In order for a license to remain active, Maryland real estate license renewal must be completed every two years for both salespersons and brokers. To meet renewal requirements, agents and brokers must complete requisite continuing education (CE) coursework and submit an online renewal application with accompanying fee. Brokers must also submit a credit report.
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Here are the five steps to renewing a real estate license in Maryland:
1. Review Renewal Coursework Requirements
The state of Maryland requires a mix of both mandatory and elective courses for license renewal with different requirements for salespersons and associate brokers, and designated brokers/team leaders. Below is the breakdown of all requirements, though be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Labor website for full, up-to-date information.
Here are the requirements for Maryland real estate license renewal:
Salesperson and Associate Broker Renewal Coursework Requirements
Maryland divides renewal requirements in this category between residential and commercial salespersons/associate brokers. Both are required to complete 15 hours of CE coursework, though the specific courses for each differ.
The coursework requirements for a residential salesperson or associate broker are:
- Three hours legislative
- Three hours MREC Agency (residential
- Three ethics
- 1.5 hours fair housing
- 4.5 hours electives
The coursework requirements for a commercial salesperson or associate broker are:
- Three hours legislative
- Three hours MREC agency (commercial)
- Three hours ethics
- Six hours electives
Designated Broker/Team Leader Renewal Coursework Requirements
The CE courses for designated brokers, while similar to those required for salespersons, also cover important management topics and legal issues related to running a brokerage and practicing real estate in Maryland. As with salesperson requirements, designated broker/team leader requirements are divided between residential and commercial practice.
The coursework requirements for a residential designated broker/team leader are:
- Three hours legislative
- Three hours MREC agency (residential)
- Three hours ethics
- Three hours supervision
- 1.5 hours fair housing
- 1.5 hours electives
The coursework requirements for a commercial designated broker/team leader are:
- Three hours legislative
- Three hours MREC agency (commercial)
- Three hours ethics
- Three hours supervision
- Three hours electives
While mandatory classes cannot be substituted for other courses, salespersons and brokers can choose from many elective courses that cover real estate trends, marketing tactics, and industry specialties. Course topics include “Homebuying Advantages for Veterans,” “Going Green,” “Marijuana in Real Estate,” and “Marketing, Advertising, and Social Media Compliance,” among others.
2. Pick a Real Estate School for Renewal
Maryland real estate license renewal allows for mandatory and elective CE classes to be taken either in-person and through online portals referred to as distance learning. In-person courses are taken in a classroom setting with other students while distance learning is completed online at the pace of the agent. Before selecting your school, consider course formats to see which best serves your needs, then choose a school that offers your chosen format.
Consider Course Formats
Unlike many other states, Maryland allows salespersons and brokers to complete CE requirements via classroom-based courses, or through online, on-demand programs known as distance learning. Consider both offerings and decide which one best suits your learning style and needs.
While many students benefit from the engagement and interaction of classroom education, it’s more difficult to fit into a busy schedule; courses are offered at set times and students must travel to a predetermined location for class. However, students who take on-site classes have the ability to regularly ask questions to ensure they have mastered course material.
For those who have busy schedules, distance learning might be a better option. All required course materials are covered in distance learning courses accessible at any time. It’s worth noting, however, that course materials may be more limited than those offered with on-site classes. Also, online classes frequently don’t include instructor or classmate interaction; this could be a problem if you regularly have questions or need guidance.
Choose a Real Estate School
Maryland’s Real Estate Commission has approved dozens of schools to help salespersons and brokers easily complete CE requirements for their license renewal. You can visit the commission website for a complete list of schools, though we have highlighted the top schools below.
TriStar Academy
With dozens of 5-star reviews online, TriStar Academy 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.
Real Estate Education Center
Offering both online and in-person courses in Harbor East, Timonium, and Westminster, the Real Estate Education Center features both mandatory and elective courses that cost $25-$35 each. Supplementary textbooks are available from $15 to $90-plus.
Academy of Real Estate
Courses offered through the Academy of Real Estate 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.
Once you have chosen your school, complete registration—either online or in person—and review the course schedule. Be sure to select the courses you need to complete your renewal in time, and set reminders for yourself so you don’t miss classes.
3. Take & Pass License Renewal Courses
Once you are signed up for CE classes, be sure to make the most of your time during each course—and track your hours so you meet seat time requirements. Whenever possible, ask questions and re-study concepts to ensure mastery of all material. At the end of the course, take and pass the course exam and retain a copy of test results for submission with your renewal application.
Complete Seat Time Requirement
Seat time is the number of hours required by the state that an agent must spend studying course material in online classes; this is based on the class’s credit hours. If the class is 1.5 credit hours, for example, then Maryland requires the agent to spend 1.5 hours minimum on that course before taking the test. Watch your seat time in class to meet this requirement. (Note: Agents attending on-site classes do not have to worry about seat time.)
Pass Course Tests
After you have met all course requirements, there will be a time-limited test at the end to make sure agents have mastered requisite materials. Each test’s time limit is correlated to the number of questions. For example, a test with 30 questions will have a time limit of 30 minutes. Take the test—either in class or through your online dashboard— within the allotted timeframe and achieve a passing score of 70% or better. Retain proof of this for your renewal application.
4. Complete Renewal Application & Pay Fees
Once you have passed all of your CE classes, you can renew your Maryland real estate license through the Real Estate Commission’s online portal. The portal will prompt you to enter your license type, registration number, branch office number, and pin/password. If you have not used this system before, you can easily create an account.
During the application process, you will be prompted to submit proof of course completion and exam pass rates (if not automatically submitted by your school). Additionally, you will have to pay renewal fees ($70-$170 depending on your license).
Once all materials have been submitted, you will receive on-screen notification that your application is being processed. It takes two to four weeks to get an email confirmation of your license renewal, so be patient.
Maryland Real Estate License Renewal Portal
5. Track Renewal Dates
After completing your license renewal, make note of your next renewal deadline and when you should register for additional CE courses. This will ensure you don’t miss the renewal deadline and have to reinstate your license.
If your license expires, you can apply for reinstatement up to a year after the renewal deadline. However, you will have to complete any outstanding CE courses, pay past-due renewal fees, and pay an additional $150 reinstatement fee. Visit the Maryland Real Estate Commission website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I get another chance if I fail the exam?
It depends on the real estate school. Most schools allow students to retake an exam once if you fail it. Ask the school about their exam policies before enrolling to be sure you understand all requirements.
What fees should I expect to pay?
The salesperson renewal application costs $70 if completed on-time. For salespersons who are trying to renew an expired license, there is an additional $150 late fee, as well as any past-due renewal fees. Brokers can expect to pay $170 for license renewal.
Can I renew my Maryland real estate license if it is expired?
Yes, you can reinstate your real estate license for up to one year from the last renewal deadline without reapplying. You also have to pay a $150 late fee and past-due renewal fees, in addition to passing all mandatory/elective CE classes.
Bottom Line – Maryland Real Estate License Renewal
Maryland real estate license renewal must be completed every two years in order for salesperson and broker licenses to remain active. To make sure renewal is as efficient as possible, review course requirements, pick a school that matches your learning style, complete coursework, pass course exams, and submit your application.
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