Provided are a method and an apparatus for transmitting a maximum stratum level in a wireless communication system. An evolved NodeB (eNB) or a home eNB (HeNB) having a global positioning system (GPS) constitutes a maximum stratum level indicating a maximum value of a hop capable of supporting radio interface based synchronization (RIBS) and transmits the constituted maximum stratum level to a small cell. Meanwhile, the small cell determines whether a stratum level is greater than the maximum stratum level, and transmits the maximum stratum level to the eNB or the HeNB having the GPS when the stratum level is greater than the maximum stratum level.