License Requirements

License Requirements and Renewal ## Getting Licensed in Texas Texas has two primary real estate license categories: Sales Agent and Broker. A Sales Agent must operate under a sponsoring broker at all times. A Broker may work independently, sponsor agents, and operate a brokerage entity. Sales Agent requirements: - Complete 180 hours of TREC-approved qualifying education across six specific 30-hour courses: Principles of Real Estate I, Principles of Real Estate II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance - Pass the licensing exam (national + Texas state portions) - Pass a background check - Secure sponsorship from an active Texas broker Broker requirements: - Hold an active Texas real estate license for at least four years - Accumulate at least 3,600 experience points within the 24 months immediately preceding application (points are earned from listings, sales, leases, and other activities at rates set by TREC) - Complete 270 hours of qualifying education covering brokerage management, real estate investment, real estate law, and related topics - Complete 630 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) — which counts toward both first renewal and broker qualification - Pass the broker examination Real-world example: Jenna has been a sales agent for three years under a sponsoring broker. She has taken all her continuing education and kept careful records of her listings and closed sales, which total 2,800 experience points. She cannot yet apply for a broker license — she needs both the fourth year of active licensure and at least 800 more experience points within the qualifying 24-month window. ## License Renewal Licenses renew on a two-year cycle. For a Sales Agent completing the first renewal,…