How Many Questions and What is the Time Limit for the Maryland Real Estate Exam?

Understanding Passing Scores and the Math Behind Them

To pass the Maryland real estate exam, you must achieve a passing score on both the National and State portions. The passing thresholds differ slightly between the Salesperson and Broker exams.

Salesperson Passing Score: 70%

For the Salesperson exam, MREC requires a minimum score of 70% on both sections.

• National: You must answer at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly (80 x 0.70 = 56).
• State: You must answer at least 21 out of 30 questions correctly (30 x 0.70 = 21).

Broker Passing Score: 75%

Because brokers carry more liability, the passing threshold is raised to 75%.

• National: You must answer at least 60 out of 80 questions correctly (80 x 0.75 = 60).
• State: You must answer at least 30 out of 40 questions correctly (40 x 0.75 = 30).

The "Hidden" Experimental Questions

One of the most important things to know about the PSI exam is the inclusion of "pre-test" or experimental questions. In addition to your scored questions, PSI typically includes 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions distributed randomly throughout your test.

These questions are being evaluated for use in future exams. They do not count for or against your final score, but they do consume your allotted time. Because you will not know which questions are scored and which are experimental, you must treat every question as if it counts toward your final grade.

Time Management Strategies and Pacing

Understanding the time limit is only half the battle; executing a pacing strategy is what gets you a passing grade. Let's look at a practical scenario for the Salesperson exam.

Scenario: Pacing the National Portion
You have 90 minutes to answer 80 scored questions (plus roughly 5 experimental questions, totaling 85 questions).
Formula: 90 minutes / 85 questions = ~1.05 minutes (or 63 seconds) per question.

To successfully navigate this time constraint, follow these expert rules:

1. The 30-Second Rule: Read the question carefully. If you immediately know the answer, select it and move on. If you are completely stumped after 30 seconds, use the PSI testing software's "Mark for Review" feature and skip it.
2. Save Math for Last: Real estate math questions (such as calculating commission splits or prorating taxes) can easily eat up 3 to 4 minutes each. Flag all math questions and return to them after you have answered all the conceptual questions.
3. Watch for Distractors: Maryland state questions often include highly specific regulatory language. For example, when answering questions about Maryland Advertising Regulations Compliance, pay close attention to words like "must," "may," "except," and "always."
4. Know Local Nuances: The State portion moves quickly (30 questions in 30 minutes for salespersons). You must have rapid recall of local laws, such as how county taxes are assessed or how Maryland Special Assessments Explained apply to property transfers.

What Happens If You Run Out of Time?

If the timer reaches zero, the computer will automatically submit your exam. Any unanswered questions will be marked as incorrect. Therefore, if you are down to your last two minutes and still have flagged questions remaining, your best statistical strategy is to guess. There is no penalty for guessing on the Maryland PSI exam; a blank answer and a wrong answer both yield zero points, but a guess gives you a 25% chance of getting it right.

Maryland Real Estate Exam FAQs

Can I take breaks during the Maryland real estate exam?

Yes, you are allowed to take unscheduled restroom breaks during the exam. However, the exam timer does not stop while you are away from your computer. You must raise your hand, get the proctor's permission, and leave the testing room. It is highly recommended to use the restroom before the exam begins to maximize your testing time.

What happens if I pass the National section but fail the Maryland State section?

Maryland allows partial passes. If you pass one portion (e.g., the National) but fail the other (e.g., the State), your passing score is valid for exactly one year from the date you passed. You will only need to pay the exam fee to retake the failed portion, provided you do so within that one-year window.

Are calculators allowed during the exam?

Yes, but with strict limitations. You may bring a basic, silent, non-programmable calculator that does not have paper-tape printing capabilities or an alphabetic keyboard. Smartphones, smartwatches, and financial calculators with memory storage are strictly prohibited. The PSI testing software also provides an on-screen basic calculator.

How much time should I spend studying the State portion versus the National portion?

Even though the National portion has more questions, many candidates fail the State portion because Maryland's specific laws can be highly nuanced. A good rule of thumb is to spend 60% of your time studying National concepts and 40% studying Maryland-specific statutes, MREC rules, and local contract requirements.

When will I find out if I passed the exam?

You will receive your results immediately upon completing the exam. The testing center will print an official score report for you before you leave. If you pass, the report will simply state "PASS" (numerical scores are not provided for passing grades). If you fail, the report will provide a numerical score and a diagnostic breakdown of your performance by topic area to help you study for your retake.