How to Get Your Maryland Insurance License (2026)
Maryland has no mandatory pre-licensing hours and no fingerprinting requirement — making it one of the fastest and most affordable states to get licensed. Total cost: $213–$463. Exam via Prometric. Apply through NIPR.
Exam Prep Cost
$99 – $349
Time to License
2 – 6 weeks
Avg MD Salary
$60,000/yr
Required Hours
None required
Maryland Has No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education — And No Fingerprinting
Maryland does not require pre-licensing hours or fingerprinting for resident insurance producers. You can study on your own schedule and go straight to the Prometric exam (not PSI or Pearson VUE). Prep courses are strongly recommended — first-time pass rates are ~55–65% — but completely optional. With a flat $60 exam fee and no fingerprinting cost, Maryland is one of the most affordable states to get licensed.
Top 3 Maryland Insurance Exam Prep Courses
1. WebCEBest Budget
Lowest price for MD exam prep at $109.95. Covers Life & Health and Property & Casualty tracks with Exam Prep and Exam Prep Plus tiers. No fingerprinting means your only required costs are $60 (exam) + $59.60 (application).
From $109.95
exam prep only
2. Kaplan Financial EducationMost Comprehensive
Four tiers ($139–$349) for all MD lines including Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines. EssentialPlus adds live + on-demand video. Career Launcher includes business-building tools for new agents.
From $139
3. ExamFXConfidence Guarantee
Three tiers for all MD lines (Self-Study $169.95, Video $219.95, Live Online $299.95). 99% pass rate claim with confidence guarantee. Covers L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines.
From $169.95
Best Maryland Insurance Exam Prep Courses
All 5 schools are Maryland MIA-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebCE
Best BudgetStarting at
$109.95
- Lowest price: MD exam prep from $109.95
- Exam Prep and Exam Prep Plus tiers for all lines
- Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines tracks
- Individual line or combo package options
- Exam Prep Only -- does not satisfy state pre-licensing requirement
Available Packages (4)
Life, A&H Combo — Exam Prep Complete (40 hrs)
- MD Life, Accident & Health combined exam prep
- 40-hour study package
- Practice exams and state-specific content
- Covers all MIA exam topics
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$139
- Most comprehensive MD insurance course library
- 4 tiers: Basic $139 through Career Launcher $349
- Live + on-demand video option (EssentialPlus)
- Career Launcher includes business-building tools
Available Packages (8)
Life & Health — Basic
- MD Life & Health exam prep — self-study
- Online textbook and core content
- Practice questions included
- MIA exam-focused materials
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- 99% pass rate claim with confidence guarantee
- Same 3-tier pricing across all MD license lines
- Self-Study, Video, and Live Online tiers
- MD-specific exam prep for L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Self-Study
- MD Life & Health exam prep
- Interactive online portal and flashcards
- Exam simulations and readiness exam
- MD state-specific content
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- Exam prep provider -- no mandatory prelicensing hours required in this state
- Three tiers: Silver ($169.95), Gold ($196.90), Platinum ($296.85)
- Pass Guarantee included on every package
- Industry-leading insurance educator
Available Packages (3)
Silver -- Online Course
- Full online course
- Unlimited chapter exams
- Simulated licensing exams
- Pass Guarantee
- PDF study manual
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- Two clear tiers: Standard $199 / Premier $299
- Available for L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines
- MIA-approved MD exam prep courses
- Premier tier adds video instruction
Available Packages (4)
Life & Health — Standard
- MD Life & Health exam prep
- Digital study materials
- Practice exams included
- Online self-study format
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Maryland Insurance License?
A Maryland insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) to legally sell insurance products in Maryland. Unlike most states, Maryland does not require pre-licensing education for a standard license — you can go straight to the Prometric exam. Maryland also does not require fingerprinting for resident producers. You apply through NIPR (not SIRCON) after passing your exam.
Maryland offers several license types. The most common are the Life & Accident/Health (combined) license and the Property & Casualty (combined) license. Combined-line exams run 150 minutes ($60) and let you earn two lines of authority in one sitting — often the most efficient path for new agents.
Life & A/H (Combined)
$60 exam fee · 150 min
Life insurance, annuities, health & disability
Property & Casualty
$60 exam fee · 150 min
Home, auto, commercial & liability insurance
Personal Lines
$60 exam fee · 105 min
Personal auto, homeowners & renters
How Much Do Maryland Insurance Agents Earn?
MD State Average
$58K–$67K/yr
Source: Salary.com & BLS, 2025
DC Metro Maryland
$65K–$80K/yr
Montgomery & Prince George's Counties
Commission Structure
Life Insurance
- • First-year commission: 40–100% of annual premium
- • Renewal commission: 2–10% per year
- Example: $1,000/yr policy at 70% = $700 earned
Property & Casualty
- • New policy commission: 10–20% of premium
- • Renewal commission: 8–12% of premium
- Example: $2,000/yr auto at 12% = $240/policy
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$36,000–$48,000
First 1–2 years
MD State Avg
$58K–$67K
Statewide average
Top Producers
$100,000+
DC Metro & established books
Top MD Insurance Markets
Is a Maryland Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Pre-Licensing Required: Skip mandatory coursework entirely — go straight to the Prometric exam when you're ready.
