How Can You Get Licensed as a Real Estate Salesperson in 2025? A Step-by-Step Guide for Virginia, Massachusetts
Excerpt
If you’ve ever considered a career in real estate, 2025 may be the perfect year to start. The property market continues to thrive, and becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in states like Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey can open doors to stable income, flexible schedules, and long-term financial growth. This guide walks you through every step - from pre-licensing education to passing the final exam - and includes preparation tips to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Why 2025 Is a Great Year to Start Your Real Estate Career
Despite fluctuations in interest rates and housing prices, the real estate industry in 2025 continues to show resilience. Population shifts, remote work, and increased urban development have kept demand high for qualified agents who understand both market trends and regulatory frameworks.
Whether you’re a first-time professional or changing careers, becoming a licensed salesperson can offer:
Unlimited earning potential (commission-based income)
Flexible work hours and self-employment opportunities
Career growth into broker or property management roles
Networking and business ownership prospects
Overview – What It Means to Be a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
A real estate salesperson license authorizes you to represent buyers and sellers in property transactions under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker.
Typical responsibilities include:
Listing and marketing properties
Assisting with pricing and negotiations
Guiding clients through closing
Understanding and complying with local real estate laws
Each state sets its own licensing rules, so your journey will differ slightly depending on where you live.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed
Step 1 – Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet your state’s age and legal requirements:
Step 2 – Complete Pre-Licensing Education
All three states require completing an approved pre-licensing course before applying for your exam.
These courses cover real estate principles, law, ethics, property valuation, financing, and state-specific regulations.
Tip: Look for programs offering both in-person and online options. Many aspiring agents prefer online prep through verified learning platforms that offer flexibility and mock exams.
Step 3 – Apply for the Licensing Exam
Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll receive a Course Completion Certificate, which allows you to register for the official exam.
You can apply through your state’s designated testing vendor:
Virginia: PSI Exams
Massachusetts: PSI Exams
New Jersey: PSI Exams
Each platform provides online registration, test scheduling, and payment options. Expect to pay around $60–$80 per attempt, depending on your location.
Step 4 – Pass the Real Estate Salesperson Exam
The state licensing exam typically includes two sections - National and State-specific content:
You’ll have between 2 and 3 hours to complete the test, depending on your state.
The exam is computer-based and administered at approved testing centers or through online proctoring.
Pro Tip: Practicing under timed conditions helps improve speed and confidence. Verified exam prep providers, such as Cert Empire’s real estate licensing exam preparation resources, offer realistic practice tests that simulate actual state exams — an effective way to measure readiness and identify weak areas.
Step 5 – Complete a Background Check
All states require applicants to undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting before final licensing.
Here’s what to expect:
Virginia: Submit fingerprints via PSI or a local vendor.
Massachusetts: Submit fingerprints through an approved state system.
New Jersey: Use the state’s fingerprinting service (IdentoGO).
Delays in this process are common, so start early - results can take 2–4 weeks to process.
Step 6 – Apply for Your License
After passing the exam and background check, you can submit your license application to your state’s real estate board:
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