Best Online Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts (2026)
Compare 11 MA Board-approved schools. Find the best price, get your 40-hour pre-license course done fast, and launch your career in one of the highest-value real estate markets in the country.
Course Cost
$229 – $499
Time to License
2 – 8 weeks
Avg Salary
$65K – $95K/yr
Required Hours
40 hours
Top 3 Massachusetts Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Freedom Trail Realty School
MA's first board-certified online school. Pass-or-don't-pay guarantee, 1,100–1,700+ practice questions, and exclusive broker recruitment program.
From $229
2. American Real Estate Academy (AREA)
Established 1972 — over 50 years in Massachusetts. Online and in-person (Waltham) options with 40 hours of review videos and 2-year exam access.
From $245
3. The CE Shop
Interactive LEAP learning platform with Exam Prep Edge. 96% student satisfaction rate and pass guarantee with Standard+ packages.
From $285
Best Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts
All 11 schools are Massachusetts Board of Registration-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Freedom Trail Realty School
MA's #1 SchoolStarting at
$229
- MA's first board-certified online real estate school
- Pass or don't pay guarantee (select plans)
- Exclusive job board & broker recruitment program
- 1,100–1,700+ practice questions
- Live webinars taught by MA-licensed instructors
Available Packages (4)
Base
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- 4 months access
- 40 hrs live streaming
- On-demand content
- Study guide & audio book
- 1,100+ practice questions
- Job board access & broker recruiting
American Real Estate Academy (AREA)
Starting at
$245
- Established 1972 — over 50 years teaching
- In-person weekday and weekend options
- All online option available
- 40 hrs of review videos + practice exams included
- Textbook included
Available Packages (2)
All Online
- 40-hr MA pre-license course (online)
- On-demand + scheduled live online classes
- PDF textbook
- 40 hrs review videos
- Online practice exams (2 years access)
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$285
- Interactive LEAP learning platform
- Pass Guarantee
- Business building courses included
- Digital flashcards & study tools
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- Business eBooks
- Digital flashcards
Accelerated Real Estate School
Starting at
$299
- Intensive 2-weekend format
- Live Zoom instruction (not self-paced)
- Convenient weekend schedule
- Fully state-approved online delivery
Available Packages (1)
40-Hour Pre-License Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- Live Zoom instruction over 2 weekends
- Sat & Sun 8am–6pm format
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$319
- Kaplan Commitment pass guarantee
- 94% recommendation rate
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Free 6-mo Inman Select subscription (Career Launcher)
Available Packages (3)
Massachusetts Real Estate Principles
- 40-hr pre-license course only
- Online on-demand format
New England Real Estate Academy
Best for MultilingualStarting at
$335
- Closed captions in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese & English
- Pass guarantee (free retake up to 2 years)
- 1,000+ practice exam questions
- Monthly study group
- Local phone & email support (Mon–Fri)
Available Packages (1)
Pre-License Salesperson Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- Unlimited live online instructor-led classes for 180 days
- Unlimited on-demand videos & quizzes for 180 days
- 1,000+ practice exam questions
- Monthly study group
- Pass guarantee
- Digital manual (600 pages)
- Audiobook
Boston Real Estate Academy
Starting at
$349
- Instructor available 7 days per week
- Pass exam guarantee (free retake)
- Career placement assistance
- Relationships with real estate firms statewide
Available Packages (1)
40-Hour Real Estate Prep Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- 20+ course modules
- 24/7 on-demand access
- Live instructor support (7 days/week)
- Pass guarantee
- Career placement assistance
Champion Real Estate Academy
Best for WorcesterStarting at
$349
- Worcester-based, 16+ years teaching
- Evening live online (Zoom) classes
- Instructor is active REALTOR® with 25+ years experience
- Serves Central MA / Worcester County
Available Packages (1)
40-Hour Pre-License Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- Evening live Zoom classes
- Taught by MA-certified real estate instructor
Massachusetts Academy of Real Estate
Starting at
$365
- Named Best Real Estate School in Massachusetts
- Over 50,000 students trained
- Online testing program for exam prep
- Free re-sit within 1 year of completion
Available Packages (1)
Salesperson Pre-License Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course
- Course materials (textbook) included
- Online testing / exam prep program
- Free course re-sit within 1 year
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$379
- Pass or don't pay guarantee (select plans)
- CompuCram exam prep (500,000+ students)
- Instructor support
- Narrated audio option
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 40-hr MA course
- Instructor support
- Study guides
- Narrated audio
Celata Academy
Best for North ShoreStarting at
$450
- Two-weekend in-person format
- Chelsea, MA location (111 Everett Ave)
- Taught by licensed broker-instructors
- Above-average exam pass rates
- Military discount available
Available Packages (1)
Pre-License Salesperson Course
- 40-hr MA pre-license course (in-person)
- Two-weekend format (Sat/Sun)
- Official MA textbook
- State registration instructions
- Pass Guarantee
- $200 deposit at registration; balance due last day
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Massachusetts?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $95,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023
Top Earners
$120,000+
Boston metro agents — BLS mean annual wage $108,620
Commission Structure
Massachusetts real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $590,000 home (Massachusetts median), that's approximately $14,750–$17,700 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $10,325–$12,390 per closing. Closing just 5–6 deals your first year puts first-year earnings at $51,625–$74,340 — well above the national average.
