How to Get Your Maryland Real Estate License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

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How to Get Your Maryland Real Estate License

Getting your Maryland Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Maryland. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your Maryland real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!

This article outlines how to become a real estate agent in Maryland in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.

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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Maryland

Becoming a real estate agent in Maryland is as simple as getting your license and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.

Maryland Real Estate License Requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in Maryland are:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be of good character and reputation

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Maryland

Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

To start, you need to successfully complete an approved pre-licensing salesperson course.

Maryland requires that real estate sales agents complete 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework prior to sitting for their exam.

Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs.

Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.

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For Maryland real estate license exam courses and study tools, StateRequirement recommends:

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Maryland is one of the few states that require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.

Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.

In most cases, you can take this test in your own home, but you must have a proctor overseeing you when sitting for the test. When purchasing your real estate pre-license course, check to see if a proctor is included in your education package.

Step 2. Maryland Real Estate License Exam

After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the Maryland Real Estate Exam.

The fee to take the exam is $44 per attempt.

The Maryland Real Estate Exam consists of 110 questions. This includes 80 for the National portion and 30 for the State portion.

You will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the entire exam. The National section time is 90 minutes (1.5 hours), and the State section time is 30 minutes (.5 hours)A passing score for the Maryland Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 56/80 on the National section and 21/30 on the State section.

Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.

How Hard is the Maryland Real Estate Exam

The passing rate for the Maryland Real Estate Broker Exam is 70%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously. If you put the proper effort forth, we know that you can pass on your first attempt!

You can register to take your exam on the PSI Maryland Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources as well, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.

Before taking the exam, check out StateRequirement’s guide on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam. This in-depth guide works as a great partner to your pre-license course to prepare you to pass on your first attempt!

Step 3. Real Estate License Application

After you’ve passed your examination, you are ready to complete your license application.

The fee for this application is $90.

You can fill out your application online using the Maryland Real Estate Original License.

Step 4. Application Review

Once you’ve passed your exam, you will only need to wait for your license to be issued. In most cases, this process should take 10 business days. After this, you should receive an email from MREC with a license document. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact TREC at (410) 230-6230 or dlmrec-labor@maryland.gov.

Congratulations! 

Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!

Step 5. Real Estate License Sponsorship

When you receive your initial real estate license in Maryland, your license will be in an “inactive” status. This means that you cannot transact real estate yet.

In order to “activate” your license, you will need to be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker in Maryland.

If you already have a broker in mind or have an agreement with a real estate company, you can fill out the Maryland Salesperson Broker Sponsorship Form.

If you don’t yet have a broker to work with check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate salesperson opening in your area.

MDL – Maryland Department of Labor

Mailing Address: 

Maryland Real Estate Commission
North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: (410) 230-6230

Email: dlmrec-labor@maryland.gov

Website: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec/

Maryland Real Estate License FAQ

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland?

In Maryland, obtaining a real estate salesperson license involves various costs. The licensing examination fee and all other Maryland fees total $140. Additionally, the real estate pre-licensing education is estimated to cost between $199 and $424. Therefore, the total estimated cost to acquire a Maryland salesperson license ranges from $339 to $565.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Maryland Real Estate License?

Aspiring real estate agents in Maryland can take three to six months to obtain their license, with the most time-consuming steps being pre-license education and licensing exam preparation, which includes a focus on real estate law. For those committed to a full-time study schedule, it’s possible to complete the process in as little as two months.

How to Get a Maryland Commercial Real Estate License?

A standard Salesperson or Broker license is sufficient to sell commercial real estate in Maryland. There is no separate license for commercial real estate. You should work with a sponsoring broker experienced in commercial deals. Choosing a licensed broker is important for a career focused specifically on commercial real estate.

Are There any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?

If you’re pursuing a Maryland real estate career and holding a Maryland license, exploring job opportunities is essential. Check out StateRequirement Jobs to discover open real estate positions in your area. Remember to prepare a compelling cover letter to enhance your application!

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