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The Maryland Real Estate License Renewal process can be confusing and time-consuming. This document will give you the steps to take in getting your license ready for renewal so that you don’t have to stress out about it at this moment.
Maryland real estate license renewal requirements are simple and easy. You can renew your license in 5 steps.
Maryland real estate license renewal is required every two years for both salespeople and brokers to keep their licenses current. Agents and brokers must complete required continuing education (CE) courses and submit an online renewal application with associated costs to satisfy renewal criteria. Brokers are also required to furnish a credit report.
While all real estate agents and brokers must maintain their licenses in order to work, success demands continual professional development. Mbition – Learn Real Estate is a great method to augment your formal education with the skills you’ll need to thrive in real estate, like leadership, communication, lead generation, and more. In addition, classes start at only $19.95.
Here are the five steps to renewing your Maryland real estate license:
1. Examine the coursework requirements for renewal.
For license renewal in Maryland, salespersons and associate brokers must take a combination of obligatory and optional courses, with varying requirements for designated brokers/team leaders. The following is a list of all criteria, however for the most up-to-date information, go to the Maryland Department of Labor’s website.
The following are the prerequisites for renewing your Maryland real estate license:
Requirements for Salesperson and Associate Broker Renewal Coursework
In this category, Maryland distinguishes between residential and commercial salespersons/associate brokers. Both must complete 15 hours of CE education, albeit the courses they must take vary.
A residential salesperson or associate broker must complete the following coursework:
- Legislative time: three hours
- MREC Agency (residential) three hours
- Fair housing for 1.5 hours
- 4.5 hours of elective time
Commercial salespersons and associate brokers must complete the following coursework:
- Legislative time: three hours
- MREC takes three hours to complete (commercial)
- Three hours of ethical training
- Electives (6 hours)
Renewal Coursework Requirements for Designated Brokers/Team Leaders
While the CE courses for authorized brokers are comparable to those for salespeople, they additionally include critical management themes and legal considerations relevant to operating a brokerage and practicing real estate in Maryland. The standards for authorized broker/team leader are separated into two categories: residential and commercial practice.
The following courses are required of a residential authorized broker/team leader:
- Legislative time: three hours
- MREC Agency (residential) three hours)
- Three hours of ethical training
- 3 hours of supervision
- Fair housing for 1.5 hours
- 1.5 hours of elective time
The following are the prerequisites for becoming a commercial designated broker/team leader:
- Legislative time: three hours
- MREC takes three hours to complete (commercial)
- Three hours of ethical training
- 3 hours of supervision
- 3 hours of electives
While obligatory lessons cannot be exchanged for other courses, salespeople and brokers have a wide range of optional courses to select from, including real estate trends, marketing strategies, and industry specialties. “Homebuying Advantages for Veterans,” “Going Green,” “Marijuana in Real Estate,” and “Marketing, Advertising, and Social Media Compliance,” among others, are among the subjects covered in the course.
2. Select a Renewal Real Estate School
Mandatory and optional CE lessons may be attended in person or via online portals known as distance learning in Maryland real estate license renewal. Distance learning is conducted online at the speed of the individual, while in-person courses are taken in a classroom environment with other students. Examine different course formats to discover which best meets your requirements before deciding on a school. Then, after you’ve decided on a school, look for one that provides your preferred format.
Examine Different Course Formats
Unlike many other jurisdictions, Maryland permits salespeople and brokers to fulfill their CE needs via classroom-based courses or distant learning programs. Consider both options and choose the one that best fits your learning style and requirements.
While many students benefit from classroom education’s involvement and interaction, it’s more difficult to fit into a hectic schedule; classes are scheduled at certain times and students must go to a specific place for the class. On-site students, on the other hand, have the opportunity to ask questions on a frequent basis to verify that they understand the topic.
Distance learning may be a preferable alternative for individuals with hectic schedules. Distance learning courses include all essential course content and are available at any time. It’s worth noting, nevertheless, that course resources may be restricted in comparison to those available in on-site sessions. Furthermore, online programs typically lack teacher or classmate contact, which might be an issue if you constantly have questions or want assistance.
Make a decision on a real estate school.
