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With a dynamic real estate market in the Lone Star State, it’s little wonder that you want to learn how to become a real estate agent in Texas. After all, it’s a great career with almost unlimited growth potential, and it’s relatively inexpensive to get started.
If you’re over 18 and live and work in the U.S., you’re ready to start your 180-hour prelicensing course and get started on your Texas real estate career. We’ve researched every step of the process so you’re only a few short months away from selling homes in sunny Texas.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas

Before we jump into the steps for getting your license, make sure you set yourself up for success. If you want to learn more about where the industry is heading, check out Pinnacle Realty Advisors’ e-book containing the brokerage’s 2023 predictions for real estate. This educational report is chock full of historical data and trend charts to give you insight into the changing market you’ll be diving into.
Ready to learn how to become a real estate agent in Texas? Let’s dive into these steps in a little more detail.
1. Complete a Prelicensing Course & Exam
Course Cost:
Exam Fee: $54
Time Commitment: 1-3 months
The State of Texas requires 180 hours of coursework before sitting for the licensing exam. Courses are comprised of six sections:
- 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)
If you’re thinking of trying a self-paced online course, we recommend Colibri Real Estate since their packages are packed with extra features while they keep costs down. Course packages run from $549 to $849, and their three top-tier courses include features like exam preparation, live instructor support, and even a pass guarantee, you’ll see why it’s a popular choice.
Once your course is complete, you’ll need to take a proctored final exam. You’ll be able to take the final exam from the comfort of home with virtual proctoring. Just show your proctor that you have no study aids in the room. After completing the classes, you’ll be ready to help your clients sell their ranch near Amarillo or buy a bungalow in Waco.
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2. Apply for a Texas Real Estate License
Cost: $185
Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes
Now it’s time to apply for your real estate license. To apply online, visit the Texas Real Estate Commision (TREC) website and create an account on their online service platform.
From there, complete the Application for Inactive Real Estate Sales Agent License and pay the $185 license fee. You can also print out and mail their downloadable form if you prefer.
The application should only take a few minutes to complete. The bulk of the application asks questions about your background and previously held professional licenses. You may have to fill out the Texas Real Estate Commission Background History Form if you need to explain some of the answers to your questions on the application.
Once your application has been approved, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) will send you a letter with your “TREC ID.” You’ll need that number to continue with the process.
3. Complete A Background Check
Cost: $38.25
Time Commitment: 1 hour
You’ll need to get a fingerprint background check to complete your Texas real estate license application. Once you have your TREC ID number, you can schedule an appointment at one of the 20 MorphoTrust locations across the state. You’ll be charged $38.25 for the service.
4. Pass the Texas Real Estate License Exam
You’re almost there! It’s time to take your license exam, and here’s what you need to know.

What’s on the Exam?
The Texas real estate license exam includes both a national and state section. All the questions are multiple-choice. You’ll have a total of four hours to complete both sections. The national portion of the exam requires a 66% pass rate, whereas the state portion requires you to get 53% of the answers right.
Exam | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Requirement to Pass |
---|---|---|---|
National Section of the Exam | 150 minutes | 85 multiple-choice questions | At least 56/85 correct answers required to pass |
Texas Section of the Exam | 90 minutes | 40 multiple-choice questions | At least 21/40 correct answers required to pass |
How Do I Schedule the Exam?
First, make sure you submit your prelicensing course completion documents to the Texas Real Estate Commission. Next, visit Pearson VUE’s website or call (800) 997-1248 to schedule your license exam.
When scheduling your exam, make sure that your name and personal information match precisely with the ID you’ll use to enter the exam. There are 30 Pearson VUE exam locations across the state, and the exam costs $54.
Preparing for the Exam
All that’s left is preparing for your license exam. Make sure to review your course material, and consider investing in exam prep tools if you’re looking for an extra boost of confidence. We highly recommend Colibri Real Estate and their comprehensive courses that cover all the material you’ll find on both national and state portions of the license exam.
Arrive at the Pearson VUE examination site at least 30 minutes before your computer-based exam is scheduled. Remember to bring:
- Two forms of valid ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID with a signature and the other must have your signature)
- A non-programmable, silent calculator (optional)
Leave your purse, wallet, phone, watch, food, and drinks in the car. For other examination center policies, refer to page eight of this Pearson VUE handbook. Your score report will immediately appear on the screen when you complete the exam.
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5. Join a Texas Real Estate Brokerage
Cost: No cost
Time Commitment: 2-4 weeks
You’ve almost made it! After following the above steps for how to become a real estate agent in Texas, you’ll initially be issued an inactive license. To receive a full license and work as a real estate agent in Texas, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker to oversee your work.
Read our section on compensation below to learn about employment terms and crucial questions to ask while interviewing. Once you have found a broker, you’ll be ready to complete a brokerage sponsorship request through TREC’s online service. Only when the broker has accepted your sponsorship request can you begin to work as a licensed Texas Real Estate Sales Agent.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Texas?

