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Massachusetts Real Estate Broker — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Attorney-Broker

Broker licensure for a licensed Massachusetts attorney in good standing, with exemption from the real estate broker license exam.

Licensing authority: Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons · Application information

Initial Attorney Broker licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attorney Standing
A licensed Massachusetts attorney in good standing; supply a certified letter from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Fees
Pay the application and licence fees when submitting the application.
Supporting Documents
Provide signed notarized CORI authorization and recent colour photograph; provide other professional standing certificates, disciplinary explanations and certified records, and conviction explanations and certified court records when applicable.
Surety Bond
A $5,000 surety bond in the attorney’s own name, obtained before applying.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after expiration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Board’s renewal form and attest to continuing education as applicable.
Bond And Fees
Maintain the broker bond and pay the prescribed fee.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts attorneys in good standing are exempt from continuing education.
Expiration
Expired for no more than two years; use renewal of the existing licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive broker licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board’s reactivation request with education certification as applicable; the current Board page directs submission through eLIPSE.
Bond
Maintain the $5,000 broker bond.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts attorneys in good standing are exempt from continuing education.
Requirements
Meet all then-applicable licensure requirements under §87XX½; this is reactivation of the existing licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, payment, attestations and CORI authorization as required through eLIPSE.
Bond
All brokers, active or inactive, obtain the bond before submitting the reinstatement application.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts attorneys in good standing are exempt from continuing education. Complete before applying for reinstatement to active status.
Expiration
Licence expired for more than two years; reinstate the existing licence rather than apply for a new licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew on the prescribed form or eLIPSE, pay the prescribed renewal fee, and submit the required notarized CORI authorization.
Bond
Maintain a $5,000 broker bond.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts attorneys in good standing are exempt from continuing education.
Renewal Date
Renew in the applicable birthday renewal year.
Standing
Not disqualified for lack of good moral character or grounds in §§87PP–87DDD.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Fees
Maintain the broker bond and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing Education
Inactive status is granted on renewal when the required continuing-education certificate is not provided; inactive licensees are exempt while inactive.
Status
No broker practice; only statutory prospect procurement and referral-fee activities permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The Board may reconsider its decision and reissue a revoked licence; fulfil the Board’s case-specific conditions.
Standing
Comply with applicable broker licensure conditions and maintain the required bond.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a suspended licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary Terms
Satisfy the terms of the consent agreement or final decision and make a written request with name, contact information, licence number and docket number if known.
Discretion
The Board may reconsider its decision and reinstate the suspended licence.
Standing
Meet all applicable broker conditions and bond requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Real Estate Broker Business License

Broker licence issued to a corporation, LLC, partnership, LLP, association or society with a currently licensed designated broker of record.

Licensing authority: Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen · Application information

