How Much Does It Cost to Get a Texas Real Estate License?

The potential earnings as a real estate agent are limitless. But how much does it cost to get a Texas real estate license in the first place? Licenses are issued by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which requires several steps first to prepare, get the license, and then make it active. We’ll explain what you can expect to pay for each step, from pre-license courses to the exam, application, and beyond.

Real Estate Education

Aspiring Texas agents must complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education courses to help prepare for a career in real estate. The courses cover topics like real estate principles, law, contracts, and finance.  There is a proctored exam at the end of each course. License Classroom offers self-paced, online courses in one convenient Texas pre-licensing package, with proctored exams and an exam prep program included at no extra cost. Our courses are also available to purchase individually. Finish your courses on your own time and in the comfort of your own home!

Education Cost: $450

Application Fees

Submit your application to get a Texas real estate license to TREC, either online or by mail. There is a $150 application fee plus an additional $35 in fees for online payments and research purposes. You’ll also need to get fingerprinted for $38.25 (if not on file) as part of the required background check.

Application Cost: $224

Exam Prep

Some may find the license exam challenging, as only three attempts are allowed before additional education is required. Boost your confidence and improve your odds of success with License Classroom’s Exam Prep Program. Comprehensive and effective, it covers all the important topics you need for the National and State portions of the exam. Reduce your study stress with real-time feedback, unlimited practice exams, and our money-back satisfaction guarantee. If you purchase our 180-hour pre-licensing package, the exam prep is included free of charge.

Exam Prep Cost: $0 (with purchase of the 180-hour pre-licensing package)

Exam Fees

You must take the Texas Real Estate License Exam, consisting of 125 questions and divided into National and State portions. The exam must be taken in person and is administered by Pearson Vue. The cost is $43 per attempt. Immediately after completing the test, you’ll be given a document with a pass or fail grade. When you pass both portions with at least 70% or higher, TREC will review your application documents and issue you an inactive license (pending broker sponsorship).

Exam Cost: $43

TREC will issue you an active license once you secure a sponsoring broker. Each brokerage has its own fees in exchange for its resources and expertise, so the amount you pay depends on the brokerage you choose. They often compete for new agents, so interview different brokerages until you find one that best fits your needs and goals.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Texas Real Estate License?

The total cost to get your Texas real estate license typically falls under $1,000 (depending on your sponsoring brokerage’s initial membership dues). Considering there’s no ceiling to what you can make as a real estate agent, that’s an attractive investment for many aspiring agents. A thriving real estate career comes from a solid foundation built upon the right education provider, a supportive brokerage, and active engagement in local associations.

REALTOR® Association Dues

Agents aren’t required to join a REALTOR® association, but membership offers many benefits, including enhanced professional recognition, access to valuable resources, discounts, networking, and more. Joining a local association includes enrollment in both the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR). After an initial application fee, you will typically have a prorated annual membership fee based on the month you join. Here is what you can expect to pay for annual membership in several major Texas regions:

• Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR): $1,469
• MetroTEX Association of REALTORS®: $1,240
• Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR): $825
• San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR): $1,079