Top-Earning Massachusetts Markets
Is a Massachusetts Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Home Prices: At a $590,000 median, each deal generates significantly more commission than most U.S. states.
- + Only 40 Hours Required: Massachusetts has one of the shortest pre-license requirements in the country — less time to licensed status.
- + Strong Local School Options: 12 Board-approved schools with local expertise, live instruction, and strong pass guarantees.
- + Booming Boston Market: Boston ranks among the top U.S. metros for real estate activity — a strong foundation for a new agent's career.
👎 Cons
- - 53% First-Attempt Pass Rate: The PSI exam is moderately difficult — preparation is essential, not optional.
- - Live Instruction Requirement: At least 21 of the 40 course hours must be live instruction — pure self-paced isn't enough.
- - Three Endorsements Required: You must obtain three signed candidate endorsements from unrelated individuals — a step many candidates overlook.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal, which can take several months when starting out.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts
Complete 40 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a Massachusetts Board-approved 40-hour pre-license course. Courses cover general real estate knowledge and Massachusetts-specific law. At least 21 of the 40 hours must be live instruction. Online schools with scheduled livestream sessions satisfy this requirement. Most students finish in 1–3 weeks.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Your school will require a passing score on a final exam before issuing your completion certificate. This is separate from the PSI state exam and is typically less rigorous.
Obtain Three Candidate Endorsements
Collect three signed candidate endorsements from individuals unrelated to you. Endorsers do not need to be Massachusetts residents, but they cannot be classmates from your real estate course. Gather these early — it's a step many candidates delay.
Apply to Take the State Exam via PSI
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/mare. Pay the $85 total fee ($54 exam + $31 application). PSI will authorize a background check (CORI). Once approved, schedule your exam at a PSI test center in Boston, Auburn, Fall River, Lawrence, or West Springfield — or online with remote proctoring.
Pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Exam
The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 national and 40 Massachusetts-specific. You must score 70% or higher on each section independently. About 53% of candidates pass on the first attempt — thorough preparation matters.
Receive Your License & Activate with a Broker
After passing, pay the prorated license fee ($103–$150) plus a $12 printing fee. If testing on-site, you receive your license the same day. Online test-takers must visit a PSI center to pick up their license. Your license must be held under a sponsoring broker to practice.
