All That You Need To Know About Real Estate School and Licensing in Texas

Texas can boast of being among the high-growth real estate markets in the USA with the Lone Star state showing no signs of slowing down in the future. 

Working as a real estate agent or broker in Texas is a dream come true for many aspiring professionals. 

Texas has a strong job outlook, no income tax, and world-class amenities that are highly beneficial to the residents of the state. 

These are among the many reasons why homebuyers and investors are flocking to own real estate in Texas. 

In the past few years, there has been a boom in the Texas real estate market. This has led to increased commissions and earnings for real estate professionals practicing in the state. 

Hence, it is the right time for aspiring real estate agents and brokers to enter the profession in Texas and reap the benefits. 

However, to start your career in the real estate industry, it is necessary to get a license first

What is the Time Taken To Go Through Real Estate School?

Factors Affecting the Duration of Real Estate School

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Texas?

There isn’t a specific, one-size-fits-all answer to this question as there are many steps involved in obtaining a license. 

Firstly, you will have to fulfill the basic eligibility requirements. Post this, at, you can move forward in completing your licensing application process.

Completing the mandatory education and coursework alone is worth a duration of a few weeks to a few months. 

Background verification of past criminal record or felony, if any, also takes some time. 

It takes about a year to complete all the steps necessary to get a Texas real estate license.  

Average Time to Complete Real Estate School in Texas

As per the guidelines of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), all aspiring real estate agents must go through 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework. There is no time limit within which to complete the course.  

The 180-hour coursework has six courses of 30 hours duration each. 

Below is a list of the six courses you will have to go through during real estate school: 

• Principles of Real Estate 1 
• Principles of Real Estate 2
• Law of Contracts
• Law of Agency
• Real Estate Finance
• Contract Forms 

The next question frequently asked is how long it takes to complete real estate school in Texas. 

As per TREC guidelines, a student is not permitted to complete more than 12 hours of coursework in a day. Hence, the minimum time to complete 180 hours of coursework is 15 days

Note that for a real estate broker’s license in Texas, the total coursework duration is 270 hours.

Accelerated Programs for Real Estate School

To address this need of students who want to complete the coursework quickly, many real estate schools offeraccelerated learning programs. 

This is the fastest way to get a real estate license in Texas for aspiring real estate professionals. 

These programs help motivate students to complete the pre-licensing coursework faster than the time usually taken by others. 

An accelerated learning program helps you to complete the pre-licensing course within 3-6 weeks. 

Another benefit of accelerated training programs is that you can go through them online. All that you need is an Internet-enabled device to study from anywhere and anytime. 

Most real estate schools and online course providers offer a moneyback guarantee if you are not satisfied with their teaching methodology.

Time Taken to Get a Real Estate License in Texas

What is the Process To Get a Texas Real Estate License? 

As a real estate agent, you can work at your own pace, set your working hours, and even plan your targets and goals. 

Here are the steps you need to follow to obtain a state-approved license: 

Step 1: Check and meet the basic eligibility requirements

Firstly, you must be at least 18 years of age (or older), be an American citizen, and have proof of residency in the state of Texas. 

Lastly, you must have a clean history and no record of crime, felony, or any unethical conduct.

As an applicant, you can also determine your eligibility by completing a background check via a fitness determination. 

You must submit your fingerprints for background verification to the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Step 2: Go through the 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework

All aspiring real estate agents and brokers in Texas must complete pre-licensing coursework as required by TREC. For agents, it is 6 subjects each of 30 hours for a total of 180 hours. For brokers, the coursework is 270 hours.  

This step is crucial to move forward with your licensing process. As per the TREC, every applicant must fulfill the mandatory coursework requirements. 

You have an entire year to complete your mandatory pre-licensing coursework. However, you can choose to speed up the process and complete it sooner. 

Step 3: Complete and submit your licensing application

You must apply online for a real estate license on the website of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Start by creating an account with the TREC and applying for a license along with a fee of $200.  

Step 4: Get fingerprinted

TREC also requires all applicants to submit a digital copy of their fingerprints for background verification purposes. 

To do so, you can visit any of the state-approved electronic fingerprinting centers by scheduling an appointment. 

You will have to submit an electronic copy of your digital fingerprints along with your real estate licensing application. 

Step 5: Appear for the licensing exam and pass it.

Pass the 4-hour licensing examby getting at least 70% of the questions right. The exam may be taken online at any state-approved center or in the presence of a proctor.  

Step 6: Find a broker to sponsor you 

As the last step, you must find a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm who will be willing to sponsor you. 

This way, you can activate your real estate agent license and gain industry experience. 

Timeframe for Completing Real Estate Licensing Process in Texas

The next most important question is how long does it takes to get a real estate license in Texas.

The time taken to complete the whole process of getting a license from scratch is about 8-12 months. Motivated and hard-working students can do so in 4 to 6 months. 

The only limit as per the TREC regulations is that you cannot complete more than 12 hours of coursework in a single day. 

Texas Real Estate Course

Overview of the Texas Real Estate Course

As per Texas Real Estate License Commission guidelines, completing 180 hours of pre-licensing coursework is mandatory to get a license. 

The coursework is formulated to give you an understanding of the key fundamentals and principles of the real estate industry.

The coursework comprises six basic and intermediate courses with 30-hour duration set for each course. These include:

• Principles of Real Estate 1 & 2
• Real Estate Finance
• Law of Contracts
• Law of Agency
• Promulgated Contract Forms

Always select a state-approved school or online course provider to enroll for real estate pre-licensing coursework.