Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Texas

Everything it takes to get licensed in Texas — 180 hours of pre-license education, the Pearson VUE exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Pre-license hours
180
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$1,140+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Texas path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Texas also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 180 hours of approved pre-license education

Texas requires 180 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Texas licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Texas-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Texas salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

Visit →

A Texas real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Texas agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Texas markets
Dallas, TX real estate market→Houston, TX real estate market→Austin, TX real estate market→San Antonio, TX real estate market→El Paso, TX real estate market→Fort Worth, TX real estate market→

Texas licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Texas?
Texas requires 180 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Texas real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $1,140–$2,280 all-in for Texas: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Texas?
Most people finish the 180-hour Texas coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Texas?
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Texas real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Texas are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) before enrolling.