Massachusetts Real Estate Practice Exam
A free practice test for the Massachusetts salesperson exam, for the weeks before your test date, with an explanation on every answer. Score yourself against Massachusetts's real 70% pass line before you book.
Take the full test. Answers and explanations are shown when you submit, as on exam day.
May a Massachusetts individual hold both broker and salesperson licenses at the same time under Massachusetts law?
This practice exam is a study aid, not the real exam. Our questions are written by us to match the published content outline. They are not actual exam questions, no score here predicts a pass, and this site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PSI, Pearson VUE, ARELLO, any state real estate commission, or any government agency. Your state commission and your candidate handbook are the only authoritative sources.
Massachusetts real estate exam at a glance
| National questions | 80 scoredsource |
|---|---|
| State-law questions | 40 scoredsource |
| Passing score | 70%source |
| Time limit | 4 hourssource |
| Exam fee | $56.00 per attemptsource |
| Test provider | PSIsource |
| Pre-licence education | 40 hourssource |
Figures verified against official sources on . Exam fees and rules change. Check the linked source before you book.
10 sample questions, with answers explained
Every question above with its correct answer and the reasoning behind it. Read the explanations for the ones you answered correctly too. A lucky guess and knowing the rule look identical on a score report. These are sample questions from our larger bank.
1. May a Massachusetts individual hold both broker and salesperson licenses at the same time under Massachusetts law?
Why: 254 CMR 3.00(5) bars a broker from also being licensed as a salesperson, and a salesperson from being licensed as a broker. The categories are not concurrent credentials for the same individual under this rule.
2. A Massachusetts applicant supplies references from 3 relatives living elsewhere. What does the Massachusetts recommendation rule require instead?
Why: 254 CMR 2.00(7) requires applications to include recommendations from three reputable citizens, not related to the applicant, who reside or have their place of business in Massachusetts. Both lack of relationship and the Massachusetts residence or business connection matter.
3. Massachusetts clients consented to possible dual agency months earlier. When an actual dual-agency transaction arises, what further notice timing applies?
Why: Under 254 CMR 3.00(13)(b)2, if dual agency consent was given in advance, written notice of dual agency must be given before the seller and purchaser enter a written purchase agreement. Advance consent does not eliminate the later written notice of the actual dual agency.
4. A Massachusetts real estate agent has given a prospective purchaser the state lead notification materials. What else must the agent do under M.G.L. c. 111, s. 197A(b)(2)?
Why: Section 197A(b)(2) requires the agent to verbally inform the purchaser of the possible presence of dangerous levels of lead and of the lead law, and to obtain the purchaser's certification of notification before the purchase and sale agreement is signed. The agent does not arrange or pay for an inspection.
5. A buyer plans to sue a Massachusetts broker under M.G.L. c. 93A, s. 9 for an unfair or deceptive practice. What must the buyer do first?
Why: Section 9(3) requires a written demand for relief, identifying the claimant and describing the unfair or deceptive act and the injury, to be mailed or delivered at least 30 days before the suit is filed. Section 9(6) says the claimant need not first exhaust administrative remedies such as a Board complaint.
6. A Massachusetts condominium with 8 units is served by septic systems. According to MassDEP's Title 5 guidance, how often must all of its systems be inspected?
Why: MassDEP says condominiums with 5 or more units must have all systems inspected every 3 years, and the condominium association is responsible for inspection unless its governing documents say otherwise. The 5-year cycle applies to large systems, and smaller condominiums may instead inspect within 2 years before a unit sale.
7. A Massachusetts salesperson wants to take the broker exam after only 1 year of active affiliation. What ordinary preparation is required?
Why: M.G.L. c. 112, s. 87SS requires a broker exam applicant to have been actively associated with a broker for 3 years as a salesman and to complete an additional 40 classroom hours of board-approved courses. The broker route adds experience and coursework rather than relying solely on salesperson licensure.
8. Lena passes the Massachusetts salesperson exam and her original license is issued on September 10, 2025. Her birthday is June 5. Under M.G.L. c. 112, s. 87XX, when does the original license expire?
Why: An original individual license is valid until the licensee's birthday next occurring more than 24 months after issuance. Twenty-four months after September 10, 2025 is September 10, 2027, and the next June 5 after that is June 5, 2028. June 5, 2027 falls inside the first 24 months, and the September dates ignore the birthday rule.
9. A Massachusetts tenancy ended 45 days ago. The landlord holds an $1,800 security deposit, has no lawful deductions and has not returned it. If the tenant sues under M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B(7), what damages is the tenant awarded, before interest, costs and attorney's fees?
Why: Section 15B(4) requires the deposit to be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Under s. 15B(7), a lessor who fails to return it on time owes three times the deposit, plus 5 percent interest, costs and attorney's fees: 3 x $1,800 = $5,400.
10. A Massachusetts broker appoints salesperson Ana as designated seller's agent and salesperson Ben, from the same firm, as designated buyer's agent on the same house. Both clients consented to designated agency. What is the appointing broker's role?
Why: Under 254 CMR 3.00(13)(c), if designated agents affiliated with the same broker represent the seller and the purchaser, the appointing broker becomes a dual agent, neutral as to conflicting interests, while still owing both parties confidentiality and accounting for funds. When both clients consented to designated agency, no separate dual agency consent is required.