Massachusetts Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid Social Security Number required
- No college degree required
- Must pass CORI background check
- Good moral character — MA state taxes filed and paid
Education & Exam Requirements
- 40-hour Board-approved pre-license course
- At least 21 hours must be live instruction
- Three candidate endorsements from unrelated individuals
- Pass PSI state exam — 70% on each section independently
- 120 questions: 80 national + 40 MA-specific
Massachusetts Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Massachusetts real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (40 hours) | $229 – $499 | Use CertLaunch discount to save up to 20% |
| State Exam Fee (PSI) | $54 – $54 | Paid to PSI at scheduling |
| Exam Application Fee (PSI) | $31 – $31 | One-time; not required for retakes |
| License Fee (prorated) | $103 – $150 | Paid at time of licensing; prorated by month |
| License Printing Fee | $12 – $12 | PSI test center |
| Background Check (CORI) | Included | Processed through PSI application |
| Estimated Total | $399 – $746+ | Save up to 20% with CertLaunch |
The Massachusetts Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + state sections)
- Questions: 120 total (80 national + 40 MA-specific)
- Passing score: 70% on each section independently
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Cost: $85 ($54 exam + $31 application)
- First-attempt pass rate: ~53%
Exam Topics
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Valuation and market analysis
- Financing and mortgage basics
- General principles of agency
- Massachusetts real estate law and practice
- Transfer of title and fair housing law
- Real estate calculations
💡 Exam Prep Tip
With only a ~53% first-attempt pass rate, the Massachusetts exam rewards preparation. The state-specific section (40 questions on MA law, transfer of title, and Board regulations) is where many candidates fall short. Schools like Freedom Trail Realty School (1,700+ practice questions) and The CE Shop (Exam Prep Edge) are specifically designed to help you ace the MA-specific portion. Don't skip the practice tests.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Massachusetts Real Estate License?
2–3 weeks
Full-time
Study 8 hrs/day — finish course in ~5 days, exam in 2 weeks
4–6 weeks
Part-time
Study 4 hrs/day — course in ~2 weeks, exam in 1–2 weeks
6–10 weeks
Casual pace
Study ~10 hrs/week — course in 4 weeks, then schedule exam
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a real estate career in another state? See how Massachusetts compares to other markets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
Total costs typically range from $399 to $746+. This includes the pre-license course ($229–$499), PSI exam and application fee ($85), prorated license fee ($103–$150), and printing fee ($12). CertLaunch discount codes can save you up to 20% on the course portion.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
Most candidates complete the process in 2–8 weeks. The 40-hour pre-license course can be finished in as little as 1 week full-time or 3–4 weeks part-time. After passing the course, you can schedule your PSI state exam within 1–2 weeks. Your license is issued the same day you pass at a PSI test center.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, complete a Board-approved 40-hour pre-license course, obtain three candidate endorsements from unrelated individuals, pass a background check (CORI), and pass the PSI state exam with at least 70% on each of the two sections independently.
Is the Massachusetts real estate exam hard?
The Massachusetts real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 53%, making it moderately challenging. It consists of 120 questions split into a national section (80 questions) and a Massachusetts-specific section (40 questions), with a 70% passing threshold required on each section independently. Strong exam prep significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Massachusetts real estate course online?
Yes. Massachusetts Board-approved online courses are widely available and self-paced, so you can study on your own schedule from anywhere. Most schools listed on CertLaunch offer online options that meet the state's 40-hour requirement. Note that Massachusetts requires at least 21 of the 40 hours to be live instruction — fully self-paced courses include scheduled livestream sessions to satisfy this requirement.
How much do real estate agents make in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts real estate agents earn an average of $65,000–$95,000 per year. Agents in the Greater Boston metro area average over $108,000 annually (BLS, 2023). Top producers in Boston, Cambridge, and Newton can earn $150,000–$200,000+. Massachusetts's high median home prices ($590,000+) mean strong commission potential per transaction.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate salesperson license. You only need to be 18 years old, complete the 40-hour pre-license course, meet the moral character requirements, and pass the PSI exam.
What is the best real estate school in Massachusetts?
The best school depends on your learning style and budget. Freedom Trail Realty School (Boston Real Estate Class) is Massachusetts's first board-certified online school with a pass-or-don't-pay guarantee. Cameron Real Estate School offers the lowest cost at $229. New England Real Estate Academy is top-rated for multilingual students. Compare all schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Massachusetts?
Online courses offer flexibility and are typically 20–40% less expensive than in-person classes. They work best if you are self-motivated and have a busy schedule. In-person classes, available in Waltham, Chelsea, and Worcester, offer structured schedules and direct instructor interaction. Both formats fully meet Massachusetts's 40-hour education requirement.
Can I get my Massachusetts real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offense. The Massachusetts Board of Registration reviews each application individually based on "good moral character" standards. Minor or older offenses may not disqualify you. Before enrolling, contact the Board at 617-701-8661 or review their Good Moral Character Compliance guidelines on Mass.gov to understand your situation.