General Requirements
To conduct real estate services and receive compensation in Maine, you must have a real estate license. You can qualify for a sales agent license if you:
If you meet this basic qualification, follow these (4) steps to earn your Maine real estate sales agent license.
Step 1: Take the 55-hour Sales Agent Course
All new sales agents must take a 55-hour sales agent qualifying course from an approved course provider. The course will give you an industry overview, Maine Real Estate Commission information, education about agency relationships, product knowledge, property valuation and appraisal, financing, contracts, closings, and laws governing real estate activities. See the specifics in the minimum guidelines for the Sales Agent Course.
During the course, you will take three quizzes and one final exam. You must finish the course with an overall grade of at least 75%. Passing earns you the course completion certificate essential for the next steps. You have one year after finishing the course to take your state licensing exam.
Step 2: Schedule your state exam
Maine Real Estate Commission has contracted with PearsonVUE to administer the state licensing exam. The fastest and most convenient way to schedule your licensing exam is by visiting https://home.pearsonvue.com/me/realestate. You can also call 877-543-5220 for telephone scheduling.
You must make your reservation at least 24 hours before your intended test date. Test centers are available in Bangor, Presque Isle, Westbrook, Boston, Concord, and Woburn. Refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin or the website for specific addresses and test center schedules.
Your exam fee is $85 paid directly to PearsonVUE using a credit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check. Payment is not accepted at the test center. All testing fees are nonrefundable. If you need to change your exam date, you must do so at least 48 hours before the exam.
Step 3: Pass the state licensing exam
Bring your Course Completion Certificate from the Sales Agent course and two forms of identification to the testing center. One form must be government-issued, photo-bearing, and have your signature. The second ID must have a signature. All ID must be in English.
The Maine Sales Agent Licensing Exam has:
The Candidate Information Bulletin contains content outlines for the exam. It will also provide you with the number of questions in each topic area.
You will receive your score report at the test center. Passing candidates receive a report marked “pass” and information on the application process. Failing candidates receive a numeric score, diagnostic information for the general section of the exam, and retake information. You can retake as many times as you need as long as your Course Completion Certificate is still valid.
Maine uses a scaled score to evaluate the exams. Scaled scores are not a reflection of the number of questions or the percentage answered correctly. They are used to accommodate variations in difficulty between the various exam forms. A passing score is a scaled score of 75 and above.
Step 4: Apply for the sales agent license
You have one year after passing the Maine licensing exam to apply for your license. Maine has the option to apply online or to submit a paper application.
For your Sales Agent license application, you will need:
The application asks for your education information, past licensing history, and authorization for a criminal record check.
The license application fee is $121 and includes your criminal records check fee. Make any checks payable to the “Maine State Treasurer.”
Please note that an approved sales agent license is valid for two years and is nonrenewable. You must work towards earning your renewable associate broker’s license during your first two years as a practicing sales agent.
Once the MREC approves your application, you are licensed as a practicing sales agent. Congratulations!