By Andrea DixonDecember 18, 202519 mins read1 Views
Massachusetts is one of the easiest states to get a real estate license, requiring just 40 hours of prelicense coursework. The state requires live interaction between students and instructors for at least half of all qualifying prelicensing courses, something to keep in mind if you choose a fully online option.
You’ll want to choose a real estate school that gives you flexibility to fit your schedule and timeline for getting licensed in MA, while preparing you to pass the state exam on your first try and successfully launching your new career. Whether you want the convenience of an online course or the support of an in-person classroom setting, we’ve compiled the very best real estate school options in MA.
Our top picks: 8 best real estate courses in Massachusetts
Best for career support
Freedom Trail Realty School
From $229
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Best for multilingual students
New England Real Estate Academy
From $335
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Best for part-time students
American Real Estate Academy
From $245
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Best for engaging, in-person classes
Red Door Real Estate Academy
From $300
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Best for exam prep
Colibri Real Estate
From $227
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Best for interactive education
The CE Shop
From $225
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Best for scholarship opportunities
Kaplan
From $319
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VISIT
Best for real estate investors
Cameron Real Estate
From $149
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VISIT
Our top picks: 8 best real estate courses in Massachusetts
Best for career support
Freedom Trail Realty School
From $229
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for multilingual students
New England Real Estate Academy
From $335
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for part-time students
American Real Estate Academy
From $799
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for engaging, in-person classes
Red Door Real Estate Academy
From $300
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for exam prep
Colibri Real Estate
From $227
Use HousingWire40 to Save 40%
Jump to details ↓
Best for interactive education
The CE Shop
From $225
Use HW30 to Save 30%
Jump to details ↓
Best for scholarship opportunities
Kaplan
From $319
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for real estate investors
Cameron Real Estate
From $149
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Freedom Trail Realty School: Best for career support
Starting from: $229
One of the most popular and highly rated schools in MA (with 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google), Freedom Trail Realty School was Massachusetts’ first-ever board-certified online real estate school. This school offers self-paced education as well as study videos, live webinars, flashcards, audio courses and practice questions to ensure you’re ready on exam day.
If your priority is landing a job as soon as you pass the exam, Freedom Trail provides access to its Massachusetts real estate job board, enabling you to get hired faster and start your new career. You can also opt in to Freedom Trail’s broker recruitment program to be contacted directly by local brokerages that are hiring new agents. Freedom Trail will always be special to me personally, as it’s where I attended my real estate prelicensing classes; I passed my exam on the first try, too!
(Source: YouTube)
Pros & Cons
Access to exclusive job board
Course software makes it easy to work at your own pace and track your progress
Mix and match livestream and on-demand formats
No in-person classes
Only available in a few states
Features
Course formats: Livestream or self-paced
Course access: Course available from four to nine months, depending on the package
Refund policy: N/A
Guarantees: Pass or don’t pay guarantee available with some packages. Freedom Trail will refund your course fee if you pass the practice exams but fail the state exam.
Exam prep: Over 1,100 practice questions and study guides available
Student support: Regularly scheduled, interactive live online classes are taught by Massachusetts-licensed real estate instructors who are available to answer questions, much like an in-person class. You can also participate in class discussions with both your instructor and your classmates.
Final exam: The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions for the salesperson license with a minimum passing score of 70%.
Pricing
Choose from four packages, depending on how much support and exam prep you’d like. All packages include the required 40-hour course.
Base ($229): Includes four months of course access, study guide, audio guide, on-demand content, subtitles in English and Spanish, exclusive job board access, 1,100+ practice questions, networking group invite and how to study guide and planner
Ridgeline ($299): Includes Base, plus archived livestream webinars and five months of course access
Peak ($369): Includes Ridgeline, plus 60 hours of livestreaming access, six months of course access, 1,700+ practice questions, pass or don’t pay guarantee and unlimited practice tests
Summit ($499): Includes Peak, plus 100 hours of livestreaming access, nine months of course access and Trail Guide additional study resources
New England Real Estate Academy: Best for multilingual students
Starting from: $335
Since 2010, New England Real Estate Academy has been offering real estate classes, and it was one of the first schools to be accredited to offer online training in 2016. In addition to Massachusetts-approved, prelicensing courses and continuing education courses for MA and NH license renewals, New England Academy provides professional development courses for sales and management development in an online, multimedia format.
Webinars are hosted by expert instructors, so you’ll get practical, real-world insights and lessons based on advanced learning methodologies. The academy also customizes design courses to meet the ever-evolving needs of the real estate industry, and offers courses to accommodate real estate students who speak Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish, making it a great option for multilingual students who wish to learn in another language.
