Texas Real Estate Exam Pass Rate: Why Only 57% Pass

Texas's real estate sales agent exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 57% — better than Florida but still below average for professional licensing exams. Understanding why candidates fail is the key to passing.

The Numbers

First-attempt pass rate: ~57%
Passing score: 70% (105 of 150 questions)
Total questions: 150 (85 national + 65 Texas-specific)
Time allowed: 5 hours
Administered by: Pearson VUE on behalf of TREC

With 5 hours for 150 questions (2 minutes per question), pacing is not usually the issue. Most failing candidates have content gaps, not time issues.

Why Candidates Fail

1. Weak on Texas-Specific Law The 65-question Texas section covers TREC rules, Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1101, the DTPA, intermediary rules, and the TREC contract forms. Candidates who study only national content walk in with a 57% ceiling before they even answer a Texas question.

2. Confusion About Intermediary Rules Texas's intermediary relationship (representing both parties with appointed agents) is unlike most states. Candidates confuse it with dual agency, misidentify when written consent is required, or don't know what restrictions apply to an intermediary broker.

3. DTPA Gaps The Deceptive Trade Practices Act is purely Texas law. Many candidates have never heard of it. It appears on every Texas exam — damages (3x for knowing violations), who can sue, what conduct is prohibited.

4. Skipping TREC Contract Details The TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract is the most commonly used real estate contract in Texas. The exam tests specific provisions: the option period, third-party financing addendum, earnest money provisions, and default remedies.

Second-Attempt Success

Candidates who fail typically score in the 63-68% range — close, but not there. A focused 2-3 week review of the weakest sections (shown on the score report) typically produces a passing score on the second attempt.

Texas allows immediate retake — just reschedule and pay the fee again.

What the Top Scorers Do Differently

Study Texas law first, national second — the Texas section is 65 of 150 questions
Know TREC contract terms cold — option period, option fee, earnest money, survey, financing contingency
Understand intermediary vs. buyer's rep vs. seller's rep — the three agency types in Texas
Do 10+ full practice exams before sitting for the real thing
Know the DTPA — actual damages, 3x damages, who's a consumer, what's prohibited

[Practice Texas exam questions at CARealestate.com/states/texas](https://carealestate.com/states/texas)