CE requirements for Texas real estate license renewal

Texas real estate license holders must renew every two years and complete continuing education (CE) to keep their licenses active. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) administers all real estate license renewals and sets the CE real estate requirements that sales agents and brokers must meet. This guide covers the renewal process, education requirements for first-time and subsequent renewals, broker-specific CE, and the consequences of missing deadlines.

Texas real estate license renewal process

Texas real estate license holders renew online through the TREC REALM Portal. TREC, not the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), is the sole regulator for all real estate license renewals. Some licensees search for TDLR renewal information, but TREC handles every aspect of real estate licensing in Texas.

TREC recommends completing all education at least 10 days before the expiration date so credits appear in the system before the renewal application is submitted.

Renewal fees depend on the license type and timing. The TREC fee schedule^[1], effective December 15, 2025, sets the following totals:

An inactive renewal requires no CE, but the license holder cannot engage in real estate brokerage activity while inactive.

Submitting your renewal application

The renewal process is handled entirely online through TREC's system.

First-time sales agent renewal: SAE requirements

Sales agents renewing for the first time must complete 98 hours of new coursework known as Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE). The 98 hours consist of a 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course, 60 hours of qualifying education (two 30-hour courses from the TREC-approved list), and 8 hours of TREC Legal Update I and II (4 hours each), as listed on the TREC sales agent renewal page^[2]. After completing the 98 hours, the licensee's record shows a cumulative total of 270 qualifying education hours: the original 180 pre-licensing hours plus 90 SAE hours, confirmed by TREC's Individual Renewal Form RF-12^[3]. The 98 hours is the coursework to take at renewal; the 270 is the total on record afterward.

SAE hours cannot be deferred. If a first-time renewing sales agent has not completed the required SAE coursework by the expiration date, the license expires, unlike the CE deferral option available for subsequent renewals.

Continuing education for subsequent renewals

After the first renewal, sales agents must complete approved continuing education during each license period. Under 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 535.92, effective February 1, 2021, the Contract-Related coursework is a separate requirement, not part of the elective hours. The TREC continuing education page^[4] confirms this allocation.

18-hour CE course breakdown

Meeting the CE requirement

The total hours and course categories are set by TREC rule and apply to every renewal after the first.

Broker license renewal and CE requirements

Brokers must complete 18 hours of CE per renewal cycle, with a different course allocation when the Broker Responsibility Course applies. Brokers who sponsor one or more sales agents, designated brokers for business entities, and delegated supervisors must complete the 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course as part of their 18 hours. The TREC broker renewal page^[5] confirms that the Contract-Related course is required for all brokers, including those who also complete the Broker Responsibility Course.

Broker CE course allocation

Meeting the broker CE requirement

The hour allocation for broker renewal depends on whether the licensee sponsors agents or serves as a delegated supervisor.

What happens if CE is not complete on time

If TREC records do not show completed CE when an active renewal application is submitted, the licensee must pay a $200 CE Deferral Fee or renew on inactive status. The $200 fee, listed on the TREC fee schedule^[1] effective December 15, 2025, provides an additional 60 days from the expiration date to finish the coursework. If CE is not completed within that 60-day window, TREC places the license on inactive status.

TREC's Individual Renewal Form RF-12^[3] also states that completing CE more than 60 days after the license expiration date triggers an additional $250 late reporting fee. This $250 fee does not appear on the current TREC fee schedule, so its current status is uncertain.

The CE deferral option applies only to second and subsequent renewals. First-time SAE requirements cannot be deferred.

Late renewal, reinstatement, and expired licenses

A license that is not renewed on time follows a tiered path with increasing fees and restrictions. The fees for each tier appear in the table in the renewal section above.

• Within 90 days late: The licensee pays a late renewal fee and may remain active if CE is complete.
• 90 days to 6 months late: The license renews on inactive status. CE cannot be deferred with a late renewal, and the licensee cannot practice.
• 6 months to 2 years late: The licensee must apply for reinstatement through the TREC REALM Portal^[2].
• After 2 years: The licensee must reapply as a new applicant and pass the state examination.

Finding and completing CE courses

TREC regulates which providers can offer CE and in what formats. Licensees can search for approved courses on the TREC approved CE courses page^[6].

Online and distance CE formats

The available delivery methods for CE coursework are determined by TREC.

Finding TREC-approved CE providers

The commission maintains a searchable tool for locating approved coursework.

Tracking completed CE hours

Licensees can verify their education record before submitting a renewal application.

TREC also publishes student manuals for the required non-elective courses, including Legal Update I and II for the 2026-2027 cycle and Broker Responsibility for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Next steps

Renew your license through the TREC REALM Portal before the expiration date, and complete all required education in advance so credits are on record. If you are a first-time renewing sales agent, plan for SAE coursework well before the deadline since SAE cannot be deferred. For subsequent renewals, confirm whether the Broker Responsibility Course applies based on your sponsorship or supervisor status, then select approved courses through the TREC website.