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

MA real estate license exam application process and the Massachusetts The way candidates apply to take the Massachusetts real estate license exam is changing on June 13, 2025. In this article we explain both the old and new way that the real estate license exam application process is setup and we will update this article as new information becomes available – after the new system and process launches on June 16, 2025.

First let’s start with the old/current way, which is what many of you reading this article are probably familiar with. For the past 8 or so years a student would complete a Massachusetts approved real estate license exam prep course. Upon completion they would receive a PSI Candidate Handbook (aka “Candidate Bulletin”) to complete then submit to PSI for their review and approval. This process took 2-5 weeks. Beginning on June 13, 2025 this process will change. June 13th is the last day that PSI will be accepting new application submissions. If you submit your completed Candidate Handbook on June 14 or after, the application will be rejected by PSI and you will need to submit your application through Massachusetts’ new eLIPSE portal.

We initially posted this article at the beginning of June, before the new system goes live, and we still have many unanswered questions about the new process. 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.  Starting Monday 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, which can be found at mass.gov, likely in the “real estate” section of the website. A direct link to this page will be updated here once available. For reference, the state’s licensing portal used to be called ePlace, which can be confusing since the names are similar. The process to apply through the new eLIPSE portal should be intuitive, but a how-to guide should be made available by the state shortly after the new system goes live – we will share a link to that here as well.

From the eLIPSE portal candidates will be able to submit their information, school stamped and signed certificate, and any other required information requested during this process. One of the additionally requested items is a CORI (background) check authorization form along with 3 personal references – forms linked below.

New Forms Required To Submit An Application:

1. CORI Authorization Form – updated version here. Importantly, this form must be notarized prior to submission.
2. Personal Reference Form – updated version here. The process still requires three references, one form per reference.
3. 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:

1. Any application fees will be paid during the application submission to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (via debit/credit card).
2. The Exam fee will be paid (via debit/credit card) to PSI once the candidate is approved and exam is being scheduled.
3. 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 is being replaced by eLIPSE. Anything a Massachusetts licensee would previously do regarding their real estate license can now be done on the eLIPSE portal.

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…