Browse Maryland Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
Getting your Maryland contractor license? Contractor Pathway offers an original, exam-focused study guide and four full-length practice exams for every Maryland classification that requires a state board exam — currently 3 courses across Electrical and Plumbing. Choose your classification below and study with 30-, 60-, or 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169.
Who licenses contractors in Maryland
These are the Maryland classifications we build exam prep for, each licensed by its responsible board:
| Trade area | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Maryland State Board of Master Electricians | National Electrical Code (NEC) |
| Plumbing | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Adopted plumbing & fuel-gas codes |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any Maryland board or testing vendor.
How to get licensed in Maryland
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). A registered apprenticeship is a common path.
- Apply to the board for your trade, submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. Maryland trade exams are typically open book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your Maryland classification
Each course includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide — worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan — plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the Maryland test.
Maryland contractor licensing — FAQ
Who licenses home improvement contractors in Maryland?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), within the Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Most residential contractors need an MHIC license.
What is the Maryland MHIC exam?
A 55-question, computer-based exam with a two-hour time limit, administered by PSI. You need 70% to pass, and it covers the laws and regulations of running a home improvement business.
What happens if I fail the Maryland exam?
You must wait 30 days to reapply after a failure, and 60 days for any subsequent retake – so first-attempt preparation really pays off.
Which Maryland licenses do you build courses for?
The MHIC home improvement contractor exam, plus the licensed trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrical) that are regulated by their own state boards. Confirm your category with the relevant board.
How long should I study for the Maryland exam?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on experience, which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan.