroom formats, finishing all required hours in one day-long session (of six courses) is possible.

Otherwise, your timeline depends on the school’s classroom course schedule. Or if you’re studying online, it’s based on the pace you set. One month is the average time.

Once CE requirements are wrapped up, you may ask, “How do I renew my real estate license?”

You’ll get a notice from the state about 90 days before your birthday in your renewal year. It will include instructions for completing your renewal application and remitting the renewal fee.

And that begs the question, “Can I renew my real estate license online?” The answer is yes. Use the authorization code the state provides to access the ePlace Portal.

Massachusetts’ list of authorized real estate schools numbers over 100. And it’s a combination of providers with physical locations and ones offering courses exclusively online.

If an approved school is nearby, one option is to complete pre-licensing studies in a traditional classroom. There’s a variety of settings, including:

• Real estate schools
• Community colleges
• Technical schools

Many of the brick-and-mortar providers also offer a virtual classroom learning experience that lets you study at home. Just ensure you have a workspace that meets the school’s rules.

As the process for how to renew your real estate license in MA includes completing continuing education, you’ll need to decide where to study that coursework, too.

Choices include online, via Zoom, and in a conventional classroom.

Unlike CE for renewing your real estate license, prep courses for the Massachusetts licensing exam are primarily offered as an online study experience.

Therefore, the study spot you pick is totally up to you, whether at the local library, in a quiet room at home, or in the company of a study group.

Read our A-to-Z guide comparing the pros and cons of online vs in-person real estate classes to pick the best format that fits your learning style.

You can be a licensed Massachusetts real estate agent in a couple of months if you make real estate school a priority and there are no delays in the process.

Then, to quickly get up to speed in the business, follow the expert advice in our guide on what happens after you pass your real estate exam.

You should also consider joining a real estate team to be able to touch base with experienced agents who can help guide your career.

Boost your knowledge of the biz as well by learning the pros and cons of being a real estate agent. This lets you in on what it’s like to work as a realtor.

Once you’re a licensed salesperson in the state, focus on gaining customer trust and boosting brand awareness.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.