How to Get Your Real Estate License in Maryland (2026)
Compare MREC-approved Maryland real estate schools. Find the best price, get your license faster, and tap into one of the strongest markets in the Mid-Atlantic.
Course Cost
$150 – $450
Time to License
4 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$75K – $95K/yr
Required Hours
60 hours
Top 3 Maryland Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Long & Foster Institute of Real Estate
Most affordable Maryland option. Live classroom or Zoom instruction taught by active Maryland real estate professionals. Established 1968.
$154
60-hour pre-license course
2. Perry Real Estate College
Best value with 24/7 live instructor support 7 days a week. Authentic PSI-style exam practice questions. Highly rated with 309 verified reviews.
$225
single package, all-inclusive
3. Kaplan Real Estate
Trusted national brand. Self-paced online with live daily instruction available. Kaplan Commitment™ offers up to 18 months of access.
$249
starting price
Best Real Estate Schools in Maryland
All 7 schools are Maryland MREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Long & Foster Institute of Real Estate
Local ExpertStarting at
$154
- Live instruction in-person or via Zoom
- Taught by active Maryland real estate professionals
- Make-up class schedules available
Available Packages (1)
Pre-License Course
- 60-hour Maryland pre-license course
- Live classroom or Zoom instruction
- Instructor-led sessions
Perry Real Estate College
Best ValueStarting at
$225
- 24/7 live instructor support (7 days/week)
- Authentic PSI exam practice questions
- Family-owned, personal service
Available Packages (1)
Maryland Pre-License Course
- 60-hour state-approved pre-license course
- Practice exams (PSI-style questions)
- Activities and case studies
- 7-day/week instructor support
- Payment plan available
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$249
- Kaplan Commitment™ (up to 18 months support)
- Live daily instruction available
- Trusted national brand
Available Packages (3)
Maryland Principles & Practice
- 60-hour pre-license course
- Self-paced online access
- Practice questions
The CE Shop
Starting at
$269
- Interactive LEAP 2.0 platform
- Pass Guarantee on Premium Package
- Business-building courses included
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 60-hour pre-license course
- Business ebooks
- Career resources
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$279
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- Audio narration option
- AI-powered personal tutor
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 60-hour pre-license course
- State-approved instructor support
- Simulated exams
- Flashcards
Tristar Academy
Starting at
$305
- Live Zoom instruction with active broker-instructors
- 75+ years combined instructor experience
- Evening and weekend sessions available
Available Packages (2)
Maryland Pre-License (Live Zoom)
- 60-hour Maryland pre-license course via Zoom
- Live instruction by active broker-instructors
- Step-by-step licensing checklist
- Practice questions included
Elite Learning Academy
Local ExpertStarting at
$328
- Multiple locations across Baltimore-DC metro
- Small class sizes
- In operation since 2006
Available Packages (1)
60-Hour Pre-License Course
- Tuition ($150)
- Registration fee ($100, non-refundable)
- Course textbook ($78, non-refundable)
- Classroom or Zoom option
- MREC-approved curriculum
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 Maryland?
Average Annual Income
$75,000 – $95,000
ZipRecruiter Oct 2024: $90,887 avg for Maryland
Top Earners
$130,000 – $200,000+
DC suburbs (Bethesda, Rockville) and Baltimore metro
Commission Structure
Maryland real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On Maryland's median home price of ~$408,000, that's approximately $10,200–$12,240 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $7,140–$8,568 per transaction. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $42,840–$68,544.
Top-Earning Maryland Markets
Is a Maryland Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Median Home Prices: At ~$408,000, Maryland's home prices mean strong commissions per transaction compared to most states.
- + DC Suburb Proximity: Access to one of the country's wealthiest metro areas means luxury listings and high-earning clients in Bethesda, Rockville, and Chevy Chase.
- + No Fingerprint Fee: Maryland does not require a separate fingerprinting fee, keeping your upfront licensing costs low.
- + Only 60 Hours Required: Compared to states requiring 90–180 hours, Maryland's 60-hour requirement gets you licensed faster.
👎 Cons
- - ~52% First-Attempt Pass Rate: Just over half of first-time test-takers pass, making solid exam prep essential.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- - Limited Reciprocity: Maryland only has reciprocity with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, restricting easy multi-state expansion.
- - Competitive Market: The DC metro and Baltimore corridors are active but also highly competitive with experienced agents.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland
Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a Maryland Real Estate Commission-approved 60-hour salesperson pre-license course. The curriculum includes real estate law, Maryland-specific regulations, contracts, finance, ethics (3-hour required ethics component), and more. Online and in-person options are available; most students finish in 2–4 weeks.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Your school will administer a final course exam requiring a passing score of 70% or higher before issuing your certificate of completion. Upon passing, your school electronically submits your eligibility to PSI — you then have one year to schedule and pass the state exam.
Schedule and Pass the PSI State Exam
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/mdre and pay the $44 exam fee. The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions: 80 national (90 min) and 30 Maryland-specific (30 min). You must score at least 56/80 on the national portion and 21/30 on the state portion. Exam centers are in Baltimore, College Park, Crofton, Hagerstown, and Lanham. About 52% of first-time test-takers pass — solid prep makes a real difference.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
All Maryland real estate salesperson licenses require sponsorship by a licensed Maryland real estate broker. Your broker supervises your transactions and helps you learn the industry. You can apply for an inactive license first and find a broker within 3 years, or affiliate immediately to become active.
