How to Get Your Real Estate License in Texas (2026)
Get your Texas real estate license in 4 steps. 180 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (70%), and apply with TREC. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Texas real estate exam, and an application to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC regulates all real estate licensing activity in the state and enforces the education, examination, and conduct standards for salesperson candidates. The Texas exam is a split exam with separate national and state sections, each requiring a 70% score to pass. This guide covers the 4 steps to earn your Texas real estate license — education, examination, application, and broker sponsorship.
Texas Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Texas requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license. Review the summary below, then read each step in detail. Compare passing scores by state to see how Texas measures against other states.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 180 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 scored questions — 80 national + 40 state, 70% each section |
| Exam Fee | $43 |
| License Fee | $205 |
| Background Check | FBI fingerprint-based |
| Residency | No state residency required |
| Regulatory Body | Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) |
Step 1 — Complete 180 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Texas requires 180 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a TREC-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. This is among the highest education requirements in the country, split across six 30-hour courses.
The six required courses are:
- 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)
Delivery methods include classroom, online, and hybrid formats through TREC-approved providers. Most candidates complete all 180 hours in 4-6 months studying part-time. Intensive programs compress the timeline to approximately 3 months. You must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. TREC approves all education providers and maintains a current directory on its website.
Step 2 — Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Texas real estate exam through Pearson VUE. Register at the Pearson VUE website after receiving your TREC eligibility approval. Bring two forms of valid ID, one with a signature. The exam is a split format — you must pass the national and state portions separately. The exam fee is $43 per attempt. Study key real estate exam terms before your scheduled date.
Texas Exam Structure and Topics
The Texas real estate exam has two separate sections — an 80-question national portion and a 40-question state portion — and you must score 70% on each to pass.
National Section (80 scored questions + 5 unscored pretest)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Real Property Characteristics & Legal Descriptions | 9 |
| Ownership, Transfer & Recording of Title | 8 |
| Property Value & Appraisal | 11 |
| Real Estate Contracts & Agency | 16 |
| Real Estate Practice | 13 |
| Property Disclosures & Environmental Issues | 5 |
| Financing & Settlement | 7 |
| Real Estate Math Calculations | 7 |
State Section (40 scored questions + 10 unscored pretest, effective 01/2026)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Commission Duties & Powers | 3 |
| Licensing | 4 |
| Standards of Conduct | 9 |
| Agency & Brokerage | 11 |
| Contracts | 8 |
| Special Topics (community property, homestead, DTPA, wills/estates, landlord-tenant, foreclosure) | 6 |
Math accounts for 7 of 80 national questions. Agency & Brokerage is the largest state topic at 11 questions. Real estate contract types are tested across both sections. The total time limit is 4 hours — 150 minutes for the national section and 90 minutes for the state section.
How to Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam
Passing the Texas real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing. Follow these strategies:
- Prioritize Contracts & Agency (16 questions national) and Agency & Brokerage (11 questions state). These are the heaviest-weighted topics in each section. Study how to pass the real estate exam for proven methods.
- Study Texas-specific topics. Community property rules, homestead exemptions, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), and TREC Standards of Conduct are tested exclusively on the state section.
- Master real estate math. Commission splits, prorations, loan calculations, and area/volume computations appear on 7 national questions. Review real estate exam tips for math-specific strategies.
- Take timed practice tests. Build stamina for the 4-hour split exam format. Practice completing each section within its time limit independently.
- Use our free Texas practice exam. Identify weak areas in both national and state content before your scheduled exam date.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to TREC
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Texas Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees. Complete these steps:
- Apply online through the TREC website.
- Pay the $205 application fee for a 2-year license.
- Complete your FBI fingerprint-based background check through an approved vendor.
- Submit proof of education and passing exam scores.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for standard processing.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Texas real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. You cannot practice real estate independently as a salesperson in Texas — broker sponsorship is a legal requirement enforced by TREC.
Interview at least 3 brokers before choosing. Compare training programs, desk fees, commission splits, and mentorship opportunities. Commission splits for new agents typically range from 50/50 to 70/30. Your sponsoring broker files the activation paperwork with TREC to make your license active. Read our guide on what to do after passing the exam for detailed broker selection criteria and negotiation tips.
How Much Does a Texas Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Texas ranges from approximately $500 to $1,400, depending on your choice of school and broker. Here is a breakdown of all expenses:
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $300-$700 |
| Exam fee | $43 per attempt |
| License application | $205 |
| Background check | $38-$50 |
| E&O insurance | $200-$500/year |
| MLS / association dues | $500-$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $1,286-$2,498 |
Education costs vary based on format and provider. Online programs generally cost less than classroom instruction. The exam fee and license application fee are fixed by TREC.
Texas-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Texas has several state-specific real estate laws and concepts that appear on the licensing exam. Study these topics:
- Community Property — Texas is a community property state. Property acquired during marriage is presumed community property unless proven separate. This affects conveyance, listing agreements, and divorce proceedings. On the exam, you will see questions about spousal consent for selling community property.
- Homestead Exemptions — Texas has strong homestead protections that limit forced sale of a primary residence. The homestead exemption protects against most creditors except property taxes, purchase money liens, and home equity loans.
- Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) — Provides consumer protections in real estate transactions. Real estate agents can be held liable under DTPA for misrepresentation, failure to disclose, and unconscionable actions.
- TREC-Promulgated Contract Forms — Texas requires use of TREC-approved contract forms for most residential transactions. Agents who use non-promulgated forms risk license revocation. The Promulgated Contract Forms course (30 hours) covers this topic in depth.
No recent legislative changes documented for 2025 — verify current requirements with TREC.
Requirements may change — verify with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Texas?
Most candidates complete the process in 4-7 months. The 180 hours of education takes 4-6 months part-time, and application processing adds 2-4 weeks after passing the exam.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Texas?
Total upfront costs range from $500 to $1,400. The exam fee is $43 and the license application fee is $205, with the remainder going toward education and background check costs.
Can I get a Texas real estate license online?
You can complete the 180-hour education requirement online through TREC-approved schools. The exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Does Texas have real estate license reciprocity?
Texas does not offer direct license reciprocity. Out-of-state agents must complete all 180 hours of education and pass both sections of the exam.
How many times can you take the Texas real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You can reschedule and retake either section after paying the $43 exam fee again.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Texas Practice Exam
Prepare for the Texas real estate exam with our free practice test covering both national and state exam topics including contracts, agency, and TREC regulations. Practice questions cover both the 80-question national portion and the 40-question state portion.
Start your free Texas real estate practice exam →
Looking for broader preparation? Take our free national practice exam to strengthen your general real estate knowledge.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — always verify with your state’s Real Estate Commission.
