Maryland Contractor License Exam Guide (2026)

How Maryland licenses contractors

The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (within DLLR) licenses contractors performing $5,000+ in home improvement work. PSI (test-takers.psiexams.com/mdhic) delivers the MHIC exam. Commercial GC licenses remain local (Baltimore City, Montgomery County, etc.).

Maryland contractors battle tidal surge, freeze–thaw along I-70, and 110°F humidity in Prince George’s County. Expect exam questions about flood vents, basement waterproofing, termite treatment, and energy code compliance for mixed-humid climates.

Official source: Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR / home improvement programs—verify)

Maryland contractor license types

MHIC licenses require at least two years of construction experience, $50,000 liability insurance, and a $20,000 surety bond or financial solvency letter.

What's on the Maryland contractor exam

PSI offers the MHIC exam at centers in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Salisbury, and via remote proctoring.

What Maryland exam questions emphasize

• Maryland Home Improvement Law (Maryland Code, Business Regulation Title 8)
• Contract requirements: 3-day rescission, start/finish dates, toll-free numbers
• Lien law and prompt-pay rules
• Building science topics: insulation, ventilation, moisture control, decks, concrete

Exam-day logistics

• Bring two IDs, your PSI confirmation, and an approved silent calculator
• The MHIC Candidate Information Bulletin lists the only reference allowed—no external books
• Scores print immediately; licenses are issued once background checks and financial statements clear

Who needs a Maryland MHIC license (and who does not)

MHIC licensing generally applies to home improvement work at $5,000+. Commercial GC rules are often local—confirm both layers.

Most-missed Maryland contractor exam topics

MHIC law is statute-heavy. Candidates who only practice code lookups miss contract and consumer-protection items.

• Maryland Home Improvement Law (Business Regulation Title 8) duties
• Contract requirements: 3-day rescission, start/finish dates, and required disclosures
• Lien law and prompt-pay timing on Maryland jobs
• Building-science items: insulation, ventilation, moisture, decks, and concrete
• Bond/letter-of-credit and MHIC fund steps that stall licenses after a passing score

Trade-specific exam guides

If you're licensing in a single trade rather than the Maryland general contractor classification, the dedicated trade hub will get you to the right code book and exam structure faster.

• General contractor exam guide — IBC/IRC, NASCLA acceptance, and Business & Law.
• Electrical contractor exam guide — NEC (NFPA 70) calculations and grounding/bonding.
• Plumbing contractor exam guide — IPC/UPC drainage sizing, venting, and backflow.
• HVAC contractor exam guide — IMC ventilation, refrigerant management, and load calcs.

Maryland code books & approved references (2026)

Always confirm the exact editions and tab rules in your candidate bulletin before exam day. Editions can change between license cycles.

• Maryland Home Improvement Law and Regulations (provided in PSI bulletin)
• Maryland Mechanics Lien Law
• International Residential Code 2018 (topics referenced in exam)
• EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) guidance
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 for safety

Fees & timeline for the Maryland contractor license

• $250 application fee ($370 including MHIC fund) plus $75 exam fee
• $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit
• $50,000 liability insurance minimum
• License renewal every two years ($250) with proof of insurance
• Sales tax and corporate charter filings for businesses

Use the All States hub for interstate comparisons, then refer to DLLR’s fee bulletin.

Maryland Business & Law focus

The MHIC exam is heavily business/law focused: 70% legal, 30% construction. Know every contract clause and consumer protection statute.

• Memorize contract disclosure requirements: 3-day right to cancel, license number display, CSLB contact info
• Understand licensing/background check steps and disciplinary actions
• Know when deposits are capped at 1/3 of contract price
• Review OSHA, EPA lead rules, and energy code basics to cover the technical portion

Practice with our Maryland MHIC simulator and the national Business & Law exam hub for cross-state baseline rules.

A focused 4-week study plan for the Maryland exam

Because Maryland contractors battle tidal surge, freeze–thaw along I-70, and 110°F humidity in Prince George’s County, this four-week outline targets what Maryland field inspectors and your licensing board exam items actually test—not generic national prep.

1. Week 1 — Map the exam. Pull your current candidate bulletin, list every reference, and confirm the modules you have to pass. Start a one-page error log. Spend extra time on: Maryland Home Improvement Law (Maryland Code, Business Regulation Title 8).
2. Week 2 — Code book navigation. Drill open-book lookups (or memorisation drills if your module is closed-book) until you can find any answer in under 60 seconds. Anchor practice around: Contract requirements: 3-day rescission, start/finish dates, toll-free numbers.
3. Week 3 — Business & Law. The MHIC exam is heavily business/law focused: 70% legal, 30% construction. Know every contract clause and consumer protection statute. Layer in scenario-based questions on contracts, lien notice, payroll, and insurance.
4. Week 4 — Full simulations. PSI offers the MHIC exam at centers in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Salisbury, and via remote proctoring. Run two full-length timed simulations. Review every miss with a one-sentence rule statement.