- + No Fingerprinting: Maryland skips the fingerprinting step, saving time and ~$40+ compared to most states.
- + One of the Cheapest States: Total licensing cost of $213–$463 is among the lowest in the country — flat $60 exam fee across all lines.
- + DC Metro Premium: Montgomery and Prince George's County agents earn $65K–$80K/yr — well above the state average — due to high-income professional populations.
👎 Cons
- - Exam Pass Rate ~55–65%: No mandatory education means many candidates walk in underprepared and fail. A prep course is still your best investment.
- - 4-Day Retake Wait: A 4-day waiting period is required between exam attempts — failing without prep costs time and another $60.
- - Commission-Dependent Income: Most agents earn primarily through commissions — income can be variable in the first year, especially without an established book of business.
How to Get Your Maryland Insurance License
Choose Your Line(s) of Authority
Decide which type(s) of insurance you want to sell: Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty, Personal Lines, or a combination. Most new agents start with either a Life & Health license or a Property & Casualty license. Maryland's combined-line exams (Life & A/H, or Property & Casualty) let you get two licenses with one longer exam — often the most efficient path.
Prepare for the Prometric State Exam (Education Recommended, Not Required)
Maryland does not require pre-licensing education hours — you can sit for the Prometric exam without completing a course. However, the exam tests both general insurance knowledge and Maryland-specific laws and regulations. Most candidates benefit significantly from a structured prep course. Top-rated options include WebCE ($109.95), Kaplan ($139–$349), and ExamFX ($169.95–$299.95). A good prep course runs 20–40 hours and dramatically improves first-attempt pass rates.
Schedule and Pass the Prometric Maryland Insurance Exam
Maryland uses Prometric (not PSI or Pearson VUE) to administer all insurance licensing exams. Schedule online at prometric.com/maryland/insurance or call (800) 610-1174. The exam fee is $60 per line. You must score 70% or higher to pass. Single-line exams run 105 minutes; combined-line exams run 150 minutes. Exams are available at Prometric test centers throughout Maryland and via online remote proctoring. A 4-day waiting period is required between exam attempts.
Apply for Your Maryland Insurance Producer License
After passing your exam, apply through NIPR (www.nipr.com) — Maryland's official application portal for resident producers. The state application fee is $54 plus a ~$5.60 NIPR transaction fee. Maryland does NOT require fingerprinting or a separate background check for resident producers. Most applications are reviewed by the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) within a few business days to 2 weeks.
Receive Your License from the Maryland Insurance Administration
Once approved, your license is issued by the MIA. You can verify your license status and download your license at insurance.maryland.gov. Your license is valid for a 2-year term, expiring on the last day of your birth month. Keep your contact information current with the MIA — important renewal notices are sent to the address on file.
Get Appointed by an Insurance Carrier and Start Selling
To legally sell insurance in Maryland, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier or agency. Carriers submit appointment requests electronically through NIPR or Sircon. Many new agents join captive agencies (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) for training and immediate client access. Independent agents can represent multiple carriers simultaneously. Consider joining the Maryland Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (MAIFA) for networking and CE resources.
Maryland Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid U.S. Social Security number required
- No college degree required
- No fingerprinting or background check required (as of 2025)
- Must maintain principal place of business or residence in Maryland (resident license)
- Nonresident licenses available on reciprocal basis
Pre-Licensing Education
- Standard license: 0 hours required
- Exam prep courses strongly recommended (55–65% first-time pass rate)
- Self-study is free; structured prep courses from $109.95
- Courses cover general insurance concepts AND MD-specific laws
Exam Requirements
- Prometric exam (NOT PSI or Pearson VUE)
- Single-line exams: 105 minutes · $60
- Combined-line exams (L&A/H or P&C): 150 minutes · $60
- 70% passing score required
- 4-day waiting period between attempts
- Schedule at prometric.com/maryland/insurance
Application & Licensing
- Apply via NIPR (www.nipr.com)
- $54 state application fee + ~$5.60 NIPR transaction fee
- No fingerprinting fee ($0)
- MIA processes in approximately 2 weeks
- 24 CE hours every 2 years to renew (incl. 3 hrs ethics)
- $69 renewal fee via NIPR
Maryland Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Maryland insurance license in 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course | $99–$349 | Optional |
| Prometric Exam Fee | $60 | Required |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $0 | Not Required |
| License Application (NIPR) | $54 + $5.60 | Required |
| Estimated Total | $213–$463 |
All state fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Prometric exam fee is per attempt.
