How to become a real estate agent in Texas
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get licensed in Texas, from eligibility requirements to post-licensing steps.
Step-by-step guide to get your real estate license in Texas
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.
- Total hours: 180
At Colibri Real Estate, we provide at-your-own-pace online 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 (REALM) portal.
You’ll also need to complete a fingerprint-based background check. Once TREC approves your application, you’ll 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.
Prepare for the state exam (administered by Pearson VUE) by reviewing your coursework, using targeted study guides, and taking practice exams.
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 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).
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in fees or the suspension of your license.
Get started today
Ready to get started? Colibri Real Estate has helped more than 1.5 million aspiring agents build successful careers with confidence. Our Texas courses are designed by industry experts and built for flexibility, so you can learn at your own pace while staying on track.
With built-in exam prep, realistic practice tests, and Rubi, your AI-powered study assistant, you’ll have the tools and support you need to prepare effectively and walk into exam day ready. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll knowing we stand behind your success every step of the way.
FAQs
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.
Texas real estate licensing costs
– Prelicense education $450 – $1,200
– Application fee $206
– Exam fee $43
– Background check $37
– Total costs: $725 – $1,500
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.