Thinking about a career in real estate in Dallas–Fort Worth? In Texas, every sales agent is licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and the path follows the same steps for everyone, whether you plan to work in Plano, Frisco, Irving or anywhere else in the state. Here is a plain-language walk-through of what TREC asks for, in the order most applicants tackle it.
Step 1: Check the basic qualifications
TREC lists three starting qualifications for a sales agent applicant:
- You are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted alien.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness and integrity.
If something in your background makes you unsure about that last point, TREC suggests considering a Fitness Determination before you apply. It is a way to ask the Commission about your eligibility before you invest in courses.
Step 2: Complete 180 hours of qualifying education
Texas requires 180 classroom hours of qualifying real estate courses before you apply. The six required courses are 30 hours each:
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Principles of Real Estate I | 30 |
| Principles of Real Estate II | 30 |
| Law of Agency | 30 |
| Law of Contracts | 30 |
| Promulgated Contract Forms | 30 |
| Real Estate Finance | 30 |
Take the courses through a TREC-approved education provider; TREC's website has a search tool for approved courses. When you finish, you receive completion certificates that you will upload with your application. College courses can count only if they match these specific subjects, and TREC notes that a general college transcript usually will not satisfy the requirement. A license from another state, or experience in a related business, does not replace the Texas education either.
Step 3: Apply online in the REALM Portal
Applications are filed through TREC's REALM Portal. Create an account, then choose the Sales Agent Application under "Create Application." Check everything before you press submit: once the application shows "Submitted," changes can't be made. The application requires a fee; check TREC's website for the current amount.
Keep the clock in mind. From the date your application is filed, you have one year to meet all of the license requirements.
Step 4: Fingerprints and background check
Texas law requires your fingerprints to be on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety so a background check can be run. Fingerprints you gave another agency don't count. TREC emails scheduling instructions after your application moves from "Submitted" to "In Review," so there's no need to request a fingerprint letter before then. A license is not issued without a passing background check.
Step 5: Pass the state and national exams
Pearson VUE administers the Texas license exams. After TREC confirms your education is complete, you'll get an email from no-reply@notices.trec.texas.gov explaining how to schedule the state and national portions. Plan your study time: if you fail either portion three times, TREC requires additional education before you can test again.
Step 6: Find a sponsoring broker
Once you've met the requirements, TREC issues an inactive license. You can't practice real estate until an active Texas broker sponsors you. Either you or the broker submits the sponsorship request in the REALM Portal, and your license then moves to active status.
Choosing a sponsor is one of the biggest decisions of a new career. Ask each brokerage how they handle training, supervision, contract review, lead sources and costs, and get the details in writing. Our post on the Information About Brokerage Services notice explains one of the first forms you'll use with clients once you're licensed.
After you're licensed: the first renewal
A Texas sales agent license renews every two years, and the first renewal has its own education requirement, called Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE). Before that first renewal you need:
- The 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course
- Two more 30-hour qualifying courses (60 hours) from TREC's list, such as Real Estate Finance, Appraisal, Law, Marketing, Math, Investments, Residential Inspection for Real Estate Agents or Residential Property Management, Advanced
- TREC Legal Update I and Legal Update II (4 hours each)
That brings your total qualifying education to 270 hours. SAE hours can't be deferred: if they aren't finished in time, the license expires. If your broker makes you a delegated supervisor, you also take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course.
After the first renewal, active agents complete 18 hours of continuing education each two-year period: Legal Update I and II (8 hours total), 3 hours of contract-related coursework and 7 hours of electives.
Your quick checklist
- Confirm the basic qualifications, or request a Fitness Determination.
- Finish all six 30-hour courses and save the certificates as PDFs.
- Apply in the REALM Portal and pay the fee.
- Complete fingerprints with DPS when TREC emails you.
- Schedule and pass the Pearson VUE exams.
- Get sponsored by a broker to activate your license.
- Calendar your SAE courses well before your first renewal date.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current rules and fees on TREC's website before you start. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Already licensed, or close to it? Texas DFW Real Estate sponsors sales agents across Dallas–Fort Worth. Learn how we work on our Join our team page, or contact the broker with questions.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need for a Texas sales agent license?
TREC requires 180 classroom hours: six 30-hour courses (Principles of Real Estate I and II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms and Real Estate Finance).
How long do I have to finish after I apply?
TREC gives applicants one year from the date the application is filed to meet all license requirements, including fingerprints and the exam.
Can I work as an agent as soon as I pass the exam?
Not yet. After you meet the requirements, TREC issues an inactive license. You need a sponsoring Texas broker to move to active status before you can practice.