Texas real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to prepare
The Texas real estate exam is required to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Texas. Administered by Pearson VUE for the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), the exam tests national real estate principles and Texas-specific laws. The exam includes 125 multiple-choice questions completed at a Pearson VUE testing center. This guide covers the exam format, passing score, scheduling process, and study tips to help you prepare with confidence.
- Texas real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?
- How hard is the Texas real estate exam?
- Texas real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Texas real estate exam
- Where can you take the Texas real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Texas real estate exam topics
- Practice questions for the Texas real estate exam
- FAQs
Texas real estate exam overview
The Texas real estate salesperson exam is required to obtain a Texas real estate license and is administered by Pearson VUE. You must complete your required pre-licensing education and receive exam eligibility from TREC before scheduling your exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 125 scored multiple-choice questions |
| National section | 85 questions |
| Texas state section | 40 questions |
| Time limit | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Passing score | National: 56 correct answers State: 28 correct answers |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail score report |
| Pretest questions | Includes unscored pretest questions |
You must pass both the national and Texas-specific portions of the exam to qualify for licensure.
What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?
To pass the Texas real estate exam, you must correctly answer:
- 56 out of 85 questions on the national portion
- 28 out of 40 questions on the Texas state portion
Important scoring details:
- The national and state sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic score report by topic area
- Unanswered questions are marked incorrect
If you fail only one section, Texas allows you to retake only the failed portion as long as you remain within your eligibility period.
How hard is the Texas real estate exam?
The Texas real estate exam is considered challenging because it tests both national real estate concepts and detailed Texas-specific laws and regulations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not memorization alone
- Texas-specific laws and promulgated contracts require focused study
- Similar answer choices can make questions feel tricky
- Mental fatigue can become an issue during the 4-hour exam
What makes it challenging:
- Detailed Texas-specific licensing and agency rules
- Application-based scenario questions
- Real estate math calculations
- Large amount of material covered on both sections
Common reasons people fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Texas-specific contracts and laws
- Poor time management
- Focusing only on memorization instead of application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Spend extra time reviewing Texas contracts and agency rules
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
- Practice real estate math regularly
Texas real estate exam math questions
The Texas real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national portion of the exam.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Property measurements
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Seller proceeds and closing costs
- Interest calculations
Candidates should also memorize common real estate measurements, including:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet per mile
Calculators are permitted but are not provided by the testing center.
Approved calculators include:
- Hand-held calculators
- Battery-powered calculators
- Solar-powered financial calculators without alphabetic keyboards
If a math problem takes too long, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions.
How to schedule the Texas real estate exam
Before scheduling the Texas real estate exam, you must complete your required pre-licensing education and receive exam eligibility from TREC.
Steps:
- Complete your Texas pre-licensing education
- Submit your license application to TREC
- Complete fingerprinting requirements
- Receive your eligibility notice and TREC ID number
- Create a Pearson VUE account
- Select the Texas Salesperson exam
- Choose a testing location and appointment time
- Pay the $43 examination fee
- Receive your exam confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (800) 997-1248.
Candidates must schedule at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-in testing is not available.
Where can you take the Texas real estate exam?
You must take the Texas real estate exam in person at an approved Pearson VUE testing center.
Testing locations include major metro areas and regional cities such as:
- Austin
- Dallas
- Houston
- San Antonio
- El Paso
- Lubbock
- Midland
- Corpus Christi
- McAllen
- Tyler
- Waco
- Amarillo
- Abilene
Pearson VUE also offers testing at select military installations for eligible candidates.
Can you take the Texas real estate exam online?
No. Texas does not currently offer remote online testing for real estate licensing exams. All candidates must test in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Texas real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | Up to 3 attempts |
| Waiting period | 24 hours before rescheduling |
| Retake fee | $43 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only failed section must be retaken |
| Eligibility period | 1 year from application date |
If you fail three times, you must complete additional qualifying education before testing again.
Texas requires:
- 30 additional education hours if you fail one section three times
- 60 additional education hours if you fail both sections three times
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
✓ Bring:
- Two forms of valid, non-expired identification
- One government-issued photo ID with signature
- A second ID with a valid signature
- Your name must exactly match your exam registration
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
- Food or drinks
Testing Details:
- Computer-based testing
- Closed-book exam
- Scratch paper provided at the testing center
- Immediate score report after completion
- Breaks allowed, but the exam clock does not stop
Personal items must be stored during testing.
Texas real estate exam topics
The Texas real estate exam covers both national real estate concepts and Texas-specific laws and regulations.
National topics include:
- Property ownership and land use
- Contracts and agreements
- Agency relationships
- Real estate finance and mortgages
- Valuation and appraisal
- Property disclosures and environmental issues
- Fair housing laws
- Property management
- Real estate math calculations
Texas-specific topics include:
- Texas Real Estate License Act
- TREC rules and licensing requirements
- Agency disclosure and intermediary practice
- Promulgated contracts and addenda
- Seller disclosure requirements
- Trust accounts and advertising rules
- Community property laws
- Homestead protections
- Landlord-tenant issues
- Foreclosures and recording statutes
The Texas section places strong emphasis on contracts, agency relationships, and state-specific regulations.
Practice questions for the Texas real estate exam
Question 1
Under Texas law, when must a license holder provide the Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) notice?
a) At closing
b) At the first substantive communication about a specific property
c) After a contract is signed
d) Only if requested by the client
Answer: b) At the first substantive communication about a specific property
Question 2
Which type of ownership applies to most property acquired during a marriage in Texas?
a) Joint tenancy
b) Tenancy in common
c) Community property
d) Fee simple defeasible
Answer: c) Community property
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
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FAQs
No. The Texas real estate exam is closed book. Notes, textbooks, and reference materials are not permitted during testing.
No. You must first submit your application to TREC and receive your eligibility notice before scheduling your exam with Pearson VUE.
Yes. Both portions are taken during the same exam session, even though they are scored separately.
If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic score report showing your performance by content area to help guide your studying before your next attempt.
Yes. Non-residents may take the Texas real estate exam as long as they meet TREC licensing requirements and complete the application process.
After passing the exam and clearing your background check, TREC will issue your license. Your license remains inactive until you find a sponsoring broker.