Texas Real Estate License Requirements

Getting your Texas real estate license requires completing 180 hours of state-approved education, passing the official exam, finding a sponsoring brokerage, and submitting your application. The entire process typically takes between 10 and 18 weeks, depending on your personal schedule and how quickly you move through the required steps. This guide provides everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate agent in Texas.

Quick Texas License Facts

Requirement	Details
Education Hours	180 hours (Six required courses)
Estimated Timeline	10-18 weeks, varies by study schedule
Age Requirement	18+ years old
Background Check	Required (Fingerprinting)
Exam Format	Computer-based, multiple-choice
Official Body	Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

Disclaimer: Always verify current requirements with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

How to Get Your Texas Real Estate License in 4 Steps

Step 1: Complete 180 Hours of Pre-License Education

Texas requires aspiring agents to complete 180 hours of coursework from a TREC-approved educational provider. The curriculum is broken down into six specific 30-hour courses.

Required Courses:

Principles of Real Estate I (30 hours)
Principles of Real Estate II (30 hours)
Law of Agency (30 hours)
Law of Contracts (30 hours)
Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)
Real Estate Finance (30 hours)

Study Schedule Considerations: The time it takes to complete your education depends on your available study hours and preferred learning pace. Self-paced online courses offer maximum flexibility, while structured classes can keep you on a consistent schedule.

Step 2: Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam

After completing your coursework, you must apply for your license with TREC and receive an eligibility letter. Once eligible, you can schedule and pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Exam, which is administered by PearsonVUE.

Format: Computer-based test with separate national and state-specific sections.
Passing Score: You must answer at least 56 questions correctly on the national portion and 21 questions correctly on the state portion.
Exam Topics Include:

Texas real estate law and TREC regulations
Property ownership, contracts, and agency
Promulgated forms and disclosure requirements
Property valuation and finance principles
Federal and state housing laws

Always check with TREC and its testing vendor for the most current exam details, fees, and scheduling information.

Step 3: Submit Your License Application & Background Check

Application: You must first submit an application to TREC online. You can do this before or after completing your education.
Background Check: You must get fingerprinted for a criminal background check. TREC will review your history to ensure you meet the state’s “honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity” requirements.
Fees: Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Disclosure: Texas law requires full disclosure of any past criminal offenses. TREC provides a path to request a Fitness Determination before you apply to see if your record would prevent you from becoming licensed.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Texas, a real estate salesperson must be sponsored by a licensed broker to practice. Your sponsoring broker is responsible for overseeing your work and providing guidance as you begin your career.

Broker Role: Your broker provides essential training, mentorship, and legal oversight for all transactions.
Finding a Broker: Research local brokerages to find one that aligns with your career goals, offers a supportive training environment, and has a commission structure that works for you.

Texas Real Estate License Costs

The total cost to get your license in Texas can vary, but here is a general breakdown of the primary expenses. For a visual breakdown, see the chart below this guide.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Pre-License Education	$500 – $700	Varies significantly by school and package (online vs. in-person).
TREC Application Fee	~$185	Set by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Exam Fee	~$43	Paid to the testing vendor (PearsonVUE).
Background Check Fee	~$40	Paid for fingerprinting services.
Total Estimated Cost	$768 – $968	Does not include optional materials or post-license business costs.

Note: These are estimates. Always check the official TREC website and your chosen school/vendor for the most current fee schedules.

Texas Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

Estimated Initial Licensing Costs in Texas

A visual breakdown of typical startup expenses for a Texas license.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates for 2025 and can vary significantly based on the school chosen, fingerprinting location, and optional materials purchased. Always check the official TREC website for the most current fees.

Texas Real Estate Schools

When selecting a real estate school, consider factors like learning format, support services, pricing, and student reviews. Here are some well-known TREC-approved providers for Texas:

The CE Shop

Benefits: Offers a 40% military discount and has high reported pass rates.
Website: theceshop.com

SchoolEstate

Benefits: 100% online format with TREC-approved courses.
Website: schoolestate.com

Kaplan

Benefits: GI Bill approved provider with decades of experience in real estate education.
Website: kapre.com

Colibri Real Estate

Benefits: Features a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee and offers both livestream and self-paced options.
Website: colibrirealestate.com

Texas Real Estate Exam Preparation

Study Strategies for Success

Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it.
Focus on understanding the core concepts, especially contract law and agency.
Take as many practice exams as possible to identify your weak areas.
Pay close attention to Texas-specific laws and promulgated forms.
Give yourself adequate time for review after completing your courses.

Common Study Mistakes to Avoid

Cramming all 180 hours of material at the last minute.
Neglecting to take full-length, timed practice exams.
Not focusing enough on the state-specific portion of the exam.
Poor time management during the actual test

Success Timeline by Professional Background

Different professional backgrounds can provide unique advantages on your path to becoming an agent:

Sales Professionals: Your experience with client relationships, negotiation, and commission-based income can give you a significant head start.
Teachers and Educators: Your strong study habits, ability to explain complex topics, and patience will be invaluable.
Military and Veterans: Your discipline, reliability, and understanding of the relocation process (especially VA loans) are major assets.
Career Changers: While you may need more time to learn industry concepts, your transferable skills and fresh perspective are highly valuable.

Individual results vary regardless of background. Success depends on dedication, study habits, and commitment to learning the business.

Texas Real Estate Market Context

Market Characteristics

Texas’s real estate market is one of the largest and most dynamic in the country.
It features major metropolitan hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
The market is incredibly diverse, with opportunities in urban high-rises, sprawling suburbs, farm & ranch land, and coastal properties.

Opportunities for New Agents

First-time home buyers
Luxury properties in major cities
Farm and ranch sales
New construction developments
Investment properties

Market conditions change regularly. Stay informed through local MLS data, market reports, and industry publications.

Texas-Specific Legal Requirements

Promulgated Forms

Texas is unique in its use of “promulgated” forms—standard contract forms that agents are required to use for most transactions. Your education will focus heavily on understanding and correctly using these forms.

Criminal History

TREC conducts a thorough background check to determine an applicant’s “fitness” to be an agent. It is critical to provide a full and honest disclosure of your history on your application. If you have concerns, consider filing a Fitness Determination (FD) form with TREC before you begin the process.

Disclosure requirements and other state laws are complex. Proper training and broker guidance are essential for navigating them correctly.

Getting Started – Action Steps

Research & Enroll: Compare TREC-approved schools and enroll in the 180-hour pre-licensing package that best fits your budget and learning style.
Apply with TREC: Start your application process on the TREC website and get your fingerprints done as soon as possible, as the background check can take time.
Start Networking: Begin researching local brokerages. Talk to agents and brokers to learn about different company cultures and find a good fit for your career launch.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Renewal Requirements

Texas real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew, agents must complete 18 hours of Continuing Education (CE), which must include 8 hours of TREC Legal Update I and II.

Check the TREC website for the most current continuing education requirements and approved courses.

Official Resources and Support

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC): The official source for all licensing rules, applications, and fee schedules. trec.texas.gov
PearsonVUE: The official vendor for scheduling and taking the state exam in Texas.
Texas REALTORS®: The state’s largest professional association for real estate agents, offering resources, education, and advocacy.

Disclaimers

Accuracy Notice: This guide is for informational purposes. All requirements, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Always verify information with the official Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
No Legal Advice: This content is not legal or financial advice.
School Information: School offerings, prices, and promotions change. Contact schools directly for the most current details

This guide was last updated in July 2025. For practice questions and a personalized plan based on your background and goals, use my Real Estate Career Planner tool.