Initial business broker licensure — Association
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Type
Association
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business broker licensure — Corporation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Documents
Secretary of State certificate of legal existence or foreign registration, and a complete list of current officers.
Entity Type
Corporation
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business broker licensure — General partnership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Documents
Certified copy of the partnership agreement.
Entity Type
General partnership
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business broker licensure — Limited liability company
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Documents
Secretary of State long-form good-standing letter, notarized officer list signed by broker of record, and errors-and-omissions insurance meeting §156C:65 and 254 CMR 2.00(12).
Entity Type
Limited liability company
Insurance
Maintain professional liability insurance at the per-licensee limits in 254 CMR 2.00(12), or at least $300,000 per claim and $1,000,000 aggregate; stop practice on interruption and notify the Board within five business days.
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business broker licensure — Limited liability partnership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Documents
Secretary of State original long-form good-standing letter, signed notarized general-partner contact information, and errors-and-omissions insurance meeting §108A:45(8)(a) and 254 CMR 2.00(12).
Entity Type
Limited liability partnership
Insurance
Maintain professional liability insurance at the per-licensee limits in 254 CMR 2.00(12), or at least $300,000 per claim and $1,000,000 aggregate; stop practice on interruption and notify the Board within five business days.
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired business broker licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board’s online reinstatement application, required CORI authorization, bond and applicable LLC/LLP insurance verification.
Existing Licence
Use reinstatement of the existing business licence; demonstrate a currently licensed qualified broker of record.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business broker licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Insurance
Maintain the required entity bond and applicable LLC or LLP insurance.
Broker Of Record
At least one designated officer or partner must have renewed the individual broker licence, and a current broker of record must be maintained.
Fees Conflict
Section 87XX states: “No fee shall be required of a corporation, society, association or partnership for the renewal of its license.” The current Board renewal page lists a Business Fee of $221; applicants should see that implementing demand alongside the statute.
Term
Business licences are renewed every two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of revoked business licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Insurance
Maintain the broker bond and applicable LLC/LLP insurance.
Broker Of Record
Maintain a currently licensed designated broker of record.
Discretion
Subject to Board reconsideration and all conditions the Board sets for reissuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of suspended business licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Insurance
Maintain the broker bond and applicable LLC/LLP insurance.
Broker Of Record
Maintain a currently licensed designated broker of record.
Discretion
Subject to the Board’s reconsideration and compliance with disciplinary terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business broker licensure — Society
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply using the Board’s business application and pay prescribed fees; association and society applicants must use the statutory and regulatory entity provisions with Board application processing.
Bond
Maintain the required $5,000 bond in the entity’s exact legal name.
Broker Of Record
Designate an appropriately situated officer or partner who holds a current individual Massachusetts broker licence; that licence must remain current. The representative’s licence is a condition of the entity licence, not an exam leaf.
Documentation
Provide broker-of-record CORI authorization, applicable DBA certificate, other professional standing certificates issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions.
Entity Type
Society
Moral Character
Furnish good-moral-character evidence for all officers/directors or equivalent positions, or all partners, as required by §87TT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary continuation after loss of sole designated broker of record
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
At most one year after death, disability or severance, subject to Board regulation and possible suspension or revocation.
Individual Licensure
Replacement representative must obtain an individual broker licence unless already licensed; that separate credential is an applicant condition of this business route.
Successor
Act through another officer or partner, diligently qualify for a new licence, and maintain the required broker bond.
Trigger
Death or disability of the sole licensed designated officer or partner, or severance of that person’s connection with the entity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Real Estate Broker

Individual real estate broker licensure by examination or reciprocity.

Licensing authority: Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons · Application information