The Maryland Real Estate Commission has authorized hundreds of courses to assist salespeople and brokers in meeting their continuing education requirements for license renewal. You can see a comprehensive list of schools on the commission’s website, but we’ve selected the top institutions below.
The TriStar Academy
With dozens of 5-star reviews online, The TriStar Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to is a popular real estate school in Maryland with on-site locations in Silver Spring, Bowie, Columbia, Waldorf, and Rockville. Individual courses cost $18-$35 and meet both mandatory and elective requirements for license renewal.
Center for Real Estate Education
Offering both online and in-person courses in Harbor East, Timonium, and Westminster, the Center for Real Estate Education features both mandatory and elective courses that cost $25-$35 each. Supplementary textbooks are available from $15 to $90-plus.
Real Estate Academy
Courses offered through the Real Estate Academy cost $10 per credit hour and cover a wide variety of elective topics in addition to mandatory course topics. Classes are offered in a variety of locations, including Baltimore (BWI), Rockville, and Frederick.
After you’ve decided on a school, register (either online or in-person) and go through the course schedule. Make sure you choose the courses you’ll need to finish your renewal on time and set yourself reminders so you don’t forget.
3. Take & Pass License Renewal Courses
Once you’ve registered for CE courses, make the most of your time in each one—and keep track of your hours to ensure you satisfy the seat time requirements. To guarantee mastery of all content, ask questions and re-study ideas whenever feasible. Take and pass the course exam at the conclusion of the course, and save a copy of the test results to submit with your renewal application.
Seat Time Requirement in Its Entirety
The amount of hours an agent must spend studying course content in online courses is determined by the state and is dependent on the class’s credit hours. For example, if the class is 1.5 credit hours, Maryland requires the agent to spend at least 1.5 hours on it before taking the test. To satisfy this criterion, keep track of your seat time in class. (Agents who attend on-site seminars do not need to be concerned with seat time.)
Pass Your Course Exams
After you have completed all of the course requirements, you will be given a timed exam to ensure that you have mastered all of the required content. The time restriction for each exam is proportional to the number of questions. A test of 30 questions, for example, will have a time restriction of 30 minutes. Take the exam within the specified duration, either in class or via your online dashboard, and pass with a score of 70% or above. Keep a copy of this as evidence for your renewal application.
4. Complete Renewal Application & Pay Fees
You may renew your Maryland real estate license using the Real Estate Commission’s online portal after you’ve completed all of your CE courses. You’ll be asked to input your license type, registration number, branch office number, and pin/password on the site. You may simply create an account if you have never used this system previously.
You will be asked to produce documentation of course completion and exam pass rates throughout the application process (if not automatically submitted by your school). You’ll also have to pay renewal costs, which range from $70 to $170 depending on your license.
You’ll get an on-screen message that your application is being processed after you’ve submitted all of your documents. Please allow two to four weeks for an email confirmation of your license renewal.
Renewal Portal for Maryland Real Estate Licenses
5. Keep track of your renewal dates
Make a note of your next renewal date and when you should apply for extra CE courses once you’ve completed your license renewal. This will prevent you from missing your renewal date and having to reapply for your license.
If your license expires, you have up to a year following the renewal date to request reinstatement. You will, however, be required to complete any outstanding CE courses, pay past-due renewal payments, and pay a $150 reinstatement fee. For further information, go to the Maryland Real Estate Commission’s website.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a second chance if I fail the exam?
It all depends on the real estate school you attend. If you fail an exam, most schools allow you to retake it once. Before enrolling, inquire about the school’s test procedures to ensure that you are aware of all prerequisites.
What can I anticipate to spend in terms of fees?
If completed in time, the salesperson renewal application costs $70. There is an extra $150 late charge, in addition to any past-due renewal costs, for salespeople attempting to renew an expired license. Brokers should budget $170 for license renewal.
Is it possible to renew my expired Maryland real estate license?
Yes, you may reactivate your real estate license without reapplying for up to one year after the latest renewal date. In addition to completing all necessary and optional CE courses, you must additionally pay a $150 late charge and past-due renewal costs.
The Bottom Line
Salesperson and broker licenses in Maryland must be renewed every two years in order to keep their licenses current. Review course prerequisites, choose a school that fits your learning style, complete coursework, pass course tests, and submit your application to ensure that renewal is as fast as possible.
