How to Get a Maryland MHIC License —
Step-by-Step Guide
The complete, accurate guide to the Maryland Home Improvement Contractor licensing process — including the critical difference from Virginia that many applicants miss.
To get a Maryland MHIC license, you must determine your eligibility, submit documentation to PSI, the exam administrator, for approval to take the exam, receive exam approval, register for and pass the PSI exam, and then submit your application with necessary documents to the Commission. A key difference from Virginia: Maryland requires approval for the business/law exam, Virginia, does not require approval for the business/law exam, only for the specialty exam. Maryland does not have specialty exams.
How Maryland Differs From Virginia
Virginia Process
- Complete pre-application steps
- Submit DPOR application
- Receive specialty exam approval
- Pass specialty exam → get licensed
- Exam comes after application approval
Maryland MHIC Process
- Determine eligibility
- Submit documentation for exam approval
- Receive exam approval
- Register for PSI exam + take our class + Pass
- Submit application to the Commission
No Reciprocity With Virginia
A Virginia contractor license does not transfer to Maryland and does not substitute for a MHIC license. Even if you hold an active Virginia contractor license, you must go through the full Maryland MHIC process.
See exactly why your Virginia contractor license cannot be used in Maryland — and what you need to do instead.
Step-by-Step: The MHIC Licensing Process
Receive Exam Approval
Submit the necessary documentation to PSI to receive approval to sit for the exam.
You must have at least two years of experience that can be verified.
Complete the MHIC License Exam Prep Course.
Take our live, in-person only, instructor-led exam preparation course.
Exams can be tricky. Even with years of hands-on experience, you may find the exam difficult.
Though an exam preparation course is not required by law, a lot of contractor candidates find it very difficult and time-consuming without a good course.
Our MHIC exam preparation course boasts a near 100% pass rate the first time.
Pass the Exam
Have your exam scheduled for within a few days of the exam prep class.
Pass the exam.
Submit Your Application to the Commission
Submit your complete application along with any additional required documentation to the Commission. Once it has been reviewed and approved, you'll receive your license.
If You Fail the Exam
You must wait 30 days before retaking after the first failed attempt. Subsequent attempts require a 60-day wait. Each attempt requires paying the exam fee again. Proper preparation matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Prepare for the MHIC Exam?
One class. One session. Pass your Maryland MHIC exam and get licensed. Seats are limited.