How to get a
Texas Real Estate License

6 Easy Steps to Obtaining a Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License

Thinking about getting a real estate license? Follow these 6 essential steps below and you’re on your way to an exciting new career!

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Step 1:

Complete Education Requirements

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Step 2:

Submit Online Application to TREC

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Step 3:

Take Exam Prep Class and Practice Exams

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Step 4:

Pass the State Exam at Pearson Vue

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Step 5:

File Background Check and Fingerprints

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Step 6:

Find a sponsoring broker

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Basic Requirements to Apply for a Texas Real Estate License

  • Citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Meet TREC's qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity (TREC recommends submitting an optional 'Fitness Determination' form if you have any criminal offenses, unpaid judgments, etc.) The Fitness Determination process is cheaper than paying for an application, examination, and education necessary to receive a license if you do not meet the qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Please do not submit a Fitness Determination form if you do not have any criminal offenses or already have a pending application with TREC. Please refer to the TREC website for more information on the topic of fitness determination.
Icon - Complete Education Requirements

Step 1: Complete the 6 Required Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Courses

These six, 30-hour Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) courses are required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) in order to meet the educational requirements for your Texas Real Estate License.

  • Principles of Real Estate 1
  • Principles of Real Estate 2
  • Law of Agency
  • Law of Contracts
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Promulgated Contract Forms
Estimated Time:
3 - 6 Weeks
Estimated Cost:
$980 - $1698
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Icon - Submit Online Application to TREC

Step 2: Create an Account in TREC's 'My License' System. Submit Online Application and Course Certificates for an Inactive License

Once you have completed your courses with Champions School of Real Estate, gather your course completion certificates and go to www.trec.texas.gov, click on "Real Estate Sales Agent" in the "Become Licensed" dropdown menu at the top of the page.

  • Under "File Your Application," click "Online Services."
  • On the login screen, under "New User," click "Begin Here for Sign-Up."
  • Fill out all the required information to set up your account and follow the instructions.

All applicants for a real estate license are considered inactive until they are sponsored by a Texas Real Estate Broker. Once you have passed the state exam and found a sponsoring Broker, you are considered an active Real Estate Sales Agent in the state of Texas.

Fax (512-936-3864) OR Email (documents@trec.texas.gov) the following:

  • A copy of ALL course completion certificates
  • Include college transcripts if applicable
  • FAX: Use your application receipt as your cover sheet
  • Email: Attach certificates and receipt. Include your name and address in the body of the email.

If you already have a sponsoring broker, the Broker Sponsorship can be completed and submitted to TREC at any time, but you will not receive an active license until you have a sponsoring Broker.

Once the application is filed and all documents sent to TREC, it may take up to 14 business days to receive a response.

Please Note - You have one year from the filing date of your Application for Inactive Real Estate Sales Agent License to meet all of the requirements for a real estate license. If the requirements are not met within that year, your application expires and you must submit a new one.

Application Processing Times - TREC has set up the following page to communicate the current TREC processing times to license applicants. - TREC Processing Times.

Check Application Status - TREC has set up the following page to allow applicants to check the status of their existing license application. If you have submitted an application and are wondering about the status, this is a good place to start. - Check Application Status.

Estimated Time:
7 - 14 Business Days
Estimated Cost:
$205 Application Fee
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Icon - Take Exam Prep Class and Practice Exams

Step 3: Take the State Exam Prep Class at Champions School of Real Estate

Once you have submitted your application to TREC, it can take them as long as four weeks to review your application and education. During this review period, we highly recommend that you complete the Real Estate Exam Prep course to ensure that you are prepared for the State and National Exam. This class will take the guesswork and stress out of testing. You may repeat the course as many times as you want for a full year at no additional cost to you! We recommend taking the Prep class at least two times and passing with an 80% or better before taking the actual exam.

Estimated Time:
2 - 4 Days
Estimated Cost:
$120 (included in package)
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Icon - Pass the State Exam at Pearson Vue

Step 4: Receive Your Exam Eligibility Notification from TREC and Schedule the State Exam at Pearson VUE

Once you receive the eligibility letter from TREC, you must sign up to take the state exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. Your exam eligibility letter will include instructions for contacting the exam administrator and obtaining a copy of the Candidate Handbook. The Candidate Handbook contains information about the examination, study material, and instructions for making an exam reservation. You can call Pearson Vue at 800-997-1248 to schedule your exam. Walk-in examinations are not available.

  • The cost for the exam is $43 payable to Pearson Vue and must be paid at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check. Payment will not be accepted at the test center. Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Candidates must bring two forms of current signature identification ID to the testing center the day of your exam. The primary ID must be government issued and photo-bearing. No personal items are allowed in the exam. Calculators are not required but are recommended. Cell phone calculators are not allowed.
  • There are two portions to the state exam; a national portion and a state portion. The national portion has 85 questions (which includes 5 pretest questions) and you have 150 minutes to complete it. The state portion has 40 questions (which include 5 pretest questions) and you have 90 minutes to complete this portion. Pretest questions are not identified and will not affect a candidate's score in any way.
  • Passing Scores:
    • National Examination: Must answer 56 questions correctly to pass.
    • State Examination: Must answer 21 questions correctly to pass.