Licensure by examination with out of state educational waiver
Application And License Fees
Submit the prescribed application and exam fees and pay the initial licence fee; under 254 CMR 2.00(5), failure to pay within 30 days after notice of passing requires re-examination unless the Board waives that requirement for good cause.
Character Review
The Board may require an interview or independent qualification report; its bulletin states that it does not currently license applicants on probation or parole.
Citizenship Statutory Text
M.G.L. c.112 §87TT contains citizenship/declaration-of-intention and subsequent naturalization requirements; the current Board application page does not list that historical wording.
Education
The Board may waive the 40-hour Massachusetts educational requirement after reviewing the current out-of-state licence and certified letter of good standing.
Education And Partial Pass Window
Apply for and pass both portions within two years after completing broker education, or a Board-authorized period; expiration of the certificate also expires a partial pass.
Experience
Three years as an active Massachusetts salesperson affiliated with an active Massachusetts broker, at least 25 hours per calendar week; experience must be current or no more than two years old.
Experience Certification
Submit the employing broker certification, signed and completed by each employing broker.
Good Moral Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and three unrelated reputable endorsers; the rule specifies Massachusetts-resident or Massachusetts-business endorsers. The Board bulletin allows nonresidents: “Obtain three (3) complete candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to the applicant. They do not need to be Massachusetts residents.” Classmates known only from the course may not endorse.
Military Benefits
Relevant military education, training and service must be credited on satisfactory evidence under §1B(a); active military, relocated spouses and veterans may seek the DOL benefits and initial Commonwealth-fee waiver described on its official page.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Nonresident Service Of Process
Nonresidents must file the §87WW appointment for service of process.
Prior Examination
The examination passed in the applicant’s other licensing jurisdiction is applicant evidence and is not a Massachusetts requirement leaf.
Qualifying Licence
A current licence in a jurisdiction without Massachusetts reciprocity and a certified letter of good standing from the original licensing jurisdiction are needed for the Board’s educational-waiver review.
Salesperson License
A current Massachusetts salesperson licence is required; it may be active or inactive when taking the broker examination.
Surety Bond
A $5,000 bond in the applicant’s name must be completed and signed as required and maintained; the original bond is required.
Tax Compliance
Certify that all required state tax returns have been filed and all state taxes paid to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief.
Tax Identification
Provide a valid Social Security number or tax identification number.
Licensure by examination — nonresident
Application And License Fees
Submit the prescribed application and exam fees and pay the initial licence fee; under 254 CMR 2.00(5), failure to pay within 30 days after notice of passing requires re-examination unless the Board waives that requirement for good cause.
Character Review
The Board may require an interview or independent qualification report; its bulletin states that it does not currently license applicants on probation or parole.
Citizenship Statutory Text
M.G.L. c.112 §87TT contains citizenship/declaration-of-intention and subsequent naturalization requirements; the current Board application page does not list that historical wording.
Education
Complete 40 classroom hours of Board-approved broker education, in addition to salesperson education, and obtain the completed school educational certificate.
Education And Partial Pass Window
Apply for and pass both portions within two years after completing broker education, or a Board-authorized period; expiration of the certificate also expires a partial pass.
Experience
Three years as an active Massachusetts salesperson affiliated with an active Massachusetts broker, at least 25 hours per calendar week; experience must be current or no more than two years old.
Experience Certification
Submit the employing broker certification, signed and completed by each employing broker.
Good Moral Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and three unrelated reputable endorsers; the rule specifies Massachusetts-resident or Massachusetts-business endorsers. The Board bulletin allows nonresidents: “Obtain three (3) complete candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to the applicant. They do not need to be Massachusetts residents.” Classmates known only from the course may not endorse.
Military Benefits
Relevant military education, training and service must be credited on satisfactory evidence under §1B(a); active military, relocated spouses and veterans may seek the DOL benefits and initial Commonwealth-fee waiver described on its official page.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Nonresident
A nonresident complies with applicable broker requirements under §87WW.
Place Of Business
A nonresident broker licensed in another state must maintain a usual place of business in that licensing jurisdiction; no Massachusetts office is required.
Salesperson License
A current Massachusetts salesperson licence is required; it may be active or inactive when taking the broker examination.
Service Of Process
Before issuance, appoint the Board chairman and successors as irrevocable attorney for Massachusetts service of process under §87WW.
Surety Bond
A $5,000 bond in the applicant’s name must be completed and signed as required and maintained; the original bond is required.
Tax Compliance
Certify that all required state tax returns have been filed and all state taxes paid to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief.
Tax Identification
Provide a valid Social Security number or tax identification number.
Licensure by examination — resident
Application And License Fees
Submit the prescribed application and exam fees and pay the initial licence fee; under 254 CMR 2.00(5), failure to pay within 30 days after notice of passing requires re-examination unless the Board waives that requirement for good cause.
Character Review
The Board may require an interview or independent qualification report; its bulletin states that it does not currently license applicants on probation or parole.
Citizenship Statutory Text
M.G.L. c.112 §87TT contains citizenship/declaration-of-intention and subsequent naturalization requirements; the current Board application page does not list that historical wording.
Education
Complete 40 classroom hours of Board-approved broker education, in addition to salesperson education, and obtain the completed school educational certificate.
Education And Partial Pass Window
Apply for and pass both portions within two years after completing broker education, or a Board-authorized period; expiration of the certificate also expires a partial pass.
Experience