(Source: YouTube)
Pros & Cons
Closed captions available in Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese and English
Over 1,000 practice exam questions
Exam pass guarantee
No in-person classes
Just one course option available
Features
Course formats: Half live online and half on-demand
Course access: Course available for 180 days from purchase, plus an additional 180 days to review materials
Refund policy: Full refunds available within 14 days of purchase if no course materials have been accessed
Guarantees: Students who do not pass their exam on the first try may retake the class series for free. You have up to two years from completion of your initial course to pass both sections of the exam
Exam prep: Over 1,000 practice questions, two practice exams and a monthly study group available to all students
Student support: Real-life instructors are available to answer any questions, Monday through Friday, via email. During the week, you can also contact the Student Concierge team by phone. General support is available daily via phone, email or chat
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
New England Real Estate Academy keeps it simple, with just one package for students looking to obtain the required 40-hour pre-licensing real estate coursework.
Pre-license salesperson course ($335): Unlimited access to instructor-led live online training, on-demand video library, monthly study group, 1,000+ practice questions, digital manual, pass guarantee and local email and phone support
American Real Estate Academy (AREA): Best for part-time students
Starting from: $245
American Real Estate Academy (AREA) has been teaching real estate classes since 1972, making it the oldest continuously owned and operated real estate school in Massachusetts, and one of the oldest in the nation. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to teach real estate continuing education as well as pre-licensing coursework, AREA is a full-service real estate education hub.
With unlimited access to course review for up to two years from the date of registration, students with scheduling constraints who are taking classes part-time won’t feel rushed. In-person classes are also available in Weston, MA. AREA offers its students a choice between weekday or weekend classes, for even more flexibility. A great choice for part-time real estate students who want to take in-person classes on the weekend.
Pros & Cons
Flexible in-person or online options
Unlimited course access for two years
Largest and longest-running real estate school in MA
Online students only have 90 days to complete the 40-hour course
No walk-ins permitted for in-person classes
Features
Course formats: Online or in-person
Course access: Two years from purchase
Refund policy: Online course students may receive a full refund minus a $25.00 cancellation fee, if you elect to withdraw from the course before attending a class within 90 days of registration. Live In Person Students may receive a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee if the course is cancelled up to 48 hours before the scheduled first day of class.
Guarantees: N/A
Exam prep: Exam prep materials provided, including a physical or PDF textbook, practice questions and exam and review videos
Student support: Live instructor support available in classroom, as well as via phone and email during business hours
Final exam: Once a student completes the course, they will receive a completion certificate via email within 24-48 hours. Students must apply for approval to take the exam using the real estate board’s online system eLIPSE.
Pricing
Choose from three options, depending on your schedule and if you prefer to learn online or in person.
Online ($245): Includes 40-hour required course, a combination of on-demand and webinars, and PDF textbook
In-person weekends ($425): Includes 40-hour course over two weekends, 9 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sunday in Weston, MA
In-person weekdays ($425): Includes 40-hour course over two weeks, Monday through Friday, 10:30 am to 2 pm in Weston, MA
Red Door Real Estate Academy: Best for engaging in-person classes
Starting from: $300
For students looking for an in-person real estate school taught by a fun, engaging instructor, check out Red Door Real Estate Academy. A relatively new real estate school, Red Door was founded by top MA real estate agent Andrew Romano, whose “over-the-top personality and sense of humor will make the licensing process fun and exciting!” Being taught by a top-producing agent who’s still actively selling real estate provides students with invaluable real-world insight into what a career in real estate actually looks like.
Red Door is located in Mattapoisett, MA, and offers exclusively in-person classes, with the next series beginning in January 2026. Check the website for updated dates and times. Classes run during evenings and weekends, making this a great choice for students working full-time jobs.
Pros & Cons
Small classroom size with personalized instructor attention
Low-cost in-person course
Fun, engaging instructor who provides real-life insights into the real estate career path
No online classes
Only one location
Features
Course formats: In-person classroom
Course access: Class available during the duration of your classroom sessions
Refund policy: Full refund available before beginning of second class
Guarantees: N/A
Exam prep: Textbooks and practice exams provided to all students
Student support: Instructor available to answer questions during class, plus optional 1:1 sessions and group study sessions a few times per month
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
Red Door Real Estate Academy offers just one package for students, their in-person course.
Pre-license course ($300): Includes required 40-hour course, taught in person at Red Door’s Mattapoisett location, plus a textbook
For over 40 years, more than 500,000 students have enrolled in Colibri Real Estate to prepare for their real estate license exam using the school’s all-inclusive CompuCram exam preparation. Colibri is a state-approved real estate education provider with over 132 instructors experienced in Massachusetts real estate sales and teaching best practices.
