Massachusetts Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons requires 12 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle. Both brokers and salespersons share identical CE requirements, though renewal fees differ ($142 for brokers, $103 for salespersons). Licensees select any 12 hours from Board-approved courses covering subjects like Fair Housing, Agency Law, Environmental Issues, Appraisal and Finance, and Board Regulations.
Massachusetts attorneys licensed in good standing who are also real estate brokers are fully exempt from CE. Out-of-state reciprocal licensees who obtained their MA license without examination are also exempt, provided they satisfy their home state's CE requirements.
Online courses must be time-based with a minimum of 2 hours per course and engagement prompts every 5 to 15 minutes. Students must certify under pains and penalties of perjury that they personally completed all online coursework. Partial completion does not qualify — all 12 hours must be finished for active renewal.
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Massachusetts Attorney-Broker — Massachusetts attorneys currently licensed in good standing (not under disciplinary action) who are also real estate brokers are exempt from the CE requirement.Must be currently licensed in good standing with the Board of Bar OverseersMust not be under any disciplinary action
- Out-Of-State Reciprocal Licensee — Licensees who obtained their MA license without examination based on out-of-state licensure are exempt from MA CE.Must complete their own state's CE requirement
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Only Board-authorized Real Estate Schools licensed for continuing education credit may offer CE courses (254 CMR 4.00 and 5.00). Schools must maintain completion records for at least 3 years. Online courses require Board-approved instructor/expert availability. The Board publishes approved course listings on its website.
Tips for Massachusetts Real Estate Agents
- There are no mandatory topic hours, so build a CE plan around areas where you need the most professional development.
- Renew through the eLIPSE Portal (which replaced ePlace Portal as of January 16, 2025) — keep your login credentials current.
- If you hold an active Massachusetts attorney license in good standing, you are fully exempt from CE but should confirm you are not under any disciplinary action.
- CE credits do not roll over — plan to complete all 12 hours within each 2-year term.