Three years as an active Massachusetts salesperson affiliated with an active Massachusetts broker, at least 25 hours per calendar week; experience must be current or no more than two years old.
Experience Certification
Submit the employing broker certification, signed and completed by each employing broker.
Good Moral Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and three unrelated reputable endorsers; the rule specifies Massachusetts-resident or Massachusetts-business endorsers. The Board bulletin allows nonresidents: “Obtain three (3) complete candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to the applicant. They do not need to be Massachusetts residents.” Classmates known only from the course may not endorse.
Military Benefits
Relevant military education, training and service must be credited on satisfactory evidence under §1B(a); active military, relocated spouses and veterans may seek the DOL benefits and initial Commonwealth-fee waiver described on its official page.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Residence Statutory Text
For an individual resident applying for a broker licence, §87SS requires principal abode in Massachusetts for the preceding year; attorneys are exempt.
Salesperson License
A current Massachusetts salesperson licence is required; it may be active or inactive when taking the broker examination.
Surety Bond
A $5,000 bond in the applicant’s name must be completed and signed as required and maintained; the original bond is required.
Tax Compliance
Certify that all required state tax returns have been filed and all state taxes paid to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief.
Tax Identification
Provide a valid Social Security number or tax identification number.
Renewal after expiration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Board’s renewal form and attest to continuing education as applicable.
Bond And Fees
Maintain the broker bond and pay the prescribed fee.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding renewal period; reciprocal licensees demonstrate home-jurisdiction continuing education under §87XX½.
Expiration
Expired for no more than two years; use renewal of the existing licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive broker licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board’s reactivation request with education certification as applicable; the current Board page directs submission through eLIPSE.
Bond
Maintain the $5,000 broker bond.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding renewal period; reciprocal licensees demonstrate home-jurisdiction continuing education under §87XX½.
Requirements
Meet all then-applicable licensure requirements under §87XX½; this is reactivation of the existing licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, payment, attestations and CORI authorization as required through eLIPSE.
Bond
All brokers, active or inactive, obtain the bond before submitting the reinstatement application.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding renewal period; reciprocal licensees demonstrate home-jurisdiction continuing education under §87XX½. Complete before applying for reinstatement to active status.
Expiration
Licence expired for more than two years; reinstate the existing licence rather than apply for a new licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew on the prescribed form or eLIPSE, pay the prescribed renewal fee, and submit the required notarized CORI authorization.
Bond
Maintain a $5,000 broker bond.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding renewal period; reciprocal licensees demonstrate home-jurisdiction continuing education under §87XX½.
Renewal Date
Renew in the applicable birthday renewal year.
Standing
Not disqualified for lack of good moral character or grounds in §§87PP–87DDD.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Fees
Maintain the broker bond and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing Education
Inactive status is granted on renewal when the required continuing-education certificate is not provided; inactive licensees are exempt while inactive.
Status
No broker practice; only statutory prospect procurement and referral-fee activities permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of a revoked licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The Board may reconsider its decision and reissue a revoked licence; fulfil the Board’s case-specific conditions.
Standing
Comply with applicable broker licensure conditions and maintain the required bond.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a suspended licence after Board reconsideration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary Terms
Satisfy the terms of the consent agreement or final decision and make a written request with name, contact information, licence number and docket number if known.
Discretion
The Board may reconsider its decision and reinstate the suspended licence.
Standing
Meet all applicable broker conditions and bond requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — standard qualifying list
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current Licensure
Currently licensed through examination in a jurisdiction on the Massachusetts Board’s reciprocal list; furnish a certified good-standing letter showing issue and expiration dates, how issued, discipline and status.
Fees
Pay the prescribed application and prorated initial licence fees.
Nonresident Service Of Process
A nonresident must appoint the Board chairman for service of process under §87WW.
Prior Examination
The examination in the applicant’s other licensing jurisdiction is a condition and never a leaf of this Massachusetts survey.
Supporting Documents
Provide notarized CORI authorization, recent colour passport-style photograph, standing certificates for other professional licences issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions when applicable.
Surety Bond
Provide a $5,000 bond in the applicant’s name before applying.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — listed two year licensure category
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current Licensure
Currently licensed through examination in a jurisdiction on the Massachusetts Board’s reciprocal list; furnish a certified good-standing letter showing issue and expiration dates, how issued, discipline and status.
Duration Of Licensure
The Board’s designated two-year category requires at least two years of licensure; use the current Board list to determine eligibility.
Fees
Pay the prescribed application and prorated initial licence fees.
Nonresident Service Of Process
A nonresident must appoint the Board chairman for service of process under §87WW.
Prior Examination
The examination in the applicant’s other licensing jurisdiction is a condition and never a leaf of this Massachusetts survey.
Supporting Documents
Provide notarized CORI authorization, recent colour passport-style photograph, standing certificates for other professional licences issued within 90 days when applicable, and explanations and certified records of discipline or convictions when applicable.
Surety Bond
Provide a $5,000 bond in the applicant’s name before applying.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Real Estate Broker License