Students appreciate the well-organized, easy-to-comprehend content presented by experts in simplifying complex concepts likely to be included in the state exam, as well as the visual aids for assistance with retention and understanding. Colibri’s online prelicensing courses are self-paced.
(Source: YouTube)
Pros & Cons
Self-paced course, ideal for busy students
Unlimited practice exams (with some packages)
Next-gen student dashboard allows you to track your progress
No in-person classes
No livestreamed classes
Features
Course formats: On-demand self-paced
Course access: Course available for six months after purchase
Refund policy: N/A
Guarantees: Pass or don’t pay guarantee (available with all packages except The Basics – if you do not pass your exam on the first try, you’ll be given a refund
Exam prep: The Basics package features three e-books to help you prepare for the state exam. Other packages also include six one-hour instructor-led webinars that provide a hyper-focused approach to exam prep.
Student support: Expert local instructors are available to share their real-world insight. Additionally, Colibri’s courses have recently been upgraded with hundreds of new visual learning objects and videos, as well as streamlined course navigation, created to improve learning engagement and retention. Exam Prep Plus includes 40 hours a month of Live Q&A with local instructors for a personal, guided approach.
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
Choose from four packages, depending on how much support and exam prep you’d like. All packages include the required 40-hour course.
The Basics ($227): Includes state-approved instructor support, study guides and accessible narrated audio
Exam Preparation ($287): Includes The Basics, plus pass or don’t pay guarantee, simulated exams, readiness tracker and flashcards
Exam Preparation Plus ($329): Includes Exam Prep, plus live instructor Q&A and Exam Cram webinar series
Ultimate Learning ($395): Includes Exam Prep Plus, plus printed textbook and career booster pack
According to The CE Shop, its prelicensing student satisfaction rate is 96% and its students have a 64% pass rate (12% better than the national average). They attribute these success rates to their consistently up-to-date course content and interactive learning approach. An interactive user interface is proven to be considerably more effective than reading a PDF or textbook.
The CE Shop leverages its exclusive online learning platform, LEAP, to encourage students to engage with essential content. Per state guidelines, students must take approximately 21 of the 40-hour coursework via live online format, and the rest can be consumed on demand at their own pace. Students who plan to stay in the real estate field for the long term will benefit from The CE Shop’s Premium Package, which includes your first round of continuing education credits to renew your license (12 CE credits required in MA).
(Source: Vimeo)
Pros & Cons
Convenient continuing education package options
Free 5-day trial of pre-licensing course, no credit card required
Higher than average exam pass rates
No in-person classes
Pass guarantee not available with all packages
Features
Course formats: Livestream and on-demand
Course access: Course available for one year after purchase
Refund policy: Receive a refund within 30 days of purchase, if course isn’t yet 50% complete
Guarantees: Pass guarantee available with standard, value and premium packages – includes a refund of your exam fee if you don’t pass the exam on the first try
Exam prep: Students receive downloadable resources, e-book, flashcards, real estate glossary and study schedule to help them prep for their exam
Student support: Student support is available via phone, email or chat
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
Choose from four packages, depending on how much support and exam prep you’d like. All packages include the required 40-hour course.
Courses Only ($225): Includes downloadable resources, ebook, flashcards, real estate glossary, career resources and study schedule to help you prep for your exam
Standard Package ($274): Includes Courses Only, plus pass guarantee and Exam Prep Edge
Value Package ($344): Includes Standard Package, plus Kickstarter professional development 3-course program
Premium Package ($439): Includes Value Package, plus 12-hour continuing education package and career companion e-textbook
Backed by more than 65 years of experience, Kaplan has helped thousands of students begin and advance their real estate careers. Known for its industry-leading content, Kaplan provides flexible, online video courses featuring multiple segments with expert instructors.
Kaplan has also partnered with some Keller Williams franchises to offer scholarship programs and tuition reimbursement (terms apply). KW Chestnut Hill in Newton, MA is one local example. Click here or reach out directly to the office to learn more about this unique and exciting program.
(Source: YouTube)
Pros & Cons
Exam prep included in most packages
Scholarships available through KW partnership
Proven track record with 65+ years of experience
No in-person classes
Zoom account required
Features
Course formats: Livestream interactive content and self-paced
Course access: Course available for 6 months from purchase
Refund policy: Kaplan offers online students a full tuition refund within 30 days of purchase, but only if the class has not been completed.
