Maryland Real Estate CE Requirements (2026): 15 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) requires 15 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal. Maryland is notably heavy on mandatory topics — salespersons and associate brokers must complete four required courses totaling 11 hours, leaving just 4 hours for electives. Brokers, branch managers, and team leaders must also take a 1.5-hour Supervision course, reducing their elective hours to 2.5.
As of October 1, 2025, HB0972 increased the Fair Housing requirement from 1.5 to 2 hours. The Maryland-specific Ethics course (3 hrs) must cover the MD Code of Ethics, flipping, predatory lending, and professionalism — NAR ethics training does not satisfy this requirement. Commercial-only licensees substitute Federal ADA (2 hrs) for Fair Housing.
All CE must be completed at least 30 days before submitting your renewal application. First-time renewals for those licensed after October 1, 2023 follow a separate set of six mandatory topics with no elective hours. Even inactive licensees must complete CE to renew. Late fees are $168 for non-compliance.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal & Legislative Update | 3 | Every renewal | Topic A. Required for all licensees. Cannot be substituted. |
| Fair Housing | 2 | Every renewal | Topic C. Increased from 1.5 to 2 hours effective October 1, 2025 (HB0972). Commercial-only licensees substitute Federal ADA (2 hrs) instead. |
| Ethics | 3 | Every renewal | Topic D. Must include MD Code of Ethics, flipping and predatory lending, and professionalism. NAR ethics does NOT substitute for this Maryland-specific requirement. |
| Principles of Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure | 3 | Every renewal | Topic H. Required for all licensees. Cannot be substituted. |
| Supervision | 1.5 | Every renewal | Topic I. Required only for brokers, branch managers, and team leaders. Also required within 90 days of assuming supervisory role if not previously completed. |
Renewal Pathways
Real Estate Broker Continuing Education in Maryland
In Maryland, the 15 CE hours every 2 years shown above apply at the broker level — the board's “Broker/branch manager/team leader (pre-Oct 2023)” / “Salesperson/associate broker (pre-Oct 2023)” pathway.
Broker-specific course requirements
- Supervision (1.5 hours) — Topic I. Required only for brokers, branch managers, and team leaders. Also required within 90 days of assuming supervisory role if not previously completed.
License categories and totals above are verified from the published rules of the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — confirm current broker requirements with the board before enrolling.
Exemptions
- None For Active — No exemptions for active licensees. Even inactive licensees must complete CE to renew and remain inactive.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Maryland CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Maryland that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Carry-over — No carry-over provisions mentioned. CE must be completed during the 2-year license term, at least 30 days before renewal.
- CE must be completed at least 30 days before submitting renewal application.
- NAR ethics course does NOT substitute for Maryland's required ethics course.
- HB0972 effective Oct 1, 2025: Fair Housing increased from 1.5 to 2 hours; elective hours adjusted accordingly.
- Multiple license holders must have completion submitted for each license number separately.
- Late fee of $168 for failure to complete CE on time.
- Even inactive licensees must complete CE to renew and remain inactive.
- Supervisory roles require 1.5-hour supervision course within 90 days if not previously completed.
- First-time renewals (licensed after Oct 1, 2023) have different mandatory topics than subsequent renewals.
Provider Requirements
MREC-approved education providers only. Out-of-state hours may count toward electives only. Post-licensing education from other states excluded.
Tips for Maryland Real Estate Agents
- Don't assume your NAR ethics course covers Maryland's ethics requirement — it doesn't. You need the Maryland-specific Ethics course covering the MD Code of Ethics.
- Complete CE at least 30 days before your renewal application date, not the renewal deadline itself.
- If you hold multiple Maryland licenses, ensure completion is reported separately for each license number.
- New supervisors (brokers, branch managers, team leaders) must complete the 1.5-hour Supervision course within 90 days of assuming the role, even mid-cycle.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
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