Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Maryland

Everything it takes to get licensed in Maryland — 60 hours of pre-license education, the PSI exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).

Pre-license hours
60
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$780+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Maryland 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 Maryland also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education

Maryland requires 60 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Maryland licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Maryland-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 Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Maryland 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 Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC)

Visit →

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

Maryland markets
Baltimore, MD real estate market→

Maryland licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Maryland?
Maryland requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Maryland real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $780–$1,560 all-in for Maryland: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Maryland?
Most people finish the 60-hour Maryland coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Maryland?
The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Maryland real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Maryland are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) before enrolling.