Maryland
Maryland Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Maryland's real estate salesperson exam covers national content plus MD-specific topics including unique features like ground rent (a Maryland-specific property interest), redemption rules, and the Maryland Real Estate Commission's regulatory framework. The first-time pass rate is around 65%.
Maryland Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 60 hours
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 110 questions — 80 national + 30 Maryland state-specific
Time limit: 3 hours
Passing score: 70% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $59
License title: salesperson (under sponsoring broker)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current rules with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).
What Makes Maryland Different
Maryland is one of very few states where ground rent (the right to perpetual rent on land while another owns the buildings) is still recognized — primarily in Baltimore. Disclosure of ground rent is required for affected properties. Maryland is also a judicial foreclosure state with specific MD procedures, and the state has unique disclosure requirements through the Real Estate Disclosure and Disclaimer Act.
Maryland-Specific Topics You Must Know
These appear on the state portion and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) — structure, powers, and disciplinary authority.
Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act — Business Occupations & Professions Title 17.
Ground rent — unique MD property interest, primarily in Baltimore. Required disclosure.
Real Estate Disclosure and Disclaimer Act — required for residential sales.
Maryland Property Tax — homestead tax credit, assessment cycles.
Foreclosure — Maryland is a judicial foreclosure state.
Lead Paint Risk Reduction — MD has unique lead paint compliance requirements for pre-1978 rentals.
Continuing education — 15 hours per 2-year cycle including 3 hours of MREC-mandated topics.
Study Plan for the Maryland Exam
Week 1: Diagnostic + national content. Strong on contracts, finance, agency.
Week 2: National continued — property ownership, fair housing, valuation, math. Target 70%+.
Week 3: MD law — MREC rules, Brokers Act, ground rent, Disclosure/Disclaimer Act, lead paint. 30+ MD practice questions.
Week 4: Full-length timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Target 75%+.
Start Your Maryland Exam Prep
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Maryland Resources
Maryland Exam FAQ
What is ground rent in Maryland?
A unique MD property interest where the ground (land) is leased to the property owner perpetually. Common in Baltimore. Sellers must disclose any ground rent affecting the property.
Is Maryland a judicial foreclosure state?
Yes. Maryland requires foreclosures to be processed through the court system.
What is the Disclosure/Disclaimer Act?
Maryland's Real Estate Disclosure and Disclaimer Act — sellers must either disclose property defects or affirmatively disclaim by providing the disclaimer statement.
What is MD lead paint risk reduction?
Maryland requires specific compliance certifications for rental properties built before 1950 and 1978. Goes beyond federal lead paint disclosure requirements.
Does Maryland require fingerprinting?
Yes. Maryland requires Live Scan fingerprinting and a state/FBI background check.