Best Online Real Estate Schools in Maine (2026)
Compare 5 Maine MREC-approved schools. Find the best price and get your Sales Agent license faster — from Portland to Bar Harbor.
Course Cost
$200 – $500
Time to License
3 – 8 weeks
Avg Salary
$65,000+/yr
Required Hours
55 hours
Top 3 Maine Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Colibri Real Estate
Best value for Maine's 55-hour Sales Agent course. Online self-paced with narrated audio and optional Pass or Don't Pay guarantee.
$349
The Basics package
2. Center for Real Estate Studies Maine
Maine-focused curriculum written by veteran instructor Kim Coit. Includes printed textbook and Maine License Law reference book.
$370
3. The CE Shop
Best for interactive learning. LEAP 2.0 platform with scenario-based content, digital flashcards, and a 5-day free trial.
$399
Best Real Estate Schools in Maine
All 5 schools are Maine MREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$349
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee (select packages)
- Award-winning student dashboard
- Instructor Q&A access
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 55-Hour Maine Pre-License Course
- State-Approved Instructor Support
- Real Estate Study Guides
- Accessible Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
Center for Real Estate Studies Maine
Local FavoriteStarting at
$370
- Maine-focused curriculum
- Written by Maine real estate veteran Kim Coit
- Includes printed textbook & license law reference book
- Instructor available by phone/email
- 1 year to complete
Available Packages (1)
Sales Agent Online Course
- 55-Hour MREC-Approved Online Course
- Introduction to a Successful Career in Maine Real Estate (textbook)
- Maine Real Estate Commission License Law Reference Book
- 4 chapter quizzes + final exam (75% passing score)
- Instructor support by phone/email
- Certificate of Completion upon passing
The CE Shop
Starting at
$399
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- High pass rates
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
- Digital flashcards
Available Packages (3)
Courses Only
- 55-Hour Maine Sales Agent Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Downloadable Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
The Real Estate Learning Group
Starting at
$399
- Maine-based instructors with decades of local experience
- Modern, user-friendly online platform
- 800+ practice questions
- Instructor support 7 days a week
- Optional livestream Success Workshops available
- Includes e-book: Modern Real Estate Practice 21st Edition
Available Packages (1)
Sales Agent Course (Online Self-Study)
- 55-Hour MREC-Approved Online Course
- Videos, case studies, and quizzes
- 800+ practice questions
- 120-question online final exam
- e-Book: Modern Real Estate Practice 21st Edition
- Instructor support 7 days/week by email & phone
- Optional add-on: Success Workshops (Livestream) +$99
Real Estate Institute of New England
Starting at
$400
- Maine Real Estate Commission approved
- Self-paced and live online (livestream) formats
- Experienced Maine-based instructors
- Optional printed textbook available
- Covers full Maine License Law and Rules
Available Packages (3)
Self-Paced – Gold Level
- 55-Hour MREC-Approved Online Course
- Self-paced format – study on your schedule
- Student workbook included
- Online final exam
- Certificate of Completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Maine?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $95,000
Source: ZipRecruiter & Salary.com (Dec 2025)
Top Earners
$120,000 – $140,000+
Coastal markets: Portland, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport
Commission Structure
Maine real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $388,000 home (Maine's statewide median), that's approximately $9,700–$11,640 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $6,790–$8,148. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a realistic first-year benchmark, putting earnings at $40,740–$65,184.
Top-Earning Maine Markets
Is a Maine Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Fewer Required Hours: At 55 hours, Maine's pre-license requirement is shorter than many states, so you can get licensed faster.
- + Premium Coastal Markets: Portland, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport feature median home prices well above $500K, generating strong per-transaction commissions.
- + Rising Home Values: Maine's statewide median home price of $388K reflects strong post-pandemic demand, especially from out-of-state buyers.
- + Reciprocity Available: Maine issues reciprocal licenses, making it easier to expand your business if you're already licensed in another state.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- - Seasonal Market: Maine's coastal market is heavily seasonal, with peak activity in spring and summer and slower winters.
