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Texas real estate license guide

How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas (2026 Guide)

Use this guide to see exactly how to get licensed in Texas, including your pre-license education, exam path, published fees, renewal rules, and the right class options for your next step.

Pre-license education

180 hours

Estimated cost range

$486–$1,546+

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Continuing education

18 hours every 2 years

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If you already know you want to move forward, use this direct path to review the matching class options without losing your place in the licensing process.

Quick licensing snapshot
180 hours of qualifying education before the licensing application path can move forward.
$486–$1,546+ estimated total when published fees and typical course costs are considered together.
Pearson VUE currently handles the exam or exam scheduling process for this jurisdiction.
Every 2 years renewal timing with 18 hours every 2 years expected after licensing.
Exact steps to get licensed in Texas
1
Confirm eligibility for a Texas real estate license. Typically 18 or older; verify with the state regulator. High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; verify any state-specific exception.
2
Complete 180 hours of state-required pre-license education and retain your completion records.
3
Prepare for and pass the Pearson VUE licensing exam. The published exam fee is $43.00.
4
Complete the application and background-check process. The published application or initial license fee is $206.00; the listed background-check or fingerprint cost is $37.00.
5
Finish the remaining Texas-specific licensing steps: Submit application and fee to TREC; then Find a sponsoring broker to activate license.
6
After licensure, renew every 2 years and complete 18 hours every 2 years as required.
Requirements and fee breakdown

Age and eligibility

Typically 18 or older; verify with the state regulator.

Education baseline

High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; verify any state-specific exception.

Pre-license hours180 hours
Exam providerPearson VUE
Exam fee$43.00
Application or initial license fee$206.00
Background check / fingerprint fee$37.00
Renewal cycleEvery 2 years
Continuing education18 hours every 2 years
Get the Texas pre-license checklist

Enter your email to save a simple checklist of the steps, costs, and deadlines you should keep track of while working toward your Texas license.

Use this checklist request whenever you want a simple way to keep your next steps organized.

Start classes only after the requirements are clear

The best time to compare Texas real estate classes is after you understand the published requirements. Once you know the hours, renewal cycle, exam route, and expected fees, you can choose the right education option with much better context.

Start with the licensing rules here, then move to the matching course page on UniversityOfSuccess.com when you are ready to compare classes or enroll.

Start Classes Here!

Choose the Texas classes that match what you need next.

If you are ready to move forward, choose prelicense classes to start your education or CE classes if you are already licensed and need renewal coursework.

Choose Prelicense Classes if you are starting your real estate education in Texas.
Choose CE Classes if you already hold a license and need renewal or continuing education hours.
Frequently asked questions about Texas licensing

How many pre-license hours are required in Texas?

Texas requires 180 hours of pre-license education before you complete the remaining application and examination steps. Keep your course completion record because the regulator or exam process may require it.

Who administers the Texas real estate licensing exam and what does it cost?

The listed exam provider for Texas is Pearson VUE, and the published exam fee is $43.00. Confirm the current fee and scheduling rules with the official Texas regulator before registering.

How much should I budget to get a real estate license in Texas?

The current planning range shown for Texas is $486–$1,546+. That estimate reflects a published application or initial license fee of $206.00, an exam fee of $43.00, a listed background-check or fingerprint cost of $37.00, and variable education costs.

How often is a Texas real estate license renewed?

The listed renewal cycle is Every 2 years. The continuing-education requirement shown for that cycle is 18 hours every 2 years. Verify the active deadline and any first-renewal exceptions with the official regulator before filing.

Compare nearby licensing paths

Use these related guides if you are deciding where to practice or if you want to compare education hours, costs, and renewal rules across nearby markets before you move forward.