Get licensed in Maryland
How to get your Maryland real estate salesperson license
Becoming a Maryland real estate agent takes five steps: decide the career fits, complete 60 hours of prelicensing, pass the PSI exam, choose a broker and apply. We’ll walk you through each one.
18+
Minimum age in Maryland
60 hrs
Required prelicensing course
70%
Passing score on each exam portion
1 year
To apply after passing
Eligibility
Maryland salesperson requirements
To be licensed as a real estate salesperson in Maryland, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete the 60-hour prelicensing course at an MREC-approved school
- Pass both portions of the PSI Maryland real estate exam
- Affiliate with a licensed Maryland broker
- Submit your license application within one year of passing the exam
Step by step
5 steps to your Maryland license
Make sure real estate is right for you
As a real estate salesperson you run your own business: prospecting, building relationships, managing contacts and paperwork, and guiding buyers and sellers. Talk with local agents and brokers about their day-to-day work and long-term career path. A successful start takes full commitment, not hobby hours.
Complete the 60-hour Maryland prelicensing course
Maryland requires a 60-hour salesperson prelicensing course from an MREC-approved school before you can sit for the exam. Tristar Academy teaches the course live on Zoom with experienced instructors, with daytime, evening and weekend schedules. Prefer to learn on your own schedule? Take it self-paced through our partner Colibri Real Estate.
Pass the PSI exam
Maryland’s licensing exam is given by PSI and has a national portion and a state portion. You need at least 70% on each. Exams are by appointment at PSI test centers.
Preparation makes the difference. Tristar’s live Exam Prep sessions on Zoom give you practice exams, topic reviews and strategies so you walk in ready, and self-paced exam prep is available through Colibri Real Estate. Find PSI exam details.
Choose a sponsoring broker
A salesperson can only practice real estate on behalf of a licensed broker, so find your brokerage early. Ask:
- Where are they located, and how do management and support work?
- Do they provide education, training and mentorship?
- What is the commission structure, and what fees will you pay?
- What technology, lead generation and marketing support do they offer?
Apply for your license
After you pass both portions, you’ll receive an email with your registration number and application instructions, usually within 3–5 business days. Complete your application with your sponsoring broker within one year of passing, or your score expires. Once MREC approves the application, your license is issued and you can start practicing.
Licensed in another state?
Getting a Maryland license from out of state
Maryland has reciprocal agreements only with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. Licensees from other states can still apply: MREC reviews your education and experience individually to decide what transfers, and waivers are granted only to active licensees.
- Request a certificate of licensure from the state where you were first licensed, dated within 120 days of submission. If your state emails certificates, it must send the certificate directly to MREC.
- Email a signed cover letter to [email protected] with your full contact information, every state where you are licensed (in the order you obtained them) and whether you were ever licensed in Maryland.
- Allow 10–12 business days. If you qualify, MREC emails your exam registration information.
Full instructions are on MREC’s Out-of-State License Recognition page.
Next steps after licensing
Growing your career
Learn from experienced agents
Agents who have been in the business longer can help you avoid rookie mistakes and know what to expect on your first transactions.
Plan your first renewal
Maryland licensees first licensed on or after October 1, 2023 complete six specific topics for their first renewal.
Expand to DC and Virginia
Many Maryland agents add a DC or Virginia license to serve clients across the region.
Official resources
Maryland licensing links
Start your real estate career with Tristar
Our 60-hour Maryland salesperson course is taught live on Zoom by practicing real estate professionals, with schedules that fit around your life.