Nonrenewable temporary license to continue a deceased sole-proprietor broker’s business for at most one year from death.

Licensing authority: Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

Temporary licensure to continue a deceased sole proprietor’s business
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond And Fees
File the required $5,000 broker bond and pay the prescribed fee.
Duration
At most one year from the broker’s death; the temporary licence cannot be renewed.
Eligibility
The deceased broker’s legal representative or an individual designated by that representative and approved by the Board.
Practice
Subject to the other applicable broker provisions of §§87PP–87DDD.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massachusetts State Real Estate Laws and Real Estate Board Rules — Broker

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-based written examination; independent state result
Exam questions
40 scored questions (40 points); the bulletin permits 5–10 additional unscored experimental questions
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • I. Duties and Powers of the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons (5%; Brokers: 2 items)
    • A. Examination of records
    • B. Sanctions
    • B. Sanctions — 1. Fines
    • B. Sanctions — 2. License suspension and revocation
  • II. Licensing Requirements (10%; Brokers: 4 items)
    • A. Activities requiring a license
    • B. Types of licenses
    • B. Types of licenses — 1. Active, inactive, and expired
    • C. License renewal and continuing education
    • D. Board notifications
  • III. Requirements Governing Licensees (33–35%; Brokers: 14 items)
    • A. Advertising
    • B. Broker/salesperson relationship
    • C. Commissions
    • D. Disclosures
    • D. Disclosures — 1. Consumer/Licensee Relationship
    • D. Disclosures — 2. Conflict of interest
    • D. Disclosures — 3. Rental fee disclosures
    • E. Agency and Non-Agency Relationships
    • F. Handling of documents
    • G. Handling of monies
    • H. Record Keeping (Broker only)
    • I. Home inspectors--licensee responsibility
  • IV. Contracts (5%; Brokers: 2 items)
    • A. Offer to Purchase
    • B. Purchase and Sale agreement
    • C. Leases
    • D. Listing and Buyer Agreements
  • V. Consumer Protection Laws (10–12%; Brokers: 4 items)
    • A. Property disclosures
    • B. Misrepresentation
    • C. Privacy
    • D. Sanctions and enforcements
  • VI. Environmental Issues and Hazardous Materials (10%; Brokers: 4 items)
    • A. Lead
    • B. Private sewage disposal
    • C. Smoke and carbon monoxide detection
    • D. Wetlands and rivers protection
  • VII. Massachusetts Fair Housing Law (10%; Brokers: 4 items)
    • A. Protected classes that differ from Federal
    • B. MA specific exceptions
    • C. MA Commission Against Discrimination
    • D. ADA and other accommodations
  • VIII. Landlord Tenant Law (10%; Brokers: 4 items)
    • A. Rental deposits, Receipts and Statement of Condition
    • B. State Sanitary Code
    • C. Short-term Vacation or Recreational Rentals
  • IX. Additional Topics (5%; Brokers: 2 items)
    • A. Ownership
    • B. Condominiums, Cooperatives, and Timeshares
    • C. Registered Land
Examination sources

National Broker Exam — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations with its own minimum passing score; scenario-based questions with more than four options and one best answer, each option weighted zero, one or two points; candidates who fail one portion retake only that portion
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Broker 9%) (9%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans — a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs; 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates; 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management (BROKER ONLY); 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements (BROKER ONLY); 6. Provisions of property management contracts (BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Broker 12%) (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
    • D. Supervisory Responsibilities (BROKER ONLY): 1. Broker's supervisory responsibilities (licensees, teams and unlicensed assistants and employees) (BROKER ONLY); 2. Broker relationship with licensees (employees or independent contractors and governing rules) (BROKER ONLY)
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources