Real Estate Success Starts Here
6 Steps to Your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License
Thinking about starting a career in real estate?
This page provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to obtaining your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License. From meeting the basic eligibility requirements and completing TREC-approved pre-licensing courses to passing the Texas Sales Agent Licensing Exam and finding a sponsoring broker, we’ve broken down each step to make the process clear and straightforward. If you’re launching a new career into real estate, this guide will help you navigate the licensing process with confidence. Start your journey toward becoming a licensed Texas Real Estate Sales Agent today!
Real Estate Success Starts Here
6 Steps to Your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License
Thinking about starting a career in real estate?
This page provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to obtaining your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License. From meeting the basic eligibility requirements and completing TREC-approved pre-licensing courses to passing the Texas Sales Agent Licensing Exam and finding a sponsoring broker, we’ve broken down each step to make the process clear and straightforward. If you’re launching a new career into real estate, this guide will help you navigate the licensing process with confidence. Start your journey toward becoming a licensed Texas Real Estate Sales Agent today!
Step 1
Enroll in TREC approved Texas Real Estate License courses with School Estate
Estimated time to Complete: 3-6 Weeks
TREC Required Texas Real Estate License courses:
- Principles I
- Principles II
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Finance I
- Promulgated Contract Forms
ENROLL IN A TEXAS SALES AGENT LICENSE PACKAGE HERE
Enroll in one of our Texas Real Estate License Success Packs. All of our Success Packs include all 6 required TREC courses, Exam Prep course, Unlimited Practice Exams, and Live Zoom Study Groups.
Certain elements of your background may disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license. If you are concerned, you can do a Fitness Determination prior to taking your courses and applying for your license.
The courses remain valid for six months from the date of enrollment.
Step 2
Estimated time to Approval: 7 – 10 days
Estimated time to apply: 20 minutes
Cost: $206
- Start at TREC: Visit trec.texas.gov and select “Real Estate Sales Agent” under the “Become Licensed” menu.
- Access the Portal: Click on the REALM Portal link. Sign in, or select Create an Account if you haven’t registered yet.
- File Your Application: Use the legal name found on your government ID to set up your account. Under “TREC – Licenses,” choose “Real Estate – Sales Agent Application” and click “Continue”.
- Submit Payment: Pay the $206 application fee.
- Upload Documents: Upload your course completion certificates and any necessary college transcripts, selecting “Pre-license Certificates” from the dropdown.
Next Steps: Expect an approval letter and your Candidate Handbook within two weeks of TREC receiving your documents.
Important Note: You have exactly one year from your application filing date to complete all licensing requirements. If these steps aren’t finished within that window, your application will expire, and you’ll need to restart the process and pay a new fee.
- TREC Processing Times: Check current wait times.
- Check Application Status: Track your progress here.
Step 3
Fingerprints
All TREC license applicants must complete a criminal history check via fingerprinting.
How to Schedule Your Appointment:
- Check Your Email: Once you file your application, TREC will send you a fingerprinting authorization with specific instructions.
- Use the Portal: If you’ve registered before, you can find the Fingerprint Enrollment tool directly in your REALM Portal.
- Visit IdentoGO: Appointments are handled by IdentoGO at an authorized DPS site.
💡 Pro-Tips for a Smooth Process:
- Specific to TREC: Even if you’ve been fingerprinted for another job or license, you must do it again specifically for TREC.
- Legibility Matters: If your prints are unreadable, IdentoGO will contact you for a free reprint.
- The FBI Check: IdentoGO only collects the prints; TREC and the FBI handle the actual background research.
Step 4
Exam Prep: Master the Exam While You Wait
Once your application is filed, TREC typically takes about two weeks to process your documents and send your examination candidate handbook. This is your window of opportunity. Don’t wait for approval to start studying—use this time to ensure you pass on your very first attempt.
Finish Strong with School Estate
While your pre-license courses provide the foundation, our Texas Sales Agent Exam Prep is specifically designed to bridge the gap between “learning the material” and “passing the test”.
For a limited time, get everything you need for just $169 (Included with our Packages)
- Daily Live Support: Join our Daily Live Zoom Study Groups and Live Zoom Crash Courses to get your questions answered in real-time.