It costs about $1,000 to get your real estate license in Texas. The biggest price tag is associated with your 180-hour prelicense course, but you’ll also have to pay a few fixed fees. These include your license exam fee, license application fee, and background check fee.
Texas Real Estate License Costs
Prelicensing Classes (180 Hours) | $549 (with Colibri Real Estate) |
Texas Real Estate License Exam Fee | $54 |
License Fee | $185 |
Fingerprinting Fee | $38.25 |
Total Cost | $826.25 |
Texas Real Estate Agent Compensation
As of 2022, Texas real estate agents make an average of $93,904 per year, and their compensation is based entirely on commission. As you consider a commission-based income, make sure you understand these three essential principles, and inquire about these aspects of your employment terms when you are interviewing with potential brokerages.
Split
A split refers to how the brokerage and the real estate agent will share the commissions. Some brokerages will ask for an even 50/50 split on commissions, while others will offer you a higher percentage if you agree to pay a desk fee.
Desk Fee
A desk fee is a monthly fee paid by the real estate agent to the brokerage. It covers administrative costs, including access to copiers and desk space. This fee is collected whether you earn a commission that month or not.
Cap
A cap is the maximum amount that the agency will take from the commissions you’ve earned within a year. Everything that you make above that cap is yours to keep.
You may decide to immerse yourself in your new career to build a client base more quickly, though some new agents choose to work on a part-time basis. It’s totally doable and up to you.
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Choosing a Texas Real Estate School
You’ll be able to choose how you’ll take your course, whether online, livestream, or in-person. Scheduled classes tend to help students who need structure, while self-paced courses work wonders for those with busy schedules.
Types of Instruction |
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|---|
In-person Classes |
|
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Livestream Classes |
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Online Classes |
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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas – FAQs
We know you’re excited to begin your new real estate career! We have more answers to your frequently asked questions below. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Let us know in the comment section!
How long does it take to become a licensed real estate agent in Texas?
It takes between four and five months to earn a real estate license in Texas.
Even a person devoting 40 hours a week to real estate classes will take more than a month to finish the coursework. It may also take several weeks for the board to approve your application. Fortunately, you can use the Application Tracker Tool to see how your application is progressing in the approval process.
What is the fastest way to get a real estate license in Texas?
The fastest way to get a real estate license in Texas is to choose an online real estate school that allows you to work at your own pace. Check out the program offered through Colibri Real Estate. You’ll receive a top-notch education while going through the material as fast as you are comfortable. (Psst! As a reader of The Close, you can save 25% with Colibri Real Estate using the promo code TheClose25.)
Is the Texas real estate license exam difficult?
As we mentioned, the Texas real estate license exam includes both a national and state section. All the questions are multiple-choice. You’ll have a total of four and a half hours to complete both sections.
The national portion of the exam requires a 66% pass rate, and the state portion requires you to get 53% of the answers right.
What happens if I fail the Texas real estate license exam?
If you don’t pass on your first try, you’ll receive a diagnostic report that tells which portions of the exam you’ll need to study further.
You can retake the exam:
- Within one year of filing your initial application with the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- After you’ve paid the $54 exam fee.
- After 24 hours have passed since your last exam.
If you fail either the state or the national portion of the exam, you must take 30 hours of additional courses. If you fail both the national and state sections of the exam, you must take 60 hours of additional education. You can choose which areas of the coursework you’d like to retake.
Is getting a Texas real estate license worth it?
Changing careers may feel risky, especially if you move from one with a regular salary to one based entirely on commission. At the same time, the Texas real estate market is booming! A driven person who isn’t afraid of hard work could clean up in this market.
Instead of jumping into a real estate career with both feet, you might consider keeping your “day job” for a while. Check out How to Become a Successful Part-time Real Estate Agent, which includes an interactive tool that compares the costs involved when working as a real estate agent to how many average-priced homes you need to sell to break even.
More Career Resources from The Close
We’re thrilled you’re considering leaping into a real estate career in Texas, and we’ll be here to celebrate each of your successes. At The Close, we’re also dedicated to providing you with actionable advice for every stage of your career.
Don’t miss the latest article, and sign up for our newsletter. Better yet, jump into our Facebook Mastermind Group to connect with agents nationwide, or upgrade your skills and join The Close Pro.
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