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TX

Texas Real Estate License Exam Guide 2026

Step-by-step requirements, exam details, state-specific topics, study tips, and approved course providers for aspiring Texas real estate agents.

Always verify current requirements with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Requirements change.

At a Glance: Texas Requirements

Requirement Details
Pre-License Education180 hours (Texas-approved courses)
Minimum Age18 years old
Exam VendorPearson VUE
Total Exam Questions110 (85 (national) + 25 (Texas law))
Passing Score70% (56 national + 21 state minimum)
Exam Fee$54
License Application Fee$185
License RenewalEvery 2 years
Continuing Education18 hours (first 2-yr cycle)
Regulatory BodyTexas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Exam Note: Texas has one of the highest pre-license hour requirements in the country — 180 hours across 6 required courses (30 hours each). The Pearson VUE exam has separate national and state sections, each with its own minimum passing score.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Texas License

1
Complete 180 hours across 6 TREC-approved courses

Texas requires 6 courses × 30 hours each: Principles of Real Estate I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance. You cannot skip any.

2
Apply for inactive sales agent license with TREC

Submit your application and fees to TREC before scheduling the exam. Pay the $185 license fee plus a $10 recovery fee. TREC processes and issues an approval to test.

3
Pass the background check

Texas requires a fingerprint-based background check through MorphoTrust/IDEMIA. Submit before or alongside your license application.

4
Pass the Pearson VUE exam

Score at least 56/85 on the national section AND 21/25 on the Texas section. Both must be passed — passing one but not the other means retaking only the failed section.

5
Sponsor with a licensed Texas broker

Activate your license by affiliating with a TREC-licensed broker. TREC requires a sponsoring broker to activate a sales agent license. Submit the activation online through TREC's system.

Texas-Specific Exam Topics

In addition to the national real estate topics, the Texas state section tests these state-specific concepts. This is where most candidates lose points — study these thoroughly.

Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA)TREC rules and regulationsTexas agency relationships (intermediary)Texas promulgated contract formsTexas property code and disclosureDeceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)Texas water rights and easementsTexas homestead law and community property
Also review national exam topics (contracts, agency, fair housing, math)

Approved Course Providers

  • Champions School of Real Estate — Texas institution — classroom and online, very highly rated for TX licensing.
  • Kaplan Real Estate Education — Online TX courses with exam prep packages.
  • The CE Shop — Online — TREC-approved 180-hour package.
  • Colibri Real Estate — Online courses with pass guarantee.

Verify that any course you enroll in is currently approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) before enrolling.

Free Study Resources

  • Quizlet — Search "TX real estate exam" for free flashcard decks
  • YouTube — Channels like Prep Agent and Real Estate License Wizard
  • PrepAgent.com — Free trial with practice questions
  • Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) website — Official rules, law references, and exam candidate handbooks
  • Your pre-license school — Many providers include free practice exams

Texas Real Estate Exam — FAQ

Why does Texas require 180 hours?
Texas has a much stricter licensing requirement than most states to ensure agents are thoroughly prepared. The 180 hours must be spread across 6 specific subject areas — you can't substitute one course for another.
How long does it take to get a TX license from start to finish?
Most people complete the process in 4–6 months. The 180-hour coursework is the biggest time commitment. Online courses let you accelerate if you study full-time.
What if I only fail one section of the TX exam?
Texas allows you to retake only the failed section. You don't have to retake both national and state if you passed one. However, if you don't pass within 1 year of your first attempt, you must retake the full exam.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?
Texas does not have traditional reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state licensees must meet Texas education requirements, though some coursework may be waived for active licensees. Check TREC's current policy.
What is the Texas real estate exam pass rate?
The first-time pass rate in Texas is around 57–63%. The state section has a slightly lower pass rate than the national portion. Focus extra study time on TREC rules, intermediary agency, and promulgated contract forms.
Asad M Butt Realtor

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