The New Way To Apply To Take the Massachusetts Real Estate License Exam in 2025
In this article we discuss two seperate but related topics, the new way to apply to take the Massachusetts real estate license exam, and the new way to renew a Massachusetts real estate license.
Part 1: The New Way To Apply To Take the MA Real Estate License Exam
The MA real estate license exam application process and the way candidates apply to take the Massachusetts real estate license exam changed on June 16, 2025.
If you submit your completed Candidate Handbook to PSI after June 14, the application will be rejected by PSI and you will need to submit your application through Massachusetts’ new eLIPSE portal. Here is a how-to setup an eLIPSE account guide provided by the state.
We will update this article as new information becomes available.
The new process, as we understand it so far…
The 40-hour education requirement has not and will not change, just the process to apply for the exam. Since June 16, 2025 any candidate who desires to sit for the Massachusetts real estate license exam (Salesperson or Broker) will be applying through the state’s new “eLIPSE” portal – here. For reference, the state’s licensing portal used to be called ePlace, which can be confusing since the names are similar.
From the eLIPSE portal candidates will be able to submit their information, school stamped and signed certificate, and any other required information during the application process. One of the additionally requested items is a CORI (background check) authorization form along with 3 personal references – forms linked below.
If a student was previously approved by PSI to take the test prior to the new eLIPSE system, they do not and should not apply to the real estate board through the eLIPSE portal again UNLESS their approval period has ended(two years after completion of the course) and they took the 40-hour course again.
New Forms Required To Submit An Application:
- CORI Authorization Form – updated version here. Importantly, this form must be notarized prior to submission.
- Personal Reference Form – updated version here. The process still requires three references, one form per reference.
- Updated Certificate of Completion – If you completed your course before June 13th, the signed/stamped form you received from the PSI handbook is required to submit as part of your application. If you completed your course after June 13th, your school will provide you with their own certificate, which you will need to submit as part of your application.
Important Real Estate License Fees:
- Any application fees will be paid during the application submission to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (via debit/credit card).
- The Exam fee will be paid (via debit/credit card) to PSI once the candidate is approved and exam is being scheduled.
- License fee – Upon passing the exam with PSI you will be directed back to the eLIPSE portal to pay for your license and you will be instantly provided with a digital license, which you can print to carry with you and/or put on your fridge.
This streamlined process of submitting all of the necessary documentation directly to the state is supposed to speed up the application review/approval timeline – time will tell. PSI has been and will remain the third-party company that proctors the real estate exam for all applicants. Once approved to take the exam, candidates will be provided with instructions to schedule the exam with PSI.
Part 2: The New Way To Renew a Massachusetts Real Estate License
If you’ve had a Massachusetts real estate license for more than a year, then you are already familiar with the state’s elicense portal, ePlace. On June 16, 2025 this portal was replaced by eLIPSE. Anything a Massachusetts licensee would previously do regarding their real estate license can now be done on the eLIPSE portal.
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Since June 16th, all licensees now renew their real estate license using the new eLIPSE system.
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Renewals will be done online in eLIPSE. Paper renewals will not be accepted. This supports the Real Estate Board’s shift toward a more modern, paperless agency and ensures faster, more efficient processing. To renew, you will be required to provide the following additional documentation, including:
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A notarized CORI Authorization form.
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Proof of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – your certificates and/or the information contained on your certificates.
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Once approved, licenses will be provided digitally – no more hard copies. A digital license is valid just like a hard copy license. You can verify your license with a screenshot, a digital printout, or by logging into eLIPSE.
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DOL will no longer print and mail licenses for Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
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If you are a broker renewing, you will need a copy of your recent Bond and E&O Insurance, along with everything else.
If you take a course with us, Keep Me Certified, all of the information you need to renew your real estate license can be found on each certificate you received from us. You can download copies of your certificates 24/7 by logging in to our website at keepmecertified.com.
With most new processes, there may be hiccups and bugs that get worked out in real time. It is important that candidates are patient with this new process. Our school and staff will do everything we can to help facilitate and inform our students of the new process. Stay tuned (and patient) for more…