Submit Your License Application
After passing the exam, you will receive a Confirmation Notice from PSI. Apply online through the Maryland Department of Labor's electronic licensing system (dllr.state.md.us). Pay the $98 salesperson original license fee. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Activate Your License and Start Selling
Once your license is issued and affiliated with a sponsoring broker, you are authorized to represent buyers and sellers in Maryland. Your license must be renewed every 2 years with 15 hours of continuing education. The DC metro area and Baltimore offer exceptional income potential given Maryland's high median home prices.
Maryland Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No college degree required
- Good moral character required
- Criminal history reviewed case-by-case
- No fingerprinting fee required
Education & Exam Requirements
- 60-hour MREC-approved pre-license course
- Pass PSI state exam (110 questions)
- 70% required on each section independently
- Affiliate with a licensed Maryland sponsoring broker
- Renew every 2 years with 15 hrs CE
Maryland Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Maryland real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (60 hours) | $150 – $450 | Use CertLaunch discount code to save up to 20% |
| State Exam Fee (PSI) | $44 | $44 per attempt, paid to PSI when scheduling |
| License Application Fee (MREC) | $98 | Salesperson original license; includes $20 General Fund payment |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | N/A | Not required for Maryland salesperson license |
| Estimated Total | $292 – $592 | Save up to 20% with a CertLaunch discount code |
The Maryland Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Provider: PSI Exams (test-takers.psiexams.com/mdre)
- Questions: 110 total (80 national + 30 state)
- Time: 90 min national + 30 min state
- Passing score: 70% on each section independently (56/80 national, 21/30 state)
- Cost: $44 per attempt
- First-attempt pass rate: ~52%
Exam Topics
- Property ownership, land use controls, and regulations
- Valuation and market analysis
- Financing, mortgages, and lending
- General principles of agency and fiduciary duties
- Maryland real estate law, license law, and MREC regulations
- Transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate math
💡 Exam Prep Tip
With only a ~52% first-attempt pass rate, exam prep matters. The state portion's 30 Maryland-specific questions on MREC regulations and state license law are a common stumbling block. Schools that include exam prep packages — practice tests, flashcards, and simulated PSI-style exams — significantly improve your odds. Consider the Exam Preparation package from Colibri or the Standard Package from The CE Shop for built-in exam prep.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Maryland Real Estate License?
2–3 weeks
Full-time
Study 8 hrs/day — finish 60-hr course in ~7–8 days, exam within 2 weeks
5–7 weeks
Part-time
Study 4 hrs/day — complete course in ~3 weeks, then schedule exam
8–12 weeks
Casual pace
Study ~10 hrs/week — complete course in 6 weeks, then schedule exam
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a real estate career in another state? See how Maryland compares to other top markets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Maryland?
Total costs typically range from $292 to $592. This includes the 60-hour pre-license course ($150–$450), PSI exam fee ($44), and the salesperson license application fee ($98). Maryland does not require a separate fingerprinting fee. Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on your course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Maryland?
Most candidates complete the process in 4–12 weeks. The 60-hour pre-license course can be finished in as little as 2 weeks full-time or 4–6 weeks part-time. After completing the course, you can schedule the PSI exam within days. License processing takes an additional 1–2 weeks after passing.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Maryland?
You must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate good moral character, complete 60 hours of MREC-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI state exam with 70% on each section, and affiliate with a licensed Maryland sponsoring broker. No college degree or Maryland residency is required.
Is the Maryland real estate exam hard?
The Maryland real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 52%, making it moderately difficult. The exam includes 110 multiple-choice questions — 80 national and 30 state-specific — with a 70% passing threshold required on each section independently. Thorough exam prep significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Maryland real estate course online?
Yes. Maryland Board-approved online courses are widely available and self-paced, allowing you to study from anywhere on your own schedule. All schools listed on CertLaunch offer online options that meet the 60-hour MREC requirement. Online courses are typically 20–40% less expensive than in-person classes.
How much do real estate agents make in Maryland?
Maryland real estate agents earn an average of $75,000–$95,000 per year. According to ZipRecruiter (Oct 2024), the state average is approximately $90,887 annually. Agents in the DC suburbs (Bethesda, Rockville) and Baltimore metro can earn $130,000–$200,000+. Maryland's median home price of ~$408,000 translates to strong commission potential per transaction.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Maryland?
No. Maryland does not require a college degree for a real estate salesperson license. You only need to be 18 years old, complete the 60-hour pre-license course, meet the good moral character requirement, and pass the PSI state exam.
What is the best real estate school in Maryland?
The best school depends on your learning style and budget. Popular options include Colibri Real Estate, The CE Shop, Kaplan Real Estate, and Maryland-specific providers like Perry Real Estate College and Long & Foster Institute. All must be MREC-approved. Compare schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit, pricing, and available discount codes — savings of up to 20% are often available.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Maryland?
Online courses offer flexibility and are typically less expensive — ideal if you have a busy schedule or prefer self-paced learning. In-person classes, available in Baltimore and other cities, provide structured schedules and live instructor interaction. Both fully meet Maryland's 60-hour pre-license education requirement. Online is the most popular choice for Maryland students.
Can I get a Maryland real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. The Maryland Real Estate Commission reviews each application on a case-by-case basis — a felony or misdemeanor conviction does not automatically disqualify you. The MREC evaluates the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Contact MREC directly at 410-230-6200 or visit labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/ to discuss your specific situation before enrolling.