What you need to do to become a licensed realtor in Texas
To get a real estate license in Texas, you complete a pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, and register with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you finish the coursework and schedule your exam. You do not need a high school diploma or prior real estate experience — only a Social Security number, a Texas address, and the ability to pass a background check.
The path splits into two types of license: a salesperson license (which lets you work under a broker) or a broker license (which lets you run your own office). Most people start with a salesperson license. The steps are the same for both, but a broker license requires additional coursework and experience.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete 270 hours of pre-licensing education through a TREC-approved school before you can sit for the state exam.
- The state exam costs $50 and is administered by PSI, a testing company — you schedule it yourself after finishing your course.
- After passing the exam, you must join a brokerage firm within 180 days or your license becomes inactive.
- Your license is valid for four years and costs $0 in state fees, though your sponsoring broker will charge you a separate fee to maintain your license with them.
Complete your 270-hour pre-licensing course
TREC approves specific schools and online programs to teach the required coursework. You can find the full list on the TREC website under "Approved Schools." Most programs are offered online and let you work at your own pace, though some schools offer classroom options. The course covers Texas real estate law, contracts, financing, property management, and ethics.
The 270 hours sounds long, but most online programs compress the material into four to six weeks if you study full-time. Part-time students typically finish in eight to twelve weeks. When you complete the course, the school gives you a completion certificate — you will need this to register for the state exam.
Cost varies by school, typically between $150 and $400 for the course itself. Some brokerages reimburse this cost for new agents, so ask before you enroll.
Register for and pass the state exam
Once you have your completion certificate, you register for the exam through PSI, the testing company that administers it for TREC. You do this on the PSI website, not through TREC directly. The exam costs $50 and is offered at testing centers across Texas — you choose your location and time when you register.
The exam has 90 questions and you have two hours to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent to pass. Most people take the exam within one to two weeks of finishing their course. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.
Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number to the testing center. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the exam room.
Sponsor with a brokerage firm
Your license is not active until you are sponsored by a licensed broker. A broker is a person or company that holds the actual license and supervises your work — you cannot work independently as a salesperson. You must find a brokerage and be hired by them before your license becomes valid.
After you pass the exam, you have 180 days to find a broker and submit your sponsorship paperwork to TREC. If you do not sponsor within 180 days, your license becomes inactive. You can reactivate it later, but you will need to pay a reactivation fee and provide proof that you are now sponsored.
Brokerages vary widely in what they charge agents and what support they offer. Some charge a monthly desk fee ($100 to $500 per month), take a split of your commissions, or both. Interview several brokerages before you commit — this is a business relationship that affects your income.
Submit your sponsorship paperwork to TREC
Once you have a broker willing to sponsor you, they will submit Form OP-H (Broker Sponsorship of Licensed Salesperson) to TREC on your behalf. This form confirms that you are employed by them and that they are responsible for your conduct. You do not submit this yourself — your broker handles it.
TREC processes sponsorship paperwork within a few business days. Once approved, your license is active and you can begin showing properties and writing contracts. Your broker will give you your license number and any other credentials you need to work.
Renew your license every four years
Your Texas real estate license is valid for four years from the date TREC issues it. To renew, you must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) within the 12 months before your license expires. TREC approves CE providers just as it approves pre-licensing schools — you can find them on the TREC website.
The renewal process happens through TREC's online portal. You submit proof of your CE hours, confirm that you are still sponsored by a broker, and pay any renewal fees your broker requires. TREC itself does not charge a state renewal fee, but your broker may charge you to keep your license active with them.
If your license expires without renewal, you can reactivate it within two years by completing the required CE and paying a reactivation fee. After two years, you must retake the full pre-licensing course and exam.
What happens if you want a broker license instead
A broker license lets you run your own office and sponsor other agents. To get one, you must first hold a salesperson license for at least four years, or two years if you have a bachelor's degree in real estate. You then complete an additional 270-hour broker course, pass a separate broker exam, and register with TREC as a broker.
The broker exam is harder than the salesperson exam and covers business management, trust accounts, and legal liability. Most people spend six to twelve weeks preparing for it. Broker licenses also require a $25,000 surety bond and errors and omissions insurance, which costs several hundred dollars per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma to get a real estate license in Texas?
No. Texas requires only that you be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, and have a Texas address. You do not need a diploma or GED, though you must pass the state exam.
Can I work as a real estate agent without being sponsored by a broker?
No. Texas law requires every salesperson to be sponsored by a licensed broker. If you want to work independently, you must get a broker license, which takes additional time and money.
What if I fail the state exam?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it, though you pay the $50 fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third try if they study the material more thoroughly.
Can I move my license to a different broker?
Yes. You submit a new sponsorship form to TREC with your new broker's information. The process takes a few business days. You do not need to retake the exam or redo your pre-licensing course.
What if my license expires and I do not renew it?
You have two years to reactivate it by completing your CE hours and paying a reactivation fee. After two years, your license is gone and you must take the full pre-licensing course and exam again if you want to return to real estate.