State Licensing Guide
Texas Real Estate License Requirements (TREC)
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires 180 hours of qualifying education. Once passed, you are issued an "inactive" license until sponsored by a Texas-licensed managing broker.
The 6 Required Courses (180 Hours)
Texas requires specific, rigid curriculum blocks. All 6 courses must be completed before you file your application.
- 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
The Order of Operations
Unlike some states where you take the class and then immediately sit for the exam, Texas has a specific bureaucratic pipeline:
- Complete the 180 hours of education.
- File your application with TREC and pay the $205 fee.
- Get fingerprinted for the background check (IdentoGO).
- Wait for TREC to process the application and issue an "Eligibility Letter" (can take 2-4 weeks).
- Use the ID on the Eligibility Letter to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
Exam Structure
- National Section: 85 Questions (Passing: 56 correct)
- State Section: 40 Questions (Passing: 21 correct)
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (150 mins National, 90 mins State)
- Cost: $43 per attempt.
The Broker Sponsorship Rule
Passing the exam does not allow you to practice real estate. You will receive an "Inactive" license. You must find a Texas-licensed broker to sponsor you. The broker will submit a request to TREC, and only then will your license become Active.