How to Get a Maryland Real Estate License

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Getting a real estate license in Maryland is a great opportunity for you, but exactly how can you do it? 

Well, lucky for you, we have prepared a complete guide to help you along the way. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get a Maryland real estate license. From the eligibility requirements to the application process, and even the steps after you get your license. 

As an exam prep platform, we have seen many go through the process. So don’t worry, the process may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right plan, you can do it!

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Let’s start at the very beginning. Are you eligible to become a real estate salesperson? The eligibility rules in Maryland are straightforward; however, you must meet them before beginning the licensing process. 

Here’s what the state requires:

• You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  
• And have a high school diploma or GED, to ensure basic academic preparation.
  

Once you meet these requirements, you’re ready to move forward with pre-licensing education.

Step 2: Complete the Maryland Pre-Licensing Course

After you meet the criteria, it’s time to study everything you need to know, all the basics of real estate practice and Maryland-specific laws, and pass the required prelicensing courses. 

Here’s what you need to know about the prelicensing course:

• For Maryland, you must complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course. Verify twice that you obtain it from a provider approved by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).
  
• There are online and in-person options, so you can take the one that better suits your pace.
  
• After you complete the course, you need to prove the knowledge acquired by passing a final course exam with at least a 70% score.
  

Completing this step prepares you for the Maryland real estate exam and gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence.

Step 3: Pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam

Now that you have completed the course, it’s time for the step that most candidates fear: the real estate exam. This test is considered challenging, as it assesses your knowledge of both national real estate principles and Maryland-specific laws, and requires you to apply them effectively. 

 Here’s what to expect:

• The exam is administered by PSI, a testing company with multiple locations across Maryland, and offers options to take the test online.
  
• The exam has two parts: a national section with 80 questions and a state section with 30 questions.
  
• You’ll have 90 minutes for the national portion and 30 minutes for the state portion.
  
• And to pass it successfully, you need a minimum score of 70% in each section.
  
• The cost to take the exam is $44, payable directly to PSI when you schedule your test.
  

Once you pass both portions, you’ll be ready to move on to finding a sponsoring broker and applying for your license.

Why Prep for the Real Estate Exam With Lexawise

If you want extra help during your exam preparation process, you’re in the right place. Our students report higher confidence and less stress during the exam, and the results are incredible; you can check for yourself the reviews students have left. 

Check out all the resources we offer with our Exam prep courses!

• 4,500+ Practice Questions across every key exam topic
• Smart Analytics to track your performance and progress
• Real Estate Math Guide with easy-to-follow steps
• Unlimited Practice Exams to build confidence and endurance
• Real Estate Exam Study Guide PDF to study anywhere, anytime
• 800+ Flashcards to master your exam’s real estate terms
• Complete Real Estate Glossary to quickly find any term
• 24/7 AI Tutor ready to answer your questions on the spot
• Video Lessons to visually guide you through complex concepts
• 100+ Audio Lessons so you can review key material on the go, hands-free

Lexawise suits every learning style and has very affordable pricing, going from $39 for a week-long intensive course to $79 for 6 months of access. Check our exam prep courses and find the one that fits you best.

Step 4: Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Congratulations on passing your exam! Your first big milestone is behind you, but there are still more steps to take, such as finding a sponsoring broker. 

In Maryland, you can’t practice real estate independently; even to activate your license, you have to be affiliated with a sponsoring broker. But this is good news, as they’ll guide your early career, provide resources, and help you meet state regulations. For many beginners, the sponsoring broker they choose can give them a significant head start in their careers. 

What to Look for in a Sponsoring Broker:

Here are a few key details and tips to help you choose the right broker for you:

• Training & Mentorship: Look for a brokerage that offers workshops and ongoing support for new agents. This will make for a smoother transition for you.
  
• Commission Structure: Understand how splits, desk fees, and caps work so you know what you’ll actually take home and you can plan accordingly.
  
• Reputation & Network: A strong brand and local reputation can always help you win clients faster.
  
• Compliance & Support: Make sure they have systems in place to keep you within the law and up-to-date with state rules.
  

Tips for Choosing Wisely:

• Match the brokerage culture with your long-term goals. Keep in mind that larger firms have more leads, but boutique firms have more specialized clients. Both strategies are used by the top-earning agents.
  
• Don’t settle for the first brokerage that accepts you. Interview with at least three brokerages before making a decision.
  
• Ask current agents about their experience, to see how the brokerage really is.

Step 5: Apply for Your Maryland Real Estate License

And now, finally, it’s time to submit your license application to the Maryland Real Estate Commission. This is where everything becomes official, so it’s important to complete the process carefully.

What the Application Involves:

• Online Submission: Apply through the Maryland Department of Labor’s electronic licensing system.
  
• Sponsoring Broker Confirmation: Your broker must approve your affiliation for your license to be issued.
  
• Background Check: Submit fingerprinting results to confirm eligibility and declare every past criminal charge you might have.
  
• Application Fee: Expect to pay around $90 when you submit your paperwork.
  
• Supporting Documents: Provide proof of course completion and exam results.
  

Tips for a Smooth Application:

• Double-check that your broker is properly listed in the system before applying.
  
• Submit fingerprints early to avoid delays.
  
• Keep digital copies of your certificates and exam score reports handy.
  
• Track your application status online so you know when your license is active.
  

Once approved, you’ll officially be a licensed real estate salesperson in Maryland and ready to begin your career.

Step 6: Start Your Real Estate Career

With your Maryland license in hand, you can now officially start working as a real estate salesperson. This is the exciting part, but it’s also where the real learning begins. The choices you make in your first year can set the tone for your long-term success.

How Your First Career Steps might look like:

• Take advantage of training sessions and mentorship opportunities, and learn everything you can from your sponsoring broker.
  
• Give your contact to everyone, start with family, friends, and local contacts, to spread the word that you’re licensed and ready to help them.
  
• Develop a simple brand for yourself with business cards, a professional email, and an online presence.
  
• Study Maryland’s housing trends, neighborhoods, and local laws to position yourself as a trusted advisor.

Step 7: Renewal, Reciprocity, and Continuing Education

Getting licensed is just the beginning. To keep your Maryland real estate license active, you’ll need to meet ongoing education and renewal requirements. 

What You Need to Know:

• Maryland licenses must be renewed every 2 years through the Department of Labor’s online system.
  
• For this, you’ll need to complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) for each renewal period. This includes required topics like ethics, legislative updates, and fair housing.
  
• Keep in mind that Maryland has reciprocity agreements with states such as Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, allowing qualified licensees to apply without repeating the entire process.
  

In Conclusion

Earning your Maryland real estate license may feel like a big commitment, but with our clear steps and the right preparation, it’s completely achievable. And now you know what every single step involves, and even what the next ones are. 

What are you waiting for? Start your career today.