Maryland Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), under the Department of Labor, oversees real estate licensing in Maryland. Here are the requirements for a salesperson license — both for the exam and for practice.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Maryland salesperson license, you must: - Be at least 18 years old - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be of good moral character - Not have been convicted of certain crimes (MREC reviews on a case-by-case basis)

Step 1: Pre-License Education — 60 Hours

Maryland requires 60 hours of pre-license education from an MREC-approved course provider. The course covers real estate principles, Maryland license law (Title 17), agency law, contracts, fair housing, and finance basics.

Step 2: Pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam

Schedule the exam through PSI. The exam format: - 110 questions (80 national + 30 state) - 3 hours - 70% passing score (77 correct) - Administered at PSI testing centers in Maryland

Both sections must be passed independently.

Step 3: Submit the License Application

After passing the exam: - Complete the MREC salesperson application - Pay the required application fee - Submit a background disclosure form - Provide a sponsoring broker's signature (Maryland salesperson licenses require active broker affiliation)

Step 4: Activate Your License

Your license is inactive until a licensed Maryland broker submits the affiliation paperwork to MREC. You cannot practice real estate until the license is active under a broker.

License Renewal

Maryland salesperson licenses renew every 2 years.

Continuing education: 15 hours per 2-year cycle, including mandatory content in: - Ethics - Legislative updates - Other MREC-required topics

CE must be completed through MREC-approved providers.

Reciprocity

Maryland has reciprocity agreements with several states. Candidates licensed in a reciprocal state may be able to skip the national section and take only the Maryland state exam. Check MREC's current reciprocity list — it changes periodically.

Broker License Requirements

To upgrade from salesperson to broker in Maryland: - Hold an active Maryland salesperson license for at least 3 years - Complete additional broker pre-license education - Pass the Maryland broker exam

Key Statute Reference

Maryland real estate license law is codified in Maryland Code, Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 17. The exam expects you to know the citation.

Practice Maryland Licensing Questions

[CARealestate.com/states/maryland](https://carealestate.com/states/maryland) has MREC rules and licensing requirement practice questions. 5 free questions — no signup needed.

Maryland Real Estate License Requirements (2025)