How to Get Your Real Estate Sales Agent License in Texas
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Texas. Last verified: February 2026.
Quick Facts
Hours Required
180 hours pre-license education
Exam
Texas Real Estate Sales Agent Exam
Fee Range
$450–$800 total [VERIFY]
Governing Body
Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Requirements
To obtain a Texas Real Estate Sales Agent license through TREC, you must be at least 18 years old, have a legal US presence, and complete 180 hours of TREC-approved pre-licensing education across six specific courses: Principles of Real Estate I (30 hrs), Principles of Real Estate II (30 hrs), Law of Agency (30 hrs), Law of Contracts (30 hrs), Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hrs), and Real Estate Finance (30 hrs). After submitting your application and passing a background check, you must pass the Pearson VUE licensing exam and secure a Texas-licensed broker to sponsor your license before it can be activated.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Complete 180 hours of TREC-approved pre-license education across the 6 required courses. Courses can be taken online or in person.
- 2
Create a TREC Online Services account and submit your Sales Agent application with the $185 application fee.
- 3
Submit fingerprints for a background check through MorphoTrust/IdentoGO (~$38.25). TREC reviews your background and may contact you if issues arise.
- 4
Receive TREC's Exam Eligibility Notice (typically 2–4 weeks after application submission).
- 5
Schedule your Pearson VUE exam. Pass both the national portion (70%) and the Texas state portion (70%). [VERIFY passing scores]
- 6
After passing, find a Texas-licensed sponsoring broker — your license cannot be activated until a broker sponsors you in the TREC system.
Exam Details
The Texas Real Estate Sales Agent exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across the state and via online proctoring. The test consists of two portions: a national portion (80 questions, 150-minute time limit) and a Texas state portion (30 questions, 90-minute time limit). Both portions must be passed separately with a score of 70% on each. If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that portion. [VERIFY current passing scores and question counts at trec.texas.gov]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $450–$800 total [VERIFY]
Pre-license courses: $150–$400 (varies by provider). TREC application fee: $185. Background check (MorphoTrust/IdentoGO): ~$38.25. Pearson VUE exam fee: ~$54. Estimated total: $427–$677, plus any course provider fees. All fees subject to change — verify at trec.texas.gov. [VERIFY]
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of education do I need for a Texas real estate license?
You need 180 hours of TREC-approved pre-license education across 6 specific courses. Many providers offer these online; most candidates complete them in 1–3 months.
What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?
You must pass both portions: the national portion requires 70% (approximately 56/80 correct) and the Texas state portion requires 70% (approximately 21/30 correct). Both portions must be passed within 1 year of your initial exam attempt. [VERIFY]
Do I need a sponsoring broker before taking the Texas real estate exam?
No — you take the exam independently. After passing, you have up to 1 year to find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. Without a broker, your license remains inactive.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Texas?
Most candidates complete the process in 3–6 months: 1–3 months for the 180-hour pre-license courses, a few weeks for TREC application processing, then exam scheduling. Fast-track candidates with dedicated study can finish in under 3 months.
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