Maine real estate exam: format, passing score, and what to expect 

The Maine real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate sales agent. It consists of 120 scored multiple-choice questions, is administered by Pearson VUE, and tests your knowledge of national real estate principles and Maine-specific laws. This guide covers the exam format, scheduling process, test day expectations, and how to prepare with confidence.

The Maine real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate sales agent license and is administered by Pearson VUE. You must complete your pre-licensing education before taking the exam.  

Exam Component Details 
Total questions 120 scored multiple-choice questions 
National section 80 questions 
Maine section 40 questions 
Time limit 4 hours total 
Passing score 75 scaled score on each section 
Question format Multiple-choice 
Administered by Pearson VUE 
Results Immediate (pass/fail + score report) 
Pretest questions 5–15 unscored questions 

You must pass both the national and Maine-specific portions to qualify for licensure.   


To pass the Maine real estate exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 75 on both the national and state-specific sections. 

Important scoring details: 

  • Sections are scored separately 
  • You must pass both portions 
  • Numeric scores are only provided to failing candidates 
  • Results are provided immediately after completion 
  • If you fail, you receive a diagnostic report showing performance by topic area 

The Maine Real Estate Commission and Pearson VUE use scaled scoring, which means your score is not reported as the exact percentage of questions answered correctly. 

CRE exam prep dashboard screens

The Maine real estate exam covers a broad range of national real estate concepts along with Maine-specific laws and regulations. Official pass rate information for the Maine real estate exam is not publicly available.  

What test-takers commonly experience: 

  • Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization 
  • Maine-specific laws and regulations require focused study 
  • Time management is important across a 4-hour exam 

What makes it challenging: 

  • Broad coverage across multiple topic areas 
  • Scenario-based questions 
  • Real estate math calculations 
  • State-specific agency and disclosure rules 

Common reasons people fail: 

  • Not taking enough practice exams 
  • Weak understanding of Maine-specific content 
  • Poor time management 
  • Focusing only on memorization instead of understanding concepts 

Best ways to pass: 

  • Take multiple timed practice exams 
  • Focus on contracts, agency, and Maine law 
  • Use structured exam prep tools 
  • Review explanations for missed questions carefully 

The Maine real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national portion. 

  • Total math questions: 7 questions 
  • Topics include calculations involving area, valuation, financing, settlements, investments, and property management 

Common math topics include: 

  • Commission calculations 
  • Prorations 
  • Property measurements 
  • Loan-to-value ratios 
  • Seller proceeds and closing costs 

A simple, silent, hand-held calculator is permitted during the exam as long as it does not contain an alphabetic keypad. Financial calculators are not permitted. 

The exam also expects you to know standard measurements such as: 

  • 43,560 square feet per acre 
  • 5,280 feet per mile 

If a math problem slows you down, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions. 


Before scheduling the Maine real estate exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education. 

Steps: 

  1. Complete your Maine-approved pre-licensing course  
  2. Obtain your original course completion certificate  
  3. Create a Pearson VUE account  
  4. Select the Maine Sales Agent exam  
  5. Choose a testing location and appointment time  
  6. Pay the $88 examination fee  
  7. Receive your confirmation  

You can also schedule by phone at (877) 543-5220. 

Your course completion certificate remains valid for one year, and you must pass both portions of the exam before it expires. Shape 


You must take the Maine real estate exam in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. 

Testing locations include: 

  • Bangor  
  • Presque Isle  
  • Westbrook 

Nearby out-of-state testing locations include: 

  • Boston, MA 
  • Concord, MA 
  • Woburn, MA 

Pearson VUE also offers additional nationwide testing centers. 


No. The Maine real estate exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Online remote proctoring is not available.


Yes, you can retake the Maine real estate exam if you do not pass. 

Retake Detail Information 
Number of attempts No set limit 
Waiting period 24 hours before rescheduling 
Retake fee $88 per attempt 
Sections to retake Only the failed section 
Passing section validity 1 year from course completion 

If you fail one portion, Pearson VUE automatically administers only the portion you still need to pass. You must pass both sections before your course completion certificate expires. 


You must arrive early and follow Pearson VUE testing center procedures.

✓ Bring: 

  • Two forms of valid, non-expired signature-bearing identification 
  • One government-issued photo ID
  • Your original course completion certificate 

✗ Do not bring:

  • Phones or electronic devices
  • Notes or study materials
  • Personal belongings

Testing Details: 

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early
  • Scratch paper provided
  • Simple calculator permitted if compliant with Pearson VUE rules 
  • Immediate results after completion 

Which type of agency relationship allows a brokerage to represent both buyer and seller with informed consent? 

a) Single agency 
b) Dual agency 
c) Subagency 
d) Transaction brokerage 

Answer: b 

Question 2 

A property sells for $300,000 with a 5% commission. What is the total commission? 

a) $10,000 
b) $12,500 
c) $15,000 
d) $18,000 

Answer: c 

Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Maine exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, proven tools, and realistic exam simulation so you walk into test day ready, not guessing. 

Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep as a standalone program and still get access to Colibri Real Estate’s industry-leading prep tools. 

Colibri Real Estate offers two exam prep options depending on how much guidance you want: 

  • Exam Prep 
    A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes simulated exams, unlimited practice tests, flashcards, readiness tracking, and audio review tools. Fully mobile-friendly so you can study anytime, anywhere. 
  • Exam Prep Live 
    Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus live Q&A with instructors and an Exam Crammer Webinar Series with six focused, instructor-led sessions to reinforce key topics before test day. 

Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Maine exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, proven tools, and realistic exam simulation so you walk into test day ready, not guessing. 

Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep as a standalone program and still get access to Colibri Real Estate’s industry-leading prep tools.  Colibri Real Estate offers two exam prep options depending on how much guidance you want: 

woman at laptop preparing for real estate exam

Colibri Real Estate stands behind its exam prep with a clear promise. 

If you purchase a qualifying pre-licensing package or standalone exam prep program and don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, you may be eligible for a full refund. 

Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works: 

  • Complete the exam prep program
  • Pass at least three practice exams with a score of 80% or higher
  • Take your state exam within 30 days of completing the exam prep program
  • If you don’t pass, submit your results to request your refund 

FAQs   

Do you need to complete pre-licensing education before taking the exam?

Yes. You must complete a Maine-approved pre-licensing course before taking the Sales Agent exam. 

What happens if you fail one section?

You only need to retake the section you failed, but both sections must be passed before your course completion certificate expires.

Can you take the Maine real estate exam online?

No. The Maine real estate exam must be taken in person at an approved Pearson VUE testing center. 

How long do you have to pass the exam?

You must pass both portions of the exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing course. 

Have a question?

Connect with an enrollment advisor today.

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