Getting Started Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent? No. Maine does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. It requires a high school diploma or equivalent. How old do I have to be to get licensed? You must be at least 18 years old. Do I need to live in Maine? No. Non-residents may become licensed in Maine if they meet the licensing requirements. How long does it take to become licensed? Most students complete the licensing process within a few months, depending on how quickly they complete the course, pass the exams, and submit their application. How do I get a real estate license in Maine? Visit our MREC Requirements Page How many licenses are in Maine? There are three (3) types of licenses in Maine: Sales Agent (apprentice; 2-year non-renewable) Associate Broker (permanent; 2-year renewable) Broker/Designated Broker (permanent; 2-year renewable)

Sales Agent Course

What course do I need to take?
You must successfully complete a Maine Real Estate Commission-approved Sales Agent Course before taking the licensing exam.

Can I take the course online?
Yes. Our Sales Agent Course is 100% online and self-paced.

How long do I have access to the course?
Students receive 6 months of access from the date of enrollment.

Do I have to finish the course before taking the state exam?
Yes. You must successfully complete the approved pre-license course before scheduling the Pearson VUE licensing exam.

Licensing Exam

Who administers the licensing exam?
Pearson VUE administers the Maine Real Estate licensing exam.

What score do I need to pass?
Pearson VUE establishes the passing requirements (75%) for the licensing examination.

Can I retake the exam if I don't pass?
Yes. If you do not pass, you may schedule another exam through Pearson VUE.

Visit our Pearson VUE Page

Do you offer exam preparation?
Yes. We provide practice exams, study tools, workshops, and review courses to help you prepare.

Visit our Sales Agent Page

After Passing

What happens after I pass the exam?
After passing the Pearson VUE exam, you must submit your application to the Maine Real Estate Commission and affiliate with a Designated Broker before practicing real estate.

Can I start selling real estate immediately after passing the exam?
No. You must receive your license from the Maine Real Estate Commission before conducting licensed activities.

Sales Agent License

How long is my Sales Agent license valid?
A Sales Agent license is valid for two years and cannot be renewed.

Why can't I renew my Sales Agent license?
The Sales Agent license is considered an apprentice-level license. Before it expires, you must qualify for an Associate Broker license.

Associate Broker

What happens to my license after the first two years?

The Associate Broker license, which is a step above the Sales Agent license, is permanent, issued for two years, and is renewable. To progress to an Associate Broker license, applicants must have accumulated two years of experience working as a licensed Sales Agent, successfully completed a 60-hour Associate Broker Course with a grade of 75% or higher, additionally fulfilled 40 hours of Documented Field Experience, and submitted their application to the Maine Real Estate Commission. The Real Estate Learning Group provides the Associate Broker Course in a 100% online self-study course.

Can I keep renewing my Associate Broker license?
Yes. Associate Broker licenses are renewable every two years by completing the required continuing education.

Continuing Education Requirements

What are the continuing education requirements in Maine?

Continuing education is required to maintain an active Associate Broker or Broker/Designated Broker license in Maine. Every two years, licensees must complete 21 hours of approved continuing education. Of those 21 hours, 3 credit hours must be the current Maine Real Estate Commission Core Course. If you are a member of the Maine Association of REALTORS®, your local board also requires completion of Fair Housing and Code of Ethics training to maintain your REALTOR® membership. The remaining continuing education credits may be earned by completing approved elective courses.

Visit our MREC Requirements Page

Reciprocity/Reactivation

I have a license in another state. Do I have to start over?
Maybe not. If you hold an active real estate license in good standing in another state, you may qualify for reciprocal licensure in Maine.

My license is inactive. What do I do?

Depending on how long you have been inactive, there are various routes to reactiviting.

Visit our MREC Requirements Page

Costs

How much does it cost to become licensed?
Your costs typically include:

• Pre-license education
• Pearson VUE examination fee
• Maine Real Estate Commission application fee
• Criminal background check
• Brokerage affiliation fees (if applicable)

Choosing a Brokerage

Do I need a broker before taking the course?
No. Most students begin looking for a brokerage while completing the course or after passing the licensing exam.

How do I choose the right brokerage?
Consider the company's training, mentoring, commission structure, technology, culture, and support for new agents.

Career Questions

Can I work part-time as a real estate agent?
Yes. Many new licensees begin their careers on a part-time basis while building their business.

How do real estate agents get paid?
As independent contractors, real estate licensees are generally compensated through commissions as outlined in their brokerage agreements and applicable transaction agreements.

Is real estate a good career?
Real estate offers flexibility, independence, and unlimited earning potential, but success depends on education, dedication, customer service, and consistent business development.

What if I want to become a Broker but not own my own agency?

The Maine Broker license permits full brokerage services, including acting as a designated broker for an agency. This license is a two-year, renewable license. To obtain the Maine Broker license, one must provide evidence of having worked as an associate broker for two years within the past five years, successfully complete a 50-hour Broker/Designated Broker Course with at least a 75% grade, and submit an application to the Maine Real Estate Commission.

What if I want to become a Designated Broker of a real estate agency?

The Maine Broker license permits full brokerage services, including acting as a designated broker for an agency. This license is a two-year, renewable license. To obtain the Maine Broker license, one must provide evidence of having worked as an associate broker for two years within the past five years, successfully complete a 50-hour Broker/Designated Broker Course with at least a 75% grade, and submit an application to the Maine Real Estate Commission. The course also qualifies for 18 hours of Continuing Education, making it beneficial for current brokers seeking a refresher.

New Hampshire Continuing Education

NH Real Estate Commission Education and Certificates

Why choose The Real Estate Learning Group®?

We believe in preparing students for more than just the licensing exam. Our courses combine state-approved education with real-world instruction, instructor support, workshops, practice exams, and study resources designed to help you build a successful real estate career from day one.

The Real Estate Learning Group®

Questions? Contact info@trelg.com