How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas
If you’re considering becoming a real estate agent in Texas, you might have some questions about the field first. Pursuing a career in real estate can be incredibly lucrative, but before you can start helping people buy and sell their homes, you need to get your real estate license. You won’t need to search “How to get my real estate license in Texas” online because we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the steps you need to take to become a licensed real estate agent in the Lone Star State. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You'll have to meet several Texas real estate license requirements before getting your license. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of Texas
You must also meet the Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Having a criminal record might not immediately disqualify you from becoming an agent, but if you want to save your time and money and find out if you’re eligible, you can submit a Fitness Determination (FD) form on TREC’s website.
Step 2: Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education
Before you can apply for your Texas real estate license, you need to complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education through a TREC- approved provider, such as Agent Campus by 360training. This is made up of six 30-hour courses that are as follows:
- Real Estate Principles I (Course Approval Number 121)
- Real Estate Principles II (Course Approval Number 122)
- Law of Agency (Course Approval Number 1151)
- Law of Contracts (Course Approval Number 1251)
- Promulgated Contract Forms (Course Approval Number 351)
- Real Estate Finance I (Course Approval Number 451)
The total amount of hours may seem daunting, but you don’t have to rework your life to fit the courses into your busy schedule. Agent Campus by 360training offers TREC-approved pre-licensing education that can be taken anytime and anywhere on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Our courses are available 24/7 and save your progress as you go, so you don’t have to finish it all in one sitting. Do what you can one day, then come back and pick up right where you left off.
Step 3: Sign Up for a TREC Account and Apply for Your Real Estate License
Once you’ve finished your real estate courses, it’s time to apply for your real estate license. You can submit your application online, but first, you have to be registered with the Texas Real Estate Commission. Once you’re registered, TREC will email a username and password that allows you to create your account.
After you set up your TREC account, you can submit your Texas real estate salesperson application. The one-time initial application fee will set you back $185. You must apply within one year of passing your exam, and your application must include proof of pre-licensing education completion, exam passing results, and fingerprints for a background check.
Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exam
It can take anywhere from 15-21 business days for TREC to process your real estate license application. During this time, you can start studying for the Texas real estate licensing exam.
The exam is made up of a national section that is 85 questions long with a time limit of 150 minutes and a state section with 40 questions with a 90-minute time limit. You must score at least 70% on each section to pass. You have three chances to pass the exam. After that, you will need to redo a 30-hour course for each section that is failed three times.
Step 5: Complete Post-Licensing Education and Continuing Education
After you receive your real estate license, you must complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within your first year of licensure. Additionally, you must complete 18 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.
We hope we answered all your questions on how to get into real estate in Texas. Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas takes time, commitment, and effort, but it’s worth it if you’re passionate about helping people find the home of their dreams. If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a real estate agent, start by enrolling in our pre-licensing course today!
