How to Get a Maryland Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Maryland real estate license takes a 60-hour pre-licensing course, a passing score on the PSI exam, and a sponsoring broker, and most people finish in 2 to 4 months. The process is more straightforward than most states make it sound.

This guide walks through all seven steps in order, with the real costs at each one, so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you spend a dollar.

Quick answers

What are the requirements for a Maryland real estate license?

Maryland requires you to be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education, and pass the state licensing exam. There's no Maryland residency requirement, and unlike many states, Maryland doesn't require fingerprinting for a salesperson license.

Here's each step in order.

1. Confirm you're eligible

You need to be 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. That's the whole gate. If you clear it, you can start the course today.

2. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

The 60-hour course is the state-required foundation, covering real estate principles, Maryland law, and professional practice. You can take it in a classroom or online at your own pace.

We partnered with Kaplan to offer the Maryland course. Sign up through US Realty Training and you get a discount on tuition.

3. Register for the PSI exam

When you finish the course, your education provider submits your eligibility to PSI electronically, and then you schedule your exam through PSI's website. PSI is the testing company that administers Maryland's real estate licensing exam. Have a valid government-issued ID ready, and expect an exam fee at scheduling.

4. Pass the Maryland real estate salesperson exam

The Maryland exam has a national portion and a state portion, and you need 70% on each to pass. Both are multiple choice.

We break down the format, question counts, and pass strategy in our Maryland real estate exam guide. And because PSI's question style is its own skill, our guide on how to pass the PSI real estate exam is worth 10 minutes of your time.

If you want structured prep, our Maryland crash course and exam prep package includes unlimited practice exams, flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ question-and-answer videos.

5. Find a sponsoring broker

A passing score doesn't make you an agent. Your license activates only when a sponsoring broker affiliates with you. Interview more than one brokerage and weigh training, commission splits, and culture, in that order, because training is what pays off in year one.

6. Apply through the Maryland Real Estate Commission

After passing and affiliating, submit your license application to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC). You'll need proof of your exam results, your course completion certificate, and your broker affiliation. Check current fees on the MREC website before applying, since they change.

MREC normally completes its review within a few weeks.

7. Receive your license and start working

Once MREC approves your application, you're an active Maryland real estate salesperson. Your first moves: join your local association, build your online presence, and ask your brokerage about mentorship.

How much does a Maryland real estate license cost?

A Maryland real estate license costs roughly $400 to $700 all-in, depending on the school you choose. Here's the breakdown:

Plan for one extra exam fee in your budget. Plenty of capable people need a second attempt, and it shouldn't derail your timeline.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Maryland?

Most people get licensed in 2 to 4 months. The 60-hour course is the long pole: full-time students can finish it in 2 to 3 weeks, while people studying nights and weekends usually take 6 to 10 weeks. After the course, scheduling and passing the exam typically adds a few weeks, and MREC's application review adds a few more.

How much do Maryland real estate agents make?

Maryland real estate agents earn about $84,000 a year on average, according to Indeed's salary data for the state. (Verify and update this figure before publishing.) New agents typically earn less in year one while they build a client base, and top producers earn multiples of the average.

The honest version: your income tracks your effort and your market. Agents who treat the license like a business license, not a job offer, are the ones who hit the average and pass it.

Does Maryland have real estate license reciprocity?

Maryland has license reciprocity with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. Qualified licensees from those two states skip the national portion of the exam and take only the Maryland state portion. If that's you, request a letter of qualification from MREC and apply through PSI's online portal.

How often do you renew a Maryland real estate license?

Maryland real estate licenses renew every two years, and you need 15 hours of continuing education each cycle. One rule trips people up: according to MREC regulations effective October 1, 2024, your CE must be completed at least 30 days before your renewal date, or you'll owe a reinstatement fee. Don't leave it for renewal week.

Our Maryland license renewal guide covers the full process.

The takeaway

Seven steps, $400 to $700, and 2 to 4 months. The only step that's actually hard is the exam, and that's a preparation problem, not a talent problem.

Ready for step one? Enroll in the Maryland pre-licensing course through US Realty Training and get a discount on your 60 hours.