Texas Real Estate Exam and Licensing Guide

Thinking about becoming a real estate salesperson or broker in Texas? Here's a concise overview of the steps, requirements, and key contacts you'll need to get started.

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Texas Real Estate License Requirements

For Salespersons

• Age and Residency: Must be at least 18 years old and a Texas resident.

• Character Standards: The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires applicants to meet standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. If uncertain, you can file a Moral Character Determination form.

• Education Requirements: Complete 180 hours of pre-license education covering core real estate topics.

• Application Process: Submit your application online or via paper form (additional $20 fee for paper).

• Background Check and Fingerprinting: Required background check and fingerprinting services cost $64.

• Sponsorship Requirement: You'll need an active Texas-licensed broker to sponsor you before your license can be activated.

• Exam and Fees: Take and pass the Pearson VUE real estate exam ($54) and pay the TREC licensing fee ($205).

For Brokers

• Basic Requirements: Must be 18+, a Texas resident, or have recent licensure in another state.

• Experience and Education: Complete 270 hours of approved education and have at least 4 years of active experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker within the last 5 years.

• Application and Background Check: Submit your application to TREC, complete the fingerprinting and background check.

• Exam and Fees: Pass the Texas broker exam ($54) and pay the licensing fee ($305).

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Exam Outline and Resources

Texas Real Estate Exam Outline

Access crucial information regarding the Pearson VUE Texas Real Estate Exam. Download and read the participant booklet to fully understand the test-taking process:

Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook (PDF)

Passing Scores

• Salesperson Exam: 85 national questions and 40 state-specific questions.

  • Passing Score: Correctly answer 56 national and 21 state-specific questions.

• Broker Exam: 85 national questions and 50 state-specific questions.

  • Passing Score: Correctly answer 60 national and 30 state-specific questions.

• Time Allowed: 4 hours to complete either exam.

What to Bring on Exam Day

• Two matching forms of ID with signatures; one must be government-issued with a photo (e.g., driver's license, passport).

• A basic, silent, non-scientific calculator (optional).

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Important Texas Real Estate Contacts

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

• Address: Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701

• Phone: 512-936-3000

• Website: www.trec.state.tx.us

• Email: information@trec.texas.gov

Texas Association of Realtors

• Address: 1115 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78701-1906

• Phone: 512-480-8200

• Website: www.texasrealestate.com

• Email: info@texasrealtors.com

Pearson VUE Testing Service

• Address: 5601 Green Valley Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437

• Phone: 952-681-3000

• Website: home.pearsonvue.com