Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
To become a real estate agent in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education, submit an application to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), pass the licensing exam, and secure sponsorship by a broker.
Are you ready to take the leap into a rewarding career in Texas real estate? The Lone Star State offers endless opportunities for real estate agents. Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of being your own boss or the potential to build a lucrative business, getting your Texas real estate license can open the door to a bright future.
If you’re considering this path, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements to post-licensing steps, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to success.
Table of Contents
- Why Pursue a Real Estate Career in Texas?
- 5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
- Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
- Cost and Timeframe of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
- Online vs. In-Person Texas Real Estate Classes
- Get Started with This First Step
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Pursue a Real Estate Career in Texas?
Texas remains one of the most compelling states to start a real estate career in 2026. Long-term economic fundamentals, including strong job creation and in-migration, continue to support housing demand across major metros like Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Texas home sales have rebounded and inventory is more balanced than in past years, creating opportunities for agents to serve both buyers and sellers year-round.
Population growth and relocation trends into Texas fuel long-term housing needs, and the state’s business-friendly climate attracts companies and employees alike. Additionally, luxury and mid-market segments are active. Texas recently set a record with over 14,400 homes selling for $1M+, up 12% year-over-year.
With diversified markets and ongoing demand for knowledgeable professionals, becoming a real estate agent in Texas offers solid potential for growth and income in 2026.
5 Steps to Get Your Texas Real Estate License
Before embarking on your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas, it’s important to understand the requirements and feel confident about each step ahead. Let’s break it down step by step to simplify your path to licensure.
Step 1: Prove your eligibility
To meet the eligibility requirements for a Texas real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and meet the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) standards for honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. If you have concerns about a past criminal offense, TREC allows you to submit a Fitness Determination form before investing time and money into coursework. This proactive step ensures you meet their character standards before officially applying.
Step 2: Complete your pre-licensing coursework
To become a real estate agent in Texas, you must complete coursework through state-approved schools. Here are the pre-licensing requirements:
- Total Hours Required: 180
- Required Courses:
- Principles of Real Estate I
- Principles of Real Estate II
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Promulgated Contract Forms
- Real Estate Finance
Most education providers offer flexible online options, allowing you to complete your required courses at your own pace and on your own time.
At Colibri Real Estate, we provide asynchronous real estate license courses in Texas, designed to fit your schedule. Our students appreciate the convenience of our user-friendly dashboard, which makes navigating your coursework straightforward and simple.
Step 3: Apply for your license
To apply for your license, submit your course completion certificates and the $206 application fee through the TREC Real Estate & Appraisal License Management Portal (REALM) portal. You will also need to complete a fingerprint-based background check. Once TREC approves your application, you will be authorized to schedule your state licensing exam.
Step 4: Pass the Texas salesperson exam
The Texas salesperson exam is the final step before you can seek sponsorship and begin your new career. It’s designed to ensure you have the knowledge required to operate as a licensed real estate professional in Texas.
Prepare for the state exam (administered by Pearson VUE) by reviewing your coursework, using targeted study guides, and taking practice exams.
Here’s what you need to know to succeed:
- Exam Structure: The exam is made up of 125 multiple-choice questions, split into two parts:
- National Section: 85 questions
- State-Specific Section: 40 questions
- Time Allotment: You’ll have a total of 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the exam.
- National Section: 150 minutes
- State Section: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: To pass, you must achieve a score of at least 70% on both sections.
- National Section: Answer at least 56 questions correctly.
- State Section: Answer at least 28 questions correctly.
Your success on this exam hinges on your preparation. Focus on mastering key concepts like real estate principles, contracts, finance, and Texas-specific laws. By managing your time effectively during the exam, you can perform at your best and confidently take this exciting step toward your new real estate career.
Step 5: Get sponsored by a brokerage
After passing your exam, TREC will issue you an inactive license. To activate your license and legally practice real estate in Texas, you must secure sponsorship from an active, licensed Texas real estate broker. You cannot perform real estate services until a sponsoring broker accepts your sponsorship request through the REALM portal. A strong sponsoring broker will provide valuable mentorship, training, and support as you launch your career.
Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
You’re required to complete continuing education courses to renew your real estate license in Texas. For your first renewal, Texas agents must complete 98 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE). After that, agents must complete 18 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years.
Continuing education is crucial for Texas real estate agents who want to remain compliant, competitive, and confident.
First Renewal (SAE): Before your first two-year renewal, you must complete an additional 90 hours of qualifying real estate courses, plus 4 hours of TREC Legal Update I and 4 hours of Legal Update II.
Ongoing Renewal (CE): For all subsequent renewals, you must complete the following, every 24 months:
- Mandatory Hours: 11
- Elective Hours: 7
- Total Hours Required: 18
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in fees or the suspension of your license.
Cost and Timeframe of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
Becoming a real estate agent in Texas typically costs between $725 and $1,500 and takes an average of four to six months from starting classes to receiving an active license.
| Expense | Cost |
| Prelicense Education | $450 – $1,200 |
| Application Fee | $206 |
| Exam Fee | $43 |
| Background Check | $37 |
| Total Costs: | $725-$1,500 |
Online vs. In-Person Texas Real Estate Classes
Online real estate classes are better suited for self-directed students who need flexible scheduling, while in-person classes work best when you prefer face-to-face networking and a structured classroom environment.
- Online Classes: Asynchronous, online courses offer 24/7 access, allowing you to study around a full-time job or family commitments. If you’re in a hurry to get licensed, consider at-your-own pace online courses with excellent exam prep.
- In-Person Classes: Some people learn best in a traditional classroom with a fixed schedule. Other benefits of in-person classes is direct access to local instructors and peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A TREC Fitness Determination is an optional background review you can request before applying for a license to ensure any past criminal offenses will not disqualify you from becoming an agent.
The time it takes to become a real estate agent in Texas can vary depending on your personal schedule and pace. On average, it takes about four to six months to complete the required 180 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the licensing exam, and fulfill other application steps. However, more flexible learning options, such as online courses, allow you to accelerate or extend this timeline to fit your needs.
You can fail the Texas real estate exam up to three times; however, if you fail a third time, TREC requires you to complete additional qualifying education hours before you can test again.
No, a college degree is not required to get a real estate license in Texas. Completing the mandated 180 hours of real estate courses and passing the licensing exam are the primary educational requirements.
Get Started with This First Step
Ready to take the first step toward a successful and highly lucrative real estate career in Texas? Colibri Real Estate is here to guide you on your journey. Our TREC-approved licensing courses are designed by local experts. You’ll love our industry-leading exam prep, backed by our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee. Explore our Texas real estate courses and start building the career you’ve always wanted.