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How to Become a Real Estate Broker↑

Welcome to Bay State Academy Real Estate Education! Thank you so much for visiting our school and taking the first step toward a career in real estate. We are excited to help you begin your journey and look forward to having you in one of our classes.

For more than 40 years, Bay State Academy has been helping students throughout Massachusetts prepare for successful careers in real estate. Since 1982, we have provided real estate education through in-person, video, and virtual classes, giving students the flexibility to choose the learning environment that works best for them.

One of the questions we hear most often when speaking with prospective students is:

“What do I need to do to become a real estate broker in Massachusetts?”

The process may seem complicated at first, but we are here to help you understand each step and make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

Step 1: Complete the 40-Hour Pre-License Course↑

To begin the process of becoming a Massachusetts real estate broker an applicant:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Have an active real estate salesperson license here in Massachusetts
  • Be affiliated with a Massachusetts Real Estate Brokerage for the last 3 years
  • Work an average of 25 hours per week.

At Bay State Academy, students can complete their required education through several different learning formats, including:

  • In-person classroom instruction
  • Video-based classes
  • Virtual/online instruction

Our goal is to provide quality education while giving students options that fit their schedules, learning styles, and individual needs.

During the 40-hour course, students will learn the fundamental concepts and laws they need to know to enter the real estate profession. The course covers important topics such as Massachusetts real estate law, agency relationships, contracts, property ownership, financing, fair housing, real estate mathematics, and other subjects included in the state-required curriculum.

This education is designed not only to help you prepare for the licensing examination, but also to give you a strong foundation for beginning your career in real estate.

Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Completion↑

Once you successfully complete the required 40-hour pre-license course, Bay State Academy will provide you with a Certificate of Completion.

This certificate is an important part of the Massachusetts licensing process because it verifies that you have completed the required pre-license education.

Your Certificate of Completion is valid for two years from the date you complete the course.

It is important to keep track of this expiration date. If your certificate expires before you successfully pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Examination, you will need to complete the required 40-hour pre-license course again before continuing with the licensing process.

Our advice is simple: don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your examination. Once you complete your course, we encourage you to begin the application and examination process as soon as you are ready.

Step 3: Apply to Take the Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Examination↑

After completing your 40-hour course, the next step is to apply for approval to take the Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Examination.

Massachusetts uses the eLIPSE licensing system to manage many professional licensing applications. You will need to create an account and complete the appropriate application for your real estate broker examination.

As part of the application process, you will be required to provide documentation and information requested by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

This may include:

  • Your Certificate of Completion from an approved real estate school
  • Current Salesperson Real Estate License in Massachusetts
  • Employing Broker Certification Form
  • Surity Bond valued at $5000 completed and signed by an insurance agent and the principal candidate/examinee
  • Recent Photo (Do not take a picture of your driver’s license or passport photo)
  • A CORI/background check
  • Passed the Massachusetts Broker Exam
  • Other information or documentation required as part of the application

It is important that all information submitted with your application is accurate and complete. Missing information or documentation can delay the approval process.

Step 4: CORI and Background Check Requirements↑

Applicants for Massachusetts real estate licenses are subject to background review requirements. The Board requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check as part of the licensing process.

Students should understand that completing the real estate course does not automatically guarantee approval to take the examination or receive a real estate license. The Massachusetts licensing authority reviews each application according to its requirements.

CORI requirements also apply to licensees as part of the licensing and renewal process. Because these requirements can change, students should always review the current requirements provided by the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure and the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

If you have questions about how a criminal record or other background information may affect your application, it is important to address those questions with the licensing authority before moving forward.

Step 5: Take the Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Examination↑

Once your application has been reviewed and you have been approved to proceed, you can schedule your Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Examination.

The examination is an important milestone, but it is only one part of becoming a licensed real estate professional. At Bay State Academy, our goal is to help you enter the examination with the knowledge, preparation, and confidence you need.

We encourage students to take their preparation seriously. Attending class, participating in discussions, reviewing course materials, practicing real estate mathematics, and spending time studying outside of class can all help you prepare.

Remember, completing the 40-hour course is the beginning of your real estate career—not the end of your education.

We’re Here to Help You Through the Process↑

We understand that becoming a real estate broker can feel overwhelming when you’re first getting started. There are forms to complete, requirements to meet, an examination to schedule, and a new vocabulary of real estate terms to learn.

That’s why we’re here.

At Bay State Academy, we don’t want you to feel like you’re navigating the licensing process alone. From the moment you register for your pre-license course, our team is available to answer questions and help you understand the steps involved.

Our goal is to provide more than just the required 40 hours of education. We want to help you build a solid foundation for your future in real estate.

Whether you are beginning a brand-new career, looking for a second career, interested in investing, or simply exploring the possibilities of the real estate industry, we welcome you to Bay State Academy.

Your real estate career starts with your first step.

Thank you for considering Bay State Academy Real Estate Education. We look forward to seeing you in class and helping you learn, prepare, and succeed on your journey toward becoming a Massachusetts real estate professional.