How to get your real estate license

by Jim Armstrong

Making the leap into a career in real estate can feel like a daunting challenge. But when you consider the many benefits of the career, the task at hand could be the perfect opportunity for achieving the success and flexibility you need. If you’re undecided about taking the plunge, join us as we delve into what it takes to become an agent and the advantages of working for yourself. The hardest step to becoming an agent is the first step: Making the decision to change careers.

Take the Pre-Licensing Course - Massachusetts requires all prospective real estate agents to take a 40-hour salesperson real estate pre-licensing course which covers the basic procedures, laws, legal aspects, and terminology of real estate. There are in-person and online courses available. We recommend the online real estate courses because they are more convenient, can be completed at your own pace, and are typically less expensive than in-person. The students who have taken both classes have reported that they retain more from the online real estate course because they are interactive, and you can repeat parts that you haven't fully comprehended. Once you finish the course you will receive a certificate that allows you to schedule the Massachusetts real estate exam.
Schedule & take the Exam - It can take up to a month (sometimes more if they are busy) to get an appointment to take the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam. There are 120 multiple-choice questions on the exam, and you need a 70% grade to pass. There are two parts to the exam - General Knowledge (which applies to any state) and Massachusetts-specific questions. If you do not pass the exam you can reschedule and take it again. Once you pass the exam you will receive your Massachusett Real Estate Salesperson's License right on the spot.
Now that you have your real estate license you will need to decide where you want to work. You must be associated with a real estate broker (or brokerage company) in order to sell or rent real estate. What company you choose is up to you, but as a newly licensed agent, you should find one that provides plenty of training and guidance. What you learn in the pre-licensing class is only a small fraction of the knowledge you will need to be successful.