Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Maine

To get a Maine real estate license you must be 18+, complete 55 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $765–$1,530 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Maine Real Estate Commission.

AFBy Andre Fontaine
Mortgage Market Analyst
LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
55
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$765+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Maine path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Maine also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 55 hours of approved pre-license education

Maine requires 55 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Maine licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Maine-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Maine Real Estate Commission.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Maine salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Maine Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Maine Real Estate Commission

Visit →

A Maine real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Maine agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Maine Real Estate Commission.

Maine real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Maine?
Maine requires 55 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Maine-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Maine real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $765–$1,530 all-in for Maine. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Maine Real Estate Commission and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Maine?
Most people finish the 55-hour Maine coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Maine?
No. Maine does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 55 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Maine?
The Maine Real Estate Commission issues licenses and sets the rules for Maine real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Maine licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Maine are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Maine Real Estate Commission before enrolling.
LV

Lena Voss Housing Market Editor

Lena Voss is a housing market editor who fact-checks WealthyBud's market and housing-policy coverage against primary government sources before publication. She focuses on keeping metro-level statistics current as new data releases land.