Guarantees: Kaplan’s Commitment to Pass offers continued support at no cost to you if you do not pass the exam. The instructors will help you create a personalized study plan, and you’ll continue to have access to our exam prep tools and instructors for up to 18 months as long as you continue your studies.
Exam prep: With the exception of the basic package, all of Kaplan’s prelicensing courses include access to an online learning hub with practice questions, exam prep video course and additional support for the math section
Student support: Curriculum questions can be submitted via email. Customer service available by phone during business hours.
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
Choose from three packages, depending on how much support and exam prep you’d like. All packages include the required 40-hour course.
Massachusetts Real Estate Principles ($319): Includes required 40-hour coursework
MA Exam Prep Package ($349): Includes basic course, plus commitment to pass, online learning hub access and 24/7 access to your student community
MA Career Launcher ($749): Includes Exam Prep Package, plus real estate accelerator program ($399) value, textbooks and workbooks, flashcards and online math video course
Cameron Real Estate Group: Best for real estate investors
Starting from: $149
Cameron Real Estate Group runs one of the more unique real estate prelicensing schools in Massachusetts. This low-cost course is open to all real estate students, and the brokerage supporting it is especially well-suited to real estate investors. For current or soon-to-be investors, check out Cameron Real Estate’s classes and learn directly from successful investors who are active in the field.
Classes take place either in person at Cameron’s office in Wakefield, MA, over two consecutive weekends or livestreamed via Zoom, whichever works best for your schedule. A weekly study course is also included.
Pros & Cons
Learn from active real estate investors
Lowest cost prelicensing class in MA
In-person or livestream options
No on-demand option
Extra cost for textbook ($99)
Features
Course formats: Livestream or in-person classroom, 9 am to 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays
Course access: Course available for the duration of the sessions
Refund policy: N/A
Guarantees: N/A
Exam prep: Weekly study course included, option to purchase a hard copy textbook
Student support: Instructor available for questions throughout the 40-hour course
Final exam: N/A
Pricing
One pricing option available, with your choice of classroom in-person classes or livestream via Zoom.
Pre-licensing course ($149): Includes required 40-hour course, plus weekly study course
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in Massachusetts
To determine the very best Massachusetts real estate schools, we evaluated each school based on the following:
Course offerings, including study guides and tools
Flexibility and format options
Pass guarantees or return policies
Pricing and affordability
Instructor quality and accessibility
Student support and engagement
User reviews and pass rates
Finally, we considered the schools with unique features and professional development opportunities that can have lasting value to aspiring real estate agents.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in Massachusetts
How long is the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam?
The Massachusetts real estate license exam for salespeople is a two-part exam that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. It’s broken out into two sections that cover MA law and general real estate knowledge. You’ll be given four hours to complete both sections and need to score at least 70% on the exam to pass.
How much does real estate school cost in Massachusetts?
Getting your real estate license in Massachusetts will require an investment of your time and money, but with unlimited income potential and the high price of homes in MA, it could be a worthwhile investment. Here’s what to budget for:
Prelicensing coursework = approx. $200 to $600
Salesperson exam fee = $85
Application fee = $31
A licensing fee that ranges from $103 to $150
License renewal fee after 2 years = $103
Estimated total: $450 – $900
What are the requirements for taking the Massachusetts real estate salesperson exam?
To be eligible to sit for the MA real estate licensing exam, you must:
Complete 40 hours of approved Massachusetts prelicensing real estate coursework
You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma
You must have a Social Security number
What are the requirements for applying for a Massachusetts real estate salesperson license?
Receive a Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate after finishing your required coursework
Receive three endorsement letters from individuals who aren’t related to you or who aren’t classmates
Apply for and pass the real estate licensing exam within two years of completing your real estate course
File and pay all of your Massachusetts state tax return
The full picture
Starting a new career in real estate can be both exciting and daunting. Our guide to the best real estate schools in Massachusetts will help you choose the program that’s best for your goals and needs.
At HousingWire, we provide the information you need to start and advance your career in real estate. By providing tips on finding the right school and strategies to help you pass the MA licensing exam, our primary goal is to help you thrive and succeed as a newly licensed Massachusetts real estate agent.
Helpful links
Here are some helpful links and sites you’ll want to visit as a prospective Massachusetts real estate agent:
Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Real Estate Exams Offered for Massachusetts Real Estate
Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Licensing
PSI Services: MACandidate Information Bulletin
Mass.gov: Renew your Real Estate License
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By: Sara Stover, Ashley Harwood Title: 8 best Massachusetts real estate schools for 2026 Sourced From: www.housingwire.com/articles/real-estate-schools-massachusetts/ Published Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:05:35 +0000
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