- Expert Guidance: Gain access to 80+ Real Estate Exam Prep Videos and comprehensive National & State Study Guides.
- Unlimited One-on-One Tutoring: We are the only school that offers personalized, unlimited tutoring to ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Practice Like It’s the Real Thing: Sharpen your skills with thousands of TREC Exam Practice Questions tailored to the actual exam format.
Student Success Story: “I received all the necessary tools to succeed and passed both portions of my exam on the first try!” — S Allread, Rowlett, TX.
Download Pearson Vue Materials:
Step 5
Estimated time to apply: 15 minutes
Cost: $43
The State Exam can be scheduled once you receive your TREC approval letter.
Schedule your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent’s Exam with Pearson Vue Online or by phone at (800) 997-1248.
State Exam details:
- National Exam: 80 Questions (+ 5 pre-test questions): 2 hours and 30 minutes – Passing score: 70%
- State Exam: 30 Questions (+ 10 pre-test questions): 1 hour and 30 minutes – Passing score: 70%
- The National exam includes 5 “pretest” questions, and the State exam includes 10. These are unscored questions used to gather data for future exams and do not impact your score.
Step 6
So You’ve Passed the Exam—Now What?
Wondering, “How do I actually start working as an agent now that I’ve passed?” In Texas, passing the exam doesn’t mean you can jump right into the market. You’ll receive an inactive real estate license—a placeholder until you’re officially ready to practice.
The Path to an Active License
To get that active license, you’ll need a sponsoring broker. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires sales agents to work under an experienced broker to ensure they stay on the right side of the law and get the hang of real estate.
Beyond just a requirement, working with a broker is full of perks for a new agent, like:
- Team support and resources to help you learn the ropes
- Office space for meeting clients professionally
- Client leads to help you start earning
- Mentorship and guidance for day-to-day activities
- Brand reputation to give you a leg up in the industry
Start researching brokers in your area before you even take the exam; that way, you’ll have options ready to go once you pass and can get to work faster!
Making Your License Active
Once you’ve chosen a broker, they will need to notify TREC so they can update the records. Your broker will handle any necessary submissions.
Setting Yourself Up for Success as a New Agent
A license is just the start! Here are a few ways to make sure you build a successful career:
- Find a Mentor
Having a mentor will help you skip common rookie mistakes and get a head start. Hopefully, your broker is ready to guide you or can connect you with someone who will. - Keep Learning
The real estate market is always changing, and top agents know the value of ongoing education. Continuing education is a requirement, so choose courses that align with your clients’ needs and market trends. - Become a Local Expert
Sellers and buyers rely on agents for their local expertise. Get to know zoning laws, schools, parks, and future developments in your area. This insight builds trust and makes you indispensable.
Check out our Post-Exam, Pre-Employment To-Do List for Real Estate Agents to get more tips for starting your real estate career strong!
How to Study for Texas Real Estate License Exam
Whether you’ve been studying for weeks or just realized the exam is around the corner, we’ve got tips to help you get ready!
1. Review Your Course Material
At School Estate, we cover everything you’ll see on the state licensing exam—plus, we’ve got chapter summaries and outlines to highlight the essentials.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Fatigue is no friend to test day. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep and keep distractions to a minimum. You’ll thank yourself when you’re clear-headed at test time.
3. Test Early in the Day
According to Major Universities, early testing is the way to go. Schedule your exam in the morning to keep your mind fresh and your focus sharp—no afternoon slump here!
4. Take Practice Exams
Practice exams don’t just test your knowledge; they get you in the right frame of mind for the real thing. A few practice rounds can be the edge you need to pass with confidence.
Ace Your Exam on the First Try with School Estate
We know how important exam prep is, which is why all School Estate students get unlimited practice exams included. Ready to knock it out of the park? We’ve got you covered!
Note: Pearson VUE doesn’t provide calculators. You may bring a hand-held, battery, or solar-powered financial calculator used in real estate, finance, or business, as long as it has no alpha characters.
Download Pearson Vue Materials:
exam Prep for success !
The School Estate Exam Prep Course, included in all packages, features Live Zoom Study Groups and unlimited practice exams.
