Texas Real Estate Licenses
This comprehensive guide to obtaining a Texas real estate license covers all the necessary steps and requirements, including real estate continuing education.
It’s suitable for everyone in Texas, with additional resources for major cities like Houston (TX).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have access to quality education and training throughout Texas.
Don't Become a Realtor If...
If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Texas, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, Texas allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 180 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). These courses include:
- 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)
Examination
Texas Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 125 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 85 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1.5 hours for the state portion)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $43, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 180 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Once approved, you can register for the exam through PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The Texas Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, with a passing rate of around 60-65%. Proper preparation for both the national and state-specific portions is essential to pass.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 180 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) after completing your pre-licensing education.
- Sponsorship Form
- You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of your application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be submitted with your application.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $185, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO, the approved vendor for Texas.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $39.70, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Texas Real Estate Commission as part of your application.
- Processing
- The Texas Real Estate Commission reviews the background check results as part of your license application process.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $185
Post-Licensing Education
90-Hour Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) Course
- Timeframe: Newly licensed sales agents must complete a 90-hour Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) course within the first two years of obtaining their license.
- Course Content:
- Texas Real Estate Law
- Contracts and Agency
- Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Real Estate Appraisal and Financing
Approved Providers
- The post-licensing course must be taken through an education provider approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Submission
- Proof of course completion must be submitted to the TREC before the two-year deadline to maintain an active license.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 18 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
- Core Courses (8 hours):
- Legal Update I: 4 hours
- Legal Update II: 4 hours
- Elective Courses (10 hours):
- Real Estate Marketing and Technology
- Finance and Mortgage Laws
- Property Management
- Home Inspections and Environmental Issues
Approved Providers
- Continuing education must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Submission
- After completing the required continuing education hours, proof of completion must be submitted through TREC online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: Failure to complete the CE requirements within the two-year period will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, you must complete the missing CE hours and submit proof to the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Texas Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
Texas offers a wide range of high-quality online real estate education options, with several well-regarded schools providing comprehensive digital courses to help you obtain your real estate license.
Aceable Agent is a standout choice in Texas, with excellent pass rates, top-notch customer reviews, and premium course materials that make it a top pick for future real estate professionals.
Texas residents are fortunate to have access to Aceable Agent’s courses, which are available in only a select few states, including Texas.
While Aceable Agent isn’t available in every state, its curriculum remains outstanding wherever it is offered. Be sure to take advantage of the exclusive 10% discount we’ve arranged for you below.
If you’re exploring other options, we’ve also secured special discounts for additional programs. The CE Shop is a reliable and cost-effective alternative, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can save even more.
Ultimately, while all these courses are competitively priced, we strongly recommend Aceable Agent for the best combination of value and success. If their pricing is slightly higher than expected, it may be worth the extra investment to ensure you’re getting the best foundation for your real estate career.
1. Aceable Agent – Best Overall Course
Aceable Agent is the best choice for real estate education in Texas, offering a mobile-first platform and engaging content.
Pros
- Mobile-first platform: Study anywhere, anytime.
- Interactive content: Engaging quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios.
- High pass rates: Proven success in preparing students for licensing exams.
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing: More expensive without discounts, but worth it.
Up to 20% off with our Aceable Agent discount link.
2. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Texas, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.
Pros
- Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.
Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.
3. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Texas students, with live online and self-paced formats.
Pros
- Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
- Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.
Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.
4. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Texas students.
Pros
- Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
- Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.
Cons
- Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.
Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Houston:
- Champion School of Real Estate: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Houston Community College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Dallas:
- MetroTex Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Dallas College: Provides in-person real estate education.
Austin:
- Austin Institute of Real Estate: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Texas does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
Texas offers partial reciprocity. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the Texas state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Texas Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Texas, you must:
- Have at least four years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 270 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Texas Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Texas Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The Texas Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Texas Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $1,078 – $1,728 |
Pre-License Education | $600 – $900 |
Exam Fee | $43 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $185 |
Post-Licensing Education | $150 – $300 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Texas Real Estate Commission: (512) 936-3000 | information@trec.texas.gov
- Street Address: Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12188 Austin, TX 78711-2188
- Telephone: (512) 936-3000
- Fax: (512) 936-3798
- Email: information@trec.texas.gov
- Contact TREC
- License Renewal Website
- License Lookup Website
- CE Transcript Website
- Online Services Instructions
- Fingerprint Requirements
- Pearson VUE Examination Services: (800) 997-1248
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 180 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from Pearson VUE
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Texas Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 180 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Examination through Pearson VUE. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $43.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Texas Department of Public Safety-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Texas Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $185.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Texas real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first two years of obtaining your license, complete 90 hours of Sales Apprentice Education (SAE).
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Texas.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 18 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Texas Real Estate Agent Salary
In Texas, real estate agents earn an average salary of $92,151 per year, with a typical range from $40,000 to $170,000.
The median salary is around $85,000, suggesting a competitive market with ample earning potential.
Top agents, especially in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, can earn over $200,000 annually.
Texas’ strong economy, low taxes, and diverse real estate market contribute to substantial earning opportunities.
The state’s relatively low cost of living further enhances the value of these earnings, making it an attractive destination for real estate professionals.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Texas if I have a felony?
The Texas Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Texas?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Texas?
The total estimated cost ranges from $1,078 to $1,728, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?
Texas does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Texas state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Texas involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Texas.
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