Please Note - You must pass the State Exam within one year of submitting your Application for Inactive Real Estate Sales Agent License. If either portion of the exam is failed three times, you are required to take an additional 30-hours of qualifying education before you can register for re-examination.

Estimated Time:
7 - 10 Business Days
Estimated Cost:
$43 Exam Fee
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Icon - File Background Check and Fingerprints

Step 5: Get Your Fingerprints Taken and Pass Your Background Check

While taking the State Exam Prep course it is recommended that you have your fingerprinting done. Pursuant to §1101.3521 of the Texas Real Estate License Act, any person applying for a broker or salesperson license must be fingerprinted specifically for TREC and pass a background history check before a license will issue. If you schedule your fingerprinting after passing your state exam, your license will not issue until TREC receives your criminal history report from the DPS and the FBI and clears your background history check.

Electronic fingerprinting is encouraged by TREC and costs ($41.45). To have this done visit the TREC website and follow these steps to schedule an appointment and complete your fingerprinting/background check:

  • Select "Real Estate Sales Agent" from the "Become Licensed" dropdown menu.
  • Under "Get Your Fingerprints Taken and Pass Your Background Check," click on "Fingerprints."
  • Search for your account using either your TREC ID or first name, last name, and birth date to obtain your "Get IdentoGO ID."
  • You can now use your IdentoGO ID _______ to schedule an appointment at the IdentgoGO website.
  • Please remember to bring your TREC exam eligibility letter to your fingerprinting appointment. You will not receive a fingerprint card as it will be sent electronically to the DPS and the FBI. The fingerprinting agent will give you a receipt of services. Save this receipt for your records.
  • You also can call (888) 467-2080 to schedule your fingerprints. You will need your TREC ID number from the eligibility letter.
Estimated Time:
7 - 10 Business Days
Estimated Cost:
$38.25 Fingerprinting Fee
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Icon - Find a sponsoring broker

Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker

All real estate Sales Agents must work under the sponsorship of a licensed broker. Begin by searching for brokers in your area. Reach out and inform them that you’re getting your real estate license and need sponsorship. It is wise to begin this process even before taking your exam.

During your subsequent interview(s) with brokers, try asking them these questions to determine if the brokerage is a good fit.

To become an active sales agent, you must submit a sponsoring broker form to TREC. Your active sales agent license will arrive in an email to both you and your sponsoring broker. You can then look up your public license number under TREC's License Holder Search feature on their website.

Congratulations! You’re a licensed real estate agent in the state of Texas.

For More Information...

Most Popular Real Estate License Programs
Choose a Program to Enroll

To purchase a package, choose your preferred delivery method from the appropriate dropdown below. To mix-and-match multiple delivery methods, you can choose the Champions Advantage option.

6 Course Licensing Program

$980$1240
SAVE $260

Courses included:

  • Six 30-Hour QE Courses
  • Real Estate Exam Prep Course (National & State)

Additional details:

  • FREE Books / PDFs Included
  • FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
  • FREE Exam Proctoring
  • 180 TREC Credit Hours
This basic program includes everything you need to apply for a license and prepare for the state licensing exam.

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6 Course Licensing Program + Business Etiquette

$1134$1439
SAVE $305

Courses included:

  • Six 30-Hour QE Courses
  • Real Estate Exam Prep Course (National & State)
  • Success Through Business Etiquette

Additional details:

  • FREE Books / PDFs Included
  • FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
  • FREE Exam Proctoring
  • 180 TREC Credit Hours
Develop your professional demeanor with our popular 'Business Etiquette' course.

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9 Course Licensing and Renewal Program

$1445$1815
SAVE $370

Courses included:

  • Six 30-Hour QE Courses
  • Real Estate Exam Prep Course (National & State)
  • Three 30-Hour SAE Renewal Courses
  • 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
  • 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2

Additional details:

  • FREE Books / PDFs Included
  • FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
  • FREE Exam Proctoring
  • 278 TREC Credit Hours
Includes the 98-hours of SAE credit needed to renew your license within your first two years as a licensed Agent.

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11 Course Licensing and Renewal Program + Success Tools

$1698$2108
SAVE $410

Courses included:

  • Six 30-Hour QE Courses
  • Real Estate Exam Prep Course (National & State)
  • Three 30-Hour SAE Renewal Courses
  • 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
  • 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
  • Success Through Business Etiquette

Additional details:

  • FREE Books / PDFs Included
  • FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
  • FREE Exam Proctoring
  • 30 Days to Success Coaching Videos
  • "Successful Tendencies of Real Estate Champions" Book
  • 278 TREC Credit Hours
Includes all of the education and resources you will need to jump start your career in Real Estate!

