Massachusetts Real Estate Broker Exam — All Questions
3 questions
Which body licenses real estate brokers and salespersons in Massachusetts?
- a.The Massachusetts Association of Realtors
- b.The Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons✓
- c.The Massachusetts Land Court
- d.The Department of Revenue
Massachusetts real estate licenses are issued and regulated by the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, within the Division of Occupational Licensure. Its rules appear at 254 CMR. A trade association is a private membership group with no licensing authority, and the Land Court and Department of Revenue have no licensing jurisdiction.
A key difference between a Massachusetts broker and a salesperson is that only a broker may:
- a.Show property to buyers
- b.Attend a closing
- c.Hold client escrow money and operate an independent brokerage✓
- d.Earn a commission on a sale
In Massachusetts, only a broker may hold client escrow funds, run an independent real estate business, and employ salespersons. A salesperson must be affiliated with and supervised by a broker and cannot independently hold escrow money or operate a brokerage. Both may show property and earn compensation, but the salesperson's compensation flows through the broker.
Massachusetts broker license candidates must generally have been active salespersons for how long before qualifying?
- a.At least 3 years of active association (working at least 25 hours per week) plus a 40-hour broker course✓
- b.6 months, with no coursework
- c.10 years, with a college degree
- d.No experience is required
Massachusetts requires broker candidates to have worked as an actively associated salesperson for at least three years, generally at least 25 hours per week, and to complete a 40-hour broker prelicense course. This experience and education gate reflects the broker's greater responsibility, including holding escrow and supervising salespersons. Requirements should be confirmed with the Board before relying on them.