| Requirement | Texas |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 180 hours |
| Exam administrator | Pearson VUE |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 22,250 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $45,740 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Texas
To get a Texas real estate salesperson license you complete 180 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Texas real estate license?
Texas requires 180 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Texas?
Getting licensed in Texas takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 180 hours of pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 180 hours of pre-license education
Texas requires 180 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Texas salesperson exam
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers national real estate principles plus Texas law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Texas salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Texas real estate license cost?
Texas's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Texas?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Texas earned a median of $45,740 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $29,110. See the full Texas agent salary breakdown.
What are Texas’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 66 Texas housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $298,688 as of September 2026, from $132,225 in Borger to $745,250 in Fredericksburg; 43 of 66 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $353,995 | -1.7% | 55 | 35,898 |
| Dallas, TX | $422,495 | -0.6% | 62 | 29,364 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $422,495 | -0.6% | 62 | 29,364 |
| San Antonio, TX | $320,374 | -2.9% | 71 | 14,105 |
| Austin, TX | $446,450 | -9.8% | 80 | 12,083 |
All tracked markets: Texas housing market hub.
Texas real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Texas?
Texas requires 180 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requirements.
How much does a Texas real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Texas real estate exam?
Pearson VUE administers the Texas salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Texas?
No. Texas requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Texas?
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) licenses and regulates Texas real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) before enrolling.