The Maryland Prometric Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Single-Line Exams
- Applies to: Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines
- Time limit: 105 minutes
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $60 per attempt
- Provider: Prometric (in-person or online proctoring)
Combined-Line Exams
- Applies to: Life & A/H combined; Property & Casualty combined
- Time limit: 150 minutes
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $60 per attempt (same as single-line)
- Fail one section? Retake only that section within 6 months
General Exam Topics
- Insurance fundamentals — principles and concepts
- Types of policies, provisions, and riders
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- Accident, health, and disability products
- Property insurance — homeowners and commercial
- Casualty insurance — auto, liability, workers' comp
- Personal Lines — personal auto and homeowners
MD State-Specific Topics
- Maryland insurance laws and MIA regulations
- Maryland Insurance Code provisions
- Producer licensing requirements and conduct
- Maryland-specific policy requirements
- State consumer protection laws
- Ethics and market conduct requirements
- LTC and annuity training requirements
💡 Prometric Exam Tips for Maryland
Bring two valid government-issued IDs — at least one must have a photo. You receive your score on-screen immediately after completing the exam; a score report is also emailed. A 4-day waiting period is required between exam attempts. For combined-line exams, if you fail only one section, you may retake that section only (within 6 months of the original date) — you don't have to retake the whole exam.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Maryland Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Fast Track
Intensive prep; quick Prometric scheduling
3 – 5 weeks
Part-time
Evenings and weekends
5 – 10 weeks
Casual Pace
A few hours per week, self-paced
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your line(s) of authority | 1 day |
| 2 | Study for the exam (prep course recommended, not required) | 1–4 weeks |
| 3 | Schedule & pass Prometric exam (no fingerprinting wait) | Days–1 week |
| 4 | Submit license application via NIPR | 1–2 days |
| 5 | MIA reviews and issues license | Days–2 weeks |
| 6 | Get carrier appointment and start selling | Varies |
No fingerprinting wait time and no mandatory education hours make Maryland faster than most states. Prometric exam slots are often available within days of registering.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Maryland?
Total costs typically range from $213 to $463. Here's the breakdown: exam prep course ($99–$349, strongly recommended but not required), Prometric exam fee ($60 per line), fingerprinting ($0 — Maryland does not require fingerprinting), and NIPR license application fee ($54 + ~$5.60 transaction fee). Maryland is one of the most affordable states to get licensed in, thanks to no fingerprinting requirement and a flat $60 exam fee across all lines.
How long does it take to get a Maryland insurance license?
Most people get licensed in 2–5 weeks. Since Maryland doesn't require pre-licensing education hours and doesn't require fingerprinting, the process is faster than most states. Your main time variables are: (1) how long you spend studying, (2) when you can schedule a Prometric exam (often available within days), and (3) NIPR application processing time (typically a few business days to 2 weeks). Full-time studiers can sometimes be licensed in under 3 weeks.
Does Maryland require pre-licensing education to get an insurance license?
No — Maryland does not mandate pre-licensing education hours for insurance producers. You can register for and take the Prometric exam without completing any formal coursework. However, exam prep courses are strongly recommended. The Maryland insurance exam covers both general insurance knowledge and Maryland-specific statutes and regulations — and candidates who skip preparation often fail on the first attempt. A quality prep course from WebCE, Kaplan, or ExamFX is still your best investment before exam day.
Who administers the Maryland insurance licensing exam?
Maryland uses Prometric — not PSI or Pearson VUE — to administer all insurance licensing exams. You can schedule your exam online at prometric.com/maryland/insurance or by calling Prometric at (800) 610-1174. Exams are available at Prometric test centers throughout Maryland and via online remote proctoring through the ProProctor platform, giving you flexibility on how and where you test.
Does Maryland require fingerprinting for an insurance license?
No — Maryland does not require fingerprinting or a separate criminal background check for resident insurance producer applicants. This makes Maryland one of the simpler and more affordable states to get licensed in. You simply need to pass the Prometric exam and submit your application through NIPR. Note: individual carrier appointments may have their own background check requirements separate from the state licensing process.
How much do insurance agents make in Maryland?
Maryland insurance agents earn an average of $58,000–$67,000 per year statewide, with experienced producers earning $70,000–$100,000 and top performers earning $100,000–$150,000+. Entry-level agents typically start at $36,000–$48,000. The DC metro Maryland corridor — Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Bethesda, Rockville — pays the highest salaries ($65,000–$80,000) due to affluent professional populations. Income varies significantly based on line of authority, whether you're a captive or independent agent, and your book of business size.
Can I get a Maryland insurance license if I'm already licensed in another state?
Yes — Maryland offers nonresident licenses on a reciprocal basis. If you hold a valid insurance producer license in good standing in your home state, and your home state extends reciprocity to Maryland producers, you can apply for a Maryland nonresident license without taking the Maryland exam. Apply through NIPR (www.nipr.com) — select the Nonresident License application. The fee is $54 plus NIPR's transaction fee. Key exception: Maryland does not accept applications from producers who submit a Designated Home State (DHS) license — your home state must actually issue the license.
How do I renew my Maryland insurance license?
Maryland insurance licenses renew every two years on the last day of your birth month. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE), including at least 3 hours of ethics. All CE must be completed BEFORE submitting your renewal application. Renewal is processed through NIPR (www.nipr.com). The renewal fee is $69 plus NIPR's transaction fee. If your license expires, you have a one-year grace period to reinstate by completing CE and paying a $100 late fee plus the renewal fee. After one year expired, you must retake the Prometric exam and apply as a new licensee.
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.