If you want to become a real estate agent in Texas, you must complete education requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), pass the state exam, and activate your license with a sponsoring broker.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
• Meet TREC’s honesty and background standards

If you have a criminal history, you may request a Fitness Determination before enrolling.

Step 2: Complete 180 Hours of Required Education

Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework from an approved provider.

The 6 required courses (30 hours each):

1. Principles of Real Estate I
2. Principles of Real Estate II
3. Law of Agency
4. Law of Contracts
5. Promulgated Contract Forms
6. Real Estate Finance

You must pass each course final exam before moving forward.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to TREC

Apply online through TREC and:

• Submit fingerprints for a background check
• Pay the application fee
• Provide proof of completed education (if requested)

Once approved, you’ll receive authorization to take the licensing exam.

Step 4: Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam

The exam has two portions:

• National portion
• Texas state portion

You must pass both sections.

If you fail one section, you only need to retake the section you did not pass.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

Before your license becomes active, you must be sponsored by a licensed Texas broker.

Your broker:

• Supervises your transactions
• Provides training
• Holds your license under their brokerage

Once sponsorship is filed, your license becomes active.

Step 6: Start Your Real Estate Career

After activation, you can:

• Represent buyers and sellers
• Earn commissions
• Build your own client base
• Work full-time or part-time

How Long Does It Take?

Most students complete the process in:

3–6 months, depending on how quickly they finish coursework and pass the exam.

How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated total cost:

• Pre-license course: $199–$600
• Application & exam fees
• Fingerprints
• Background check

Total average: $600–$1,200

Is Texas a Good Market?

Texas has strong demand in major cities like:

• Houston
• Dallas
• Austin
• San Antonio

Growing population + new construction = strong opportunity for new agents.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Texas real estate license requires:

✔ 180 hours of education
✔ Application approval
✔ Passing the state exam
✔ Broker sponsorship

Once licensed, you can begin earning commission in one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the country.