Texas Real Estate License Requirements (2025): Sales Agent
Complete guide to getting a Texas real estate sales agent license — 180 hours of education, TREC application, exam, and sponsoring broker.
Texas has one of the most rigorous prelicense requirements in the country — 180 hours of education before you can sit for the exam. Here's the complete step-by-step process for 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- No felony conviction in the past 5 years, or any offense that directly relates to duties of a real estate agent (must be disclosed; TREC reviews case-by-case)
- Meet TREC's honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity standards
Step 1: Complete 180 Hours of Prelicense Education
Six TREC-approved 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
Cost: $400-$900 for all 6 courses online; classroom options vary Timeline: Can be completed in 2-4 months online
Each course has a proctored final exam. You must pass each course before receiving credit.
Step 2: Apply to TREC
Submit your application at mytrec.texas.gov with: - Completed application - TREC application fee: $205 - Proof of 180 hours completed (submitted directly by your course provider) - Disclosure of any criminal history
TREC will review your application and issue a "Deficiency Notice" if anything is missing, or eligibility approval to sit for the exam. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Step 3: Take the Exam (Two Sections)
Schedule through Pearson VUE after TREC approves your application.
The exam has two sections you can take together or separately: - National section: 85 questions, 150 minutes, must score 56+ (66%) - Texas section: 65 questions, 90 minutes, must score 53+ (81%)
Wait — Texas section requires 81% to pass the section? Yes — though the overall threshold is often quoted as 70%, the section scores have different minimums. Confirm with TREC/Pearson VUE for current passing standards as they update periodically.
Fees: National section $43, Texas section $30 (paid separately)
Step 4: Get Your Fingerprints Taken
Before TREC can issue your license, you must have fingerprints taken through an approved IdentoGO location for a background check. This can be done any time after submitting your application.
Cost: approximately $38.25
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Your license is issued in inactive status. To activate, you must be sponsored by a licensed Texas broker. The broker submits a sponsorship request through TREC's online system.
You must work under a sponsoring broker to practice real estate in Texas. Independent sales agents are not permitted.
Step 6: Complete Mandatory SAE (Sales Agent Apprentice Education)
Within the first two years (before your first renewal), you must complete 98 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE): - Legal Update I (4 hours) - Legal Update II (4 hours) - Elective SAE courses (90 hours)
Renewal fee: $110 for sales agents
No Reciprocity
Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. All 180 hours of prelicense education are required regardless of your license history in other states. However, TREC may review prior education for possible exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
[Start practicing at CARealestate.com/states/texas](https://carealestate.com/states/texas)
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