Massachusetts Real Estate CE Requirements (2026): 12 Hours Every 2 Years

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

Real Estate Broker Continuing Education in Massachusetts

Massachusetts's 12-hour continuing education requirement applies to brokers and salespersons alike — one shared total every 2 years.

Other broker renewal situations

• MA attorney-broker — CE exempt — 0 hours . Massachusetts attorneys licensed in good standing who are also real estate brokers are exempt from CE. Must not be under any disciplinary action.

License categories and totals above are verified from the published rules of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons — confirm current broker requirements with the board before enrolling.

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 Overseers

  Must 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

Massachusetts CE Rules & Limits

Details specific to Massachusetts that generic CE guides tend to miss:

• Carry-over — No carryover allowed. CE credits expire after 2 years and do not roll over to the next license term. Each 2-year term requires independent completion of 12 hours.
• No specific mandatory topic hour requirements. Licensees choose any 12 hours from Board-approved courses across subject matter areas (Fair Housing, Agency Law, Environmental Issues, Appraisal & Finance, Zoning & Building Codes, Property Tax, Board Regulations, Access for Disabled).
• Pre-licensure education cannot be used to satisfy CE requirements.
• Online courses must be time-based (minimum 2 hours per course) with engagement prompts every 5-15 minutes.
• Students must certify under pains and penalties of perjury to have solely completed online courses.
• Both brokers and salespersons have identical CE requirements (12 hours). Renewal fees differ: brokers $142, salespersons $103.
• Inactive licensees may receive referral fees from active brokers but cannot practice as agents.
• License renewal via eLIPSE Portal (transitioned January 16, 2025 from ePlace Portal).
• Partial CE completion does not qualify for active renewal — all 12 hours must be completed.
• Authorized schools must maintain completion records for at least 3 years following completion.

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.

Sources

Real Estate Requirements in Nearby States

Other Professions in Massachusetts

All Real Estate CE Requirements by State

Open any other state's Real Estate CE requirements, or see the full Real Estate CE hub to compare every state in one table.