How to get a Real Estate License in Texas

Texas, the Lone Star State! Home of the Longhorn and the Alamo, Texas is also the birthplace of the Ryan Express, a.k.a. Nolan Ryan and Dr. Pepper. Thank you, Wikipedia and Mr. May’s A.P. U.S. History class. 

But enough history class! You don’t need to be a history teacher to become a real estate agent in Texas, although teachers can make great agents. You don’t even need a college degree to start your real estate career, although it will help if you study real estate.

This blog will cover how to get a Texas Real Estate Sales Agent and Broker license and getting a license through reciprocity.

Qualifications & Steps

To qualify to become a real estate sales agent is easy on paper. You must be 18 years of age and have a good moral character. The harder part is the pre-license education and knowledge check.

Texas requires that all new sales agent applicants must complete 180 hours of qualifying pre-license education that includes a heavy emphasis on real estate law. “What other kind of law would it cover?” That’s a good question. You’ll learn about contract and property law, as well as licensing law and how a real estate company must operate in Texas. You will also take a course final exam and pass with a score of at least 70% for sales agents and brokers.

You will take the licensing exam through PearsonVue.  Candidates must complete their pre-license education, apply to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and then take the state licensing exam. 

Getting a Texas Brokers License

Getting the next level of real estate license is similar to getting your initial sales agent license. 

Becoming a broker is virtually the same as a sales agent. You will complete the pre-license education, apply to TREC, and then take the state licensing exam. 

There are a few more wrinkles in the process to get a broker license: you must have been licensed as a sales agent for four years, have at least 360 experience points from real estate transactions, and have completed 630 hours of additional real-estate-related education (which can be done with a bachelor’s degree). If you have all of these and completed 270 hours of qualifying education, you can apply to TREC and take the state broker licensing exam.

Texas Waiver & Exemption          

Texas has one of the more unique licensing processes for people who are already licensed in other states. Currently, Texas has no reciprocal agreements with any states. That doesn't necessarily mean a broker in another state can't become a Texas licensee.

If you are already licensed in any other state, you will still be subject to the same license requirements as a resident. However, Texas may waive all or part of the education requirements for an applicant licensed in another state for at least two years. They will examine each applicant on a case-by-case basis. 

The Commission also allows Texas licensed attorneys to forgo broker pre-license education and become licensed as a broker if they pass the broker licensing exam. If you have any questions about the Texas Real Estate Commission or getting licensed in Texas or other states, do not hesitate to contact our License Law specialists.