How to get a
Texas Real Estate License

Step 1: Complete the Required Texas Real Estate Qualifying Education Courses

These six, 30-hour Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses are required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) in order to meet the educational requirements for your Texas Real Estate License.

• Principles of Real Estate 1 (01878-REQC)
• Principles of Real Estate 2 (01872-REQC)
• Law of Agency (01873-REQC)
• Law of Contracts (01835-REQC)
• Real Estate Finance (01838-REQC)
• Promulgated Contract Forms (01837-REQC)

Step 2: Submit Online Application for Real Estate Sales Agent License and Course Certificates to TREC

Go to www.trec.texas.gov and click on "Real Estate Sales Agent" in the "Become Licensed" dropdown menu.

• Under "File Your Application," click "REALM Portal." On the login screen, click "Sign In" and If you're not registered, then click "Create an Account".
• Once signed in, fill out all required information to set up your account using the same name on your government-issued ID. Under "TREC - Licenses", select "Real Estate - Sales Agent Application" and then click "Continue Application."
• Pay the application fee of $206.
• Upload a copy of all course completion certificates. Include college transcripts if applicable.
• It may take up to two weeks to receive your approval letter and Exam Candidate Handbook from TREC once the application has been filed and all documents have been sent to TREC.

Step 3: Take the Exam Prep Class | Your Key to Passing the State Exam

Once you have submitted your application to TREC, we highly recommend that you complete the Real Estate Exam Prep course to ensure that you are prepared for the state exam. This class will take the guesswork and stress out of testing. You may repeat the prep course as many times as you want Free for up to six months! We recommend taking it at least twice before taking the actual exam. Purchase our TX Real Estate Exam Flashcards app ($2.99) or our physical Real Estate Flashcards deck ($35) for additional study support.

Step 4: Take the State Exam at Pearson VUE

Upon receiving the approval letter and Exam Candidate Handbook from TREC, register to take the state exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. Appointments can be made by going to pearsonvue.com/tx/realestate or calling them at 800-997-1248. The cost is $43 for the sales agent exam, payable to Pearson VUE. Payment is required at the time of reservation and may be made by credit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to obtain your license.

Step 5: Get Your Fingerprints Taken and Pass Your Background Check

Visit the TREC website (www.trec.texas.gov), and follow these steps to schedule an appointment and complete your fingerprinting/background check. The fingerprinting fee is $38.25.

• When applying for your license, you will automatically be authorized for a fingerprinting appointment.
• Check your email for further instructions from TREC.
• IdentoGO by IDEMIA collects and submits fingerprints to the FBI via the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Step 6: To Become an Active Sales Agent, Find a Sponsoring Broker and Submit a Sponsoring Broker Form to TREC

All real estate Sales Agents must work under the sponsorship of a licensed broker. Begin by searching for brokers in your area. Reach out and inform them that you're getting your real estate license and need sponsorship. It is wise to begin this process even before taking your exam.

During your subsequent interview(s) with brokers, try asking them these questions to determine if the brokerage is a good fit.

To become an active sales agent, you must submit a sponsoring broker form to TREC. Your active sales agent license will arrive in an email to both you and your sponsoring broker. You can then look up your public license number under TREC's License Holder Search feature on their website.