- - In-Person Exam Required: Pearson VUE does not offer remote proctoring for Maine; you must travel to a test center in Bangor, Presque Isle, or Westbrook.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Maine
Confirm Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in courses, verify you meet Maine's basic requirements: be at least 18 years old at the time of application, hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED accepted), and demonstrate a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing. Maine does not require a college degree or prior real estate experience. Non-residents may apply; Maine issues reciprocal licenses to those holding active licenses in equivalent jurisdictions.
Complete the 55-Hour Maine Sales Agent Course
Enroll in a Maine Real Estate Commission-approved 55-hour Sales Agent course. This course covers real estate fundamentals, Maine law, agency, contracts, financing, and property management. You can take the course online at your own pace or in a classroom. To officially complete the course, you must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 75%. Your course completion certificate is valid for one year — you must pass the licensing exam before it expires.
Pass the Pearson VUE Maine Real Estate Exam
Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center through home.pearsonvue.com/me/realestate or by calling (877) 543-5220. The exam consists of 120 questions — 80 on national real estate principles (2.5 hours) and 40 on Maine real estate law (1.5 hours). You must score at least 75% on each section independently. The non-refundable exam fee is $85. Walk-in exams are not permitted; test centers are in Bangor, Presque Isle, and Westbrook (ME).
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Before submitting your license application, you'll need to affiliate with a licensed Maine real estate agency. Brokerages in Portland, Bangor, and the Kennebunks represent Maine's most active markets. Research brokerages that match your goals — some offer strong training programs for new agents, while others offer higher commission splits for experienced agents.
Submit Your License Application to the Maine Real Estate Commission
After passing the exam, submit your Sales Agent license application to the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation online at licensing.web.maine.gov or by mail to 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333. Attach your course completion certificate and Pearson VUE exam results. Pay the $100 application/license fee and the $21 Criminal Records Check fee (total $121).
Receive Your License and Begin Your Career
Most applicants receive their license within five business days of submitting a complete application. Monitor your status at maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing. Once your license status changes from PENDING to ACTIVE, you're authorized to practice real estate in Maine under your sponsoring broker. Maine licenses are valid for two years; renewal requires 21 hours of continuing education (including a 3-hour core course).
Maine Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED required
- No college degree required
- Must pass criminal background check
- Must affiliate with a licensed Maine broker
Education & Exam Requirements
- 55-hour MREC-approved Sales Agent course
- Minimum 75% score on course final exam
- Pass Pearson VUE exam (120 questions)
- 75% on each section (national & Maine law) to pass
Maine Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Maine real estate Sales Agent license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (55 hours) | $200 – $500 | Use CertLaunch for best pricing |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee | $85 – $85 | Non-refundable; same fee for retakes |
| License Application Fee | $100 – $100 | Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation |
| Criminal Records Check Fee | $21 – $21 | State background check; paid at application |
| Estimated Total | $406 – $706+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch discount codes |
The Maine Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + Maine state sections)
- Questions: 120 total (80 national + 40 Maine state)
- Passing score: 75% on each section independently
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $85 (non-refundable)
- First-attempt pass rate: ~74%
Exam Topics
- Real Property Characteristics & Legal Descriptions (9 national questions)
- Real Estate Contracts & Agency — fiduciary duties (16 national questions)
- Property Value & Appraisal — CMAs, market analysis (11 national questions)
- Maine Laws & MREC Rules — licensing obligations (15 state questions)
- Maine Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure (10 state questions)
- Maine Land-Use Law — zoning, shoreland rules (5 state questions)
💡 Exam Prep Tip
Maine's state law section covers MREC rules, brokerage relationships, and Maine's unique shoreland and land-use regulations — areas many test-takers find challenging. Schools that include exam prep packages (practice tests, simulated exams, flashcards) significantly improve your first-attempt pass rate. Consider the Exam Preparation package from Colibri or the Standard Package from The CE Shop if thorough prep is a priority.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Maine?
3–5 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
6–8 weeks
Part-time
Studying evenings & weekends
3–4 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Maine?
