| Requirement | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 60 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | $44 (commission website, crawled Jul 2026) |
| Regulator | Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 2,940 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $52,630 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Maryland
To get a Maryland real estate salesperson license you complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Maryland real estate license?
Maryland requires 60 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Maryland?
Getting licensed in Maryland takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 60 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education
Maryland requires 60 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Maryland salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Maryland law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Maryland salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Maryland real estate license cost?
Maryland's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $44 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Maryland?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Maryland earned a median of $52,630 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $37,370. See the full Maryland agent salary breakdown.
What are Maryland’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 8 Maryland housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $367,486 as of September 2026, from $199,375 in Cumberland to $625,950 in Easton; 3 of 8 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | $375,000 | -2.6% | 46 | 7,752 |
| Hagerstown, MD | $359,973 | +1.4% | 46 | 1,046 |
| Ocean Pines, MD | $472,425 | 0.0% | 76 | 802 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $494,950 | -1.5% | 44 | 601 |
| Salisbury, MD | $297,925 | +3.6% | 72 | 472 |
All tracked markets: Maryland housing market hub.
Maryland real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Maryland?
Maryland requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) requirements.
How much does a Maryland real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $44 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Course tuition varies by school. The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Maryland real estate exam?
PSI administers the Maryland salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Maryland?
No. Maryland requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Maryland?
The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) licenses and regulates Maryland real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) before enrolling.