Maine Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview
The Maine Real Estate Salesperson Exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the Maine Real Estate Commission (MREC). Maine requires 55 hours of pre-license education and offers unique opportunities in coastal and vacation property markets.
Passing this exam qualifies you to work as a real estate salesperson in Maine—a state known for its stunning coastline, Portland's growing urban market, and strong vacation home sector.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $75 |
| Additional Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing Education | 55 hours required |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Testing Vendor | PSI |
| License Term | 2 years (expires October 31) |
| Continuing Education | 21 hours per renewal |
Why Get Licensed in Maine?
- Coastal properties — Premium waterfront homes and estates
- Vacation homes — Strong second-home market
- Portland growth — Urban market expansion and revitalization
- Quality of life — Outdoor recreation attracts relocating buyers
- Retirement destination — Growing demographic shift
- Unique inventory — Historic homes, lighthouses, island properties
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Ready to begin studying? Our comprehensive, completely free Maine Real Estate exam prep covers everything you need to pass.
Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. MREC & Licensing (20%)
Maine Real Estate Commission:
- Commission structure and authority
- Maine Real Estate License Law
- Disciplinary procedures and enforcement
- Investigative powers
- Rulemaking authority
License Requirements:
- 18 years old minimum
- High school diploma or GED
- 55 hours pre-license education
- Background check required
- Sponsoring broker affiliation
Continuing Education:
- 21 hours every 2 years
- Core curriculum requirements
- Approved provider courses
- Renewal procedures
2. Agency & Disclosure (25%)
Agency Relationships:
- Seller agency duties
- Buyer agency representation
- Dual agency disclosure and consent
- Designated agency
- Transaction brokerage
Disclosure Requirements:
- Agency disclosure timing
- Property condition disclosure
- Lead-based paint requirements
- Coastal property disclosures
- Wetland and environmental issues
Maine-Specific Disclosures:
- Shoreland zoning regulations
- Private road maintenance agreements
- Well water testing requirements
- Septic system disclosures
3. Contracts & Trust Accounts (30%)
Contract Requirements:
- Offer and acceptance procedures
- Earnest money handling
- Contract contingencies
- Maine-specific contract forms
- Addenda and amendments
Trust Account Regulations:
- Broker supervision requirements
- Deposit timing rules
- Commingling prohibitions
- Record-keeping requirements
- MREC audit procedures
Closing Procedures:
- Proration calculations
- Settlement statement review
- Document recording
- Title insurance in Maine
4. Property Law & Fair Housing (25%)
Maine Property Law:
- Real vs. personal property
- Ownership types
- Waterfront property rights
- Landlord-tenant regulations
- Mechanics liens
Environmental Considerations:
- Coastal zone regulations
- Shoreland zoning
- Wetland protections
- Septic and well requirements
Fair Housing:
- Federal Fair Housing Act
- Maine Human Rights Act
- Protected classes
- Enforcement procedures
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | MREC regulations and licensing | 12-15 |
| Week 2-3 | Agency and disclosure laws | 15-18 |
| Week 3-4 | Contracts and trust accounts | 15-18 |
| Week 4-5 | Property law and fair housing | 12-15 |
| Week 5-6 | Practice exams and review | 12-15 |
Total recommended study time: 65-80 hours (plus 55-hour pre-licensing)
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the Maine Real Estate exam.
Maine-Specific Exam Tips
1. Know Shoreland Zoning
Maine has strict shoreland zoning regulations:
- Applies to properties near water
- Building setback requirements
- Vegetation removal restrictions
- Septic system requirements
- Dock and pier regulations
2. Understand Waterfront Property Rights
Coastal property considerations:
- Tidal vs. non-tidal waterfront
- Public trust doctrine
- Riparian rights
- Access easements
- Erosion and flooding disclosures
3. Master Well and Septic Requirements
Rural properties often require:
- Well water testing
- Septic system inspections
- Disclosure of system conditions
- Replacement cost considerations
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Maine Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Pre-license education | 55 hours |
| CE per renewal | 21 hours |
| License term | 2 years |
| Passing score | 70% each portion |
| Exam questions | 120 (80+40) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring shoreland zoning — Critical for coastal properties
- Missing well/septic disclosures — Rural properties require special attention
- Underestimating Maine-specific content — 40 state questions
- Skipping coastal property rules — Heavily tested
- Forgetting CE deadline — 21 hours every 2 years
After Passing the Exam
- Pass both exam portions — 70% on national and state
- Submit license application to MREC
- Pay license fee
- Find sponsoring broker — Required for salespersons
- Complete background check
- Complete 21 hours CE every 2 years
- Begin your real estate career in Maine
2026 Maine Updates
Key updates for 2026 testing:
- Updated shoreland zoning regulations
- Digital transaction standards
- Updated disclosure forms
- CE course requirements
- Environmental disclosure updates
Start Your Maine Real Estate Career Today
The Maine Real Estate Salesperson license opens doors to one of New England's most desirable markets. From Portland's urban growth to the stunning coast, Maine offers unique opportunities for real estate professionals specializing in primary homes, vacation properties, and waterfront estates.
Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- Shoreland zoning content
- Coastal property considerations
- AI-powered study assistance
Don't pay for expensive prep courses when everything you need is available FREE.