The total cost to get your Maine Sales Agent license ranges from approximately $406 to $706. This includes the 55-hour pre-license course ($200–$500), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($85), the state license application fee ($100), and the criminal records check fee ($21). Shopping for the best course price through CertLaunch can help you stay toward the lower end of that range, with discount codes available for many top online providers.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Maine?
Most Maine applicants complete the licensing process in 4–10 weeks from start to active license. Studying full-time, you can finish the 55-hour Sales Agent course and schedule your Pearson VUE exam in as little as 3–5 weeks. Part-time students working evenings typically take 6–8 weeks. Add about 5–7 business days for application processing after passing the exam. Casual weekend studiers can expect 3–4 months total.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Maine?
To become a licensed Maine real estate Sales Agent you must: (1) be at least 18 years old at the time of application, (2) hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED accepted), (3) complete the 55-hour Maine-approved Sales Agent course with a minimum 75% score on the final exam, (4) pass both sections of the Pearson VUE exam with at least 75% on each, (5) affiliate with a licensed Maine real estate agency, and (6) pass a criminal background check. No college degree is required.
Is the Maine real estate exam hard?
The Maine real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 74%, which is slightly above the national average. The 120-question exam is split into an 80-question national section (2.5 hours) and a 40-question Maine Law section (1.5 hours), and you must score at least 75% on each section independently. Many test-takers find the Maine Law section — covering MREC rules, brokerage relationships, and Maine's shoreland and land-use laws — to be the more challenging portion. Thorough prep with quality study materials significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Maine real estate course online?
Yes — the 55-hour Maine Sales Agent pre-license course is available fully online through several Commission-approved providers. Online self-paced courses let you study on your schedule and are typically the most affordable option. However, the Pearson VUE licensing exam must be taken in person at a physical test center; Maine does not currently allow remote online proctoring for its real estate licensing exam. Test centers are located in Bangor, Presque Isle, and Westbrook, ME.
How much do real estate agents make in Maine?
Maine real estate agents typically earn $65,000–$95,000 per year, with wide variation based on market, experience, and commission structure. ZipRecruiter reports an average of $83,064/year for Maine agents (Dec 2025), while Salary.com reports $109,324 for licensed agents. Agents in premium coastal markets like Portland (median home price ~$630K) and Kennebunk (~$610K) can earn $120,000–$140,000+ annually. With Maine's statewide median home price at $388,000 and a typical 2.5–3% agent commission, each transaction generates roughly $9,700–$11,640 in gross commission.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Maine?
No. Maine does not require any college education to obtain a Sales Agent license. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED accepted). The only required education is the 55-hour Maine Real Estate Commission-approved Sales Agent course, which is the same for everyone regardless of educational background. Many of Maine's most successful agents have no college degree.
What is the best real estate school in Maine?
The best school depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget. Online self-paced programs offer maximum flexibility and are typically the most affordable — starting at $349 with Colibri Real Estate. Popular Maine-approved online providers include The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, Center for Real Estate Studies Maine, and The Real Estate Learning Group. If you prefer in-person or local instruction, Center for Real Estate Studies Maine and Real Estate Institute of New England serve Portland and Bangor respectively. Compare all Maine-approved schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit.
Does Maine offer real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Maine issues reciprocal licenses to individuals who hold an active real estate license in another jurisdiction with equivalent licensing requirements. Non-residents must be licensed in their state of residence to qualify. Instead of taking the full 120-question exam, reciprocal applicants only need to pass the Maine Law portion (40 questions). You must still affiliate with a licensed Maine real estate agency to provide brokerage services. Contact the Maine Real Estate Commission to confirm your home state qualifies before applying.
Can I get my Maine real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature, severity, and timing of the offense. The Maine Real Estate Commission conducts a mandatory criminal background check on all applicants. Certain convictions — particularly those involving fraud, dishonesty, or crimes related to real estate — may result in denial. The Commission reviews each case individually and considers the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. If you have a criminal history, it's advisable to contact the Commission before investing time and money in the pre-license course to understand your options.