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Set Your Real Estate License Education Course Schedule.
Classroom, Online, or in the Virtual Classroom!

Blended Classroom

Do you enjoy independent study but also want live instruction? This delivery combines both! Spend half your time studying at home, then attend class at a brick-and-mortar campus.

Please Note - This delivery method is only applicable to real estate QE and SAE courses.

Virtual Classroom

Attend live classes from the comfort of your home! Our ChampionsLive virtual classrooms are perfect for students who prefer at-home learning, but also want live instruction.

Online Interactive

Perfect for independent learners, this delivery is completely self-paced and includes videos and activities. Accessible from any mobile or desktop device with an internet connection.

Learn More

Please Note - This delivery method is only available for all QE, select SAE and CE courses.

Online Correspondence

Do you learn best at your own pace? Through this delivery method, you get the textbook and teach yourself. Then, when you’re ready, take the test either online or at a Champions campus!

Sample Course

Please Note - This method is only available for real estate QE/SAE/CE and some home inspection courses.

Champions Advantage Logo

Select the "Champions Advantage" option when you enroll to customize your learning experience. This option allows you to choose different delivery methods for each course in the program. Learn More.

Individual Real Estate QE Courses

Each of the courses listed below are required by TREC in order to attain a Texas Real Estate License. All of the courses are also available at a discounted rate when purchased together in one of the QE programs listed above.

Principles of Real Estate 1

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

An extensive introduction to Real Estate terminology and professional obligations.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course provides students with an extensive foundational understanding of Real Estate terminology and professional obligations. It is designed to ensure each student has a full understanding of the real estate licensing terms covered on the state and national portions of the Texas Real Estate Sales Agent Exam.

Topics Covered Include: TREC & TRELA, Deeds & Title, Appraisal Closing, Math, Federal Laws, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #121

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Principles of Real Estate 2

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

Further your understanding of Real Estate terminology and professional obligations.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course is designed to build upon the real estate terminology and professional obligations learned in Principles of Real Estate 1. Students will gain insight into a day in the life of a Real Estate agent by better understanding all career aspects they will touch as they go through their day-to-day activities as a Real Estate Sales Agent. Additionally, this course insures students will fully understand their obligations according to the rules of the Texas Real Estate Licensing Act.

Topics Covered Include: Introduction to Real Estate, Transferring Title, Lending Practices, Federal Fair Housing Act, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #122

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Law of Agency

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

Learn the basics of Agency including history, senate bills, and the Listing Agreement.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course has been designed to provide students with all the information they need to pass questions covering Law of Agency issues on the state and national portions of the Texas Real Estate Sales Agent exam. In addition to the basics, students will learn important information to enable them to be successful once they obtain their real estate license.

Topics Covered Include: The history of Agency, Senate Bill 489 and the Intermediary, The Listing Agreement (Representing the Seller/Buyer), Employment Law, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #1151

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Law of Contracts

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

Learn to better understand Real Estate Contracts via a hands-on approach.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course will enable the agent to better understand the contracts and addenda. It will take a hands-on approach to filling in the blanks with the correct information through individual case studies using example TREC and TAR forms. This course enables the student to have self-confidence when working with buyers and sellers by understanding correct contract procedures.

Topics Covered Include: TREC Rules, the Texas Real Estate License Act, Legal Principles of Real Estate, Deed of Trust, Contracts for the Sale of Real Estate, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #1251

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Real Estate Finance

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

Learn all about the specialized financial procedures used in Real Estate.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course provides a sound understanding of the specialized financing procedures that are used today in the Real Estate industry. It covers information pertaining to regulated lenders, interest rates, mortgage documents, commercial and residential loans.

Topics Covered Include: Money and interest rates, regulated lenders, the secondary market, mortgage documents, borrower qualification, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #451

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Promulgated Contract Forms

30 Credit Hours (TREC)

Learn the ins-and-outs of the Texas Real Estate Commission Promulgated Contract Forms.

This Real Estate Pre-Licensing course is approved by TREC and must be completed in order to get a Real Estate license in Texas. The course will teach you the ins and outs of the Texas Real Estate Commission Promulgated Contract Forms. It provides a paragraph-by-paragraph break down of the One-to-Four Family Contract and points out the similarities and differences in the Promulgated Contracts.

Topics Covered Include: Unlawful practice of law, One to Four Family Residential contract, New Home Contract (Incomplete/Completed Construction), Farm and Ranch Contract, TREC Promulgated Addenda, and more!

  • Textbooks / PDFs included
  • Proctoring costs included
  • TREC Provider #4530
  • TREC Course #351

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