Massachusetts Real Estate Exam Pass Rate: What to Know

Massachusetts Real Estate Exam Pass Rate

Massachusetts does not publish official first-attempt pass rate statistics. Based on PSI data and reports from Massachusetts pre-license schools, approximately 55–65% of first-time candidates pass the Massachusetts salesperson exam on their first attempt.

Exam Format

The Massachusetts salesperson exam:

• 80 national questions — real estate principles, agency, contracts, financing, valuation, land use, fair housing
• 40 state questions — Board of Registration, Massachusetts license law, Offer to Purchase, Purchase and Sale Agreement, Massachusetts Lead Law, agency rules
• Total: 120 questions
• Time allowed: 3 hours
• Passing score: 70% (84 out of 120)

Both sections must be passed. Failing only one section means retaking only that section.

Why Candidates Fail

Not knowing the Offer to Purchase vs. P&S distinction. Massachusetts has a two-step contract process unique to the state: the Offer to Purchase (binding, with earnest money) is followed by the Purchase and Sale Agreement (more detailed, signed after inspection). National prep courses do not cover this.

Confusing "Board" with "Commission." Massachusetts uses a Board of Registration — not a commission. Multiple exam questions require knowing the correct name of the licensing authority.

Missing the attorney licensing rule. Massachusetts does not grant automatic real estate license exemptions to attorneys performing brokerage activities. This surprises candidates who prep in other states where attorney exemptions are common.

Underestimating the Lead Law. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111 governs lead paint disclosure and deleading requirements. The state exam tests this more specifically than the federal lead paint rules tested nationally.

Not knowing the 40-hour pre-license requirement. Massachusetts is one of the lowest pre-license requirements in the country (40 hours). The exam may ask the specific hour count.

Scoring and Retakes

Retakes are allowed after 24 hours. There is no limit on retakes, but you must complete the exam within your pre-license course validity period.

How to Improve Your Odds

Candidates who pass on the first attempt: - Study the Offer to Purchase vs. P&S distinction until they can explain it clearly - Know the Board of Registration's composition (7 members: 5 brokers, 2 consumers) - Are comfortable with Massachusetts Lead Law obligations - Score 80%+ on full-length practice exams before test day

Practice for Massachusetts

[CARealestate.com/states/massachusetts](https://carealestate.com/states/massachusetts) has Massachusetts-targeted practice questions with explanations. 5 free questions — no signup needed.