Learn About Licensing
Our programs can help you meet the requirements to qualify for the license you need to pursue your career goals.
Review qualification requirements To apply for your license, you must meet the following qualifications: File the application online or by mail Submit the application and fee to become a Sales Agent using TREC's Online Services.
If you do not already have a username and password for the Online Services, you should
register online or apply for the Sales Agent license using TREC's paper application. Get fingerprints for a background check You are required by law to have fingerprints on file with the Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) so a background check can be performed. Fingerprints on file for
other agencies will not be accepted. A license will not be issued if the background
check has not been passed. Expect a delay if you are notified of an investigation
into your background history. Submit qualifying education You must prove completion of a total of 180 classroom hours (30 classroom hours per
course) of the following qualifying real estate courses: Take the exam License exams are administered by PearsonVUE, a testing service company. You will
be sent a notice with instructions for scheduling the exam and obtaining a copy of
the exam Candidate Handbook. If you fail the exam three times, additional education
will be necessary. Find a sponsor After meeting the above requirements, you will be issued an inactive license. You
need to be sponsored by an active Texas licensed broker to work. You can complete
a sponsorship request using TREC's online services. Once the broker has accepted the
request, an active license will be issued, and you can work as a sales agent.Steps to Become a Sales Agent
* Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients do not qualify as a lawfully
admitted alien
** Applicants may consider requesting a Fitness Determination form before applying for the license
Submit course completion documents to TREC after applying online or with the paper
application. After completing course work, you are welcome to submit a course and
instructor evaluation. If you completed any of the above qualifying real estate courses
through an accredited college/university for academic credit, submit a transcript
for evaluation.
Get Your Broker License
To apply for your license, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien*
- 18 years of age or older
- Meet TREC’s qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity**
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients do not qualify as a lawfully
admitted alien
** Applicants may consider requesting a Fitness Determination form before applying for the license.
You must prove completion of a total of 270 classroom hours (30 classroom hours per course), including the following mandatory real estate courses:
- Principles of Real Estate I
- Principles of Real Estate II
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Promulgated Contract Forms
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Brokerage (must be completed no longer than two years before the application date)
An additional 630 classroom hours in related qualifying courses acceptable to TREC or approved Continuing Education (CE) courses are also required.
- Browse the list of TREC-approved elective qualifying courses
- Browse a list of course topics acceptable for related qualifying course credit if completed for academic credit through a college or university
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university satisfies all of the related education requirements for a broker license. A copy of the college transcript awarding the degree must be submitted as evidence of completion of the degree.
You may submit course completion documents to TREC after applying online or with a paper application. After completing course work, you are welcome to submit a course and instructor evaluation.
You must also meet the following experience requirements:
- Have at least four years’ active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent or broker during the 60-month period preceding the filing of the application.
- Experience must total 3600 points and be reported on the Qualifying Experience Report for a Broker License.
- You must also include a transaction identification list for each transaction claimed on the experience report.
Submit the application and fee to become a Sales Agent using TREC's Online Services. If you do not already have a username and password for the Online Services, either register online or apply for the Sales Agent license using TREC's paper application.
You are required by law to have fingerprints on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) so a background check can be performed. Fingerprints on file for other agencies will not be accepted. A license will not be issued if the background check has not been passed. Expect a delay if you are notified of an investigation into your background history.
License exams are administered by PearsonVUE, a testing service company. You will be sent a notice with instructions for scheduling the exam and obtaining a copy of the exam Candidate Handbook. If you fail the exam three times, additional education will be necessary.
