Best Online Real Estate Schools in Texas (2026)
Compare 11 TREC-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and satisfy the 180-hour requirement faster.
Course Cost
$249 – $599
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$45,000 – $85,000
Required Hours
180 hours
What is a Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License?
A Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License is the official state credential required to help buyers and sellers with property transactions. Issued by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), this license allows you to work under a sponsoring broker to earn commissions on real estate sales and leases.
Texas requires 180 hours of pre-license education — one of the highest requirements in the nation — split across six 30-hour courses. After gaining experience, you can upgrade to a Broker license.
Top 3 Texas Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best value for the full 180-hour package. Audio-based, self-paced course.
$199
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. VanEd (360training)
Established provider with interactive online platform and SAE options.
$279
3. AceableAgent
Top-rated mobile app with interactive content and AI tutor.
$449
Best Real Estate Schools in Texas
All 10 schools are Texas TREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$249
$199.2
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Audio course included
- 225,000+ students
Available Packages (3)
License Essentials
- 180-hour TREC-approved course
- On-demand audio lessons
- Study at your own pace
360training (Agent Campus)
Starting at
$299
- TREC Provider #4591
- Free exam study guide
- Complete in 5 weeks
Available Packages (3)
180-Hour Standard Package
- 6 required courses
- Certificate of completion
- Email support
VanEd (360training)
Starting at
$310
- Instructor Q&A
- Payment plans available
- Real estate math support
Available Packages (3)
180-Hour Standard Package
- 6 required courses
- 12-month access
- Live customer service
The Real Estate Business School
Starting at
$349
- Mentoring program included
- On-demand classroom recordings
- Guaranteed to sell in 6 months
Available Packages (2)
Standard Package
- 180-hour pre-license courses
- Exam prep course
- Unlimited practice exams
- 800+ videos
AceableAgent
Starting at
$449
- TREC Provider #S0701
- Mobile app included
- 100% pass guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 180-hour pre-license course
- On-demand video lessons
- State-approved certificate
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$499
- Interactive study groups
- High pass rates
- Includes AceableAgent tech
Available Packages (2)
Texas Licensing with Exam Prep
- 180-hour course
- State & National exam prep
- Interactive study group
Pioneer School of Real Estate
Starting at
$499
- Longest access period (12 months)
- Mobile friendly
- No hidden fees
Available Packages (1)
180-Hour Pre-License Package
- 180-hour TREC-approved course
- 12-month access
- Certificate of completion
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$515
- LEAP interactive platform
- 96% satisfaction rate
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Career Starter
- 180-hour course
- Pass guarantee
- Instructor-led webinars
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$529
- Pass guarantee
- Livestream options available
- Career resources
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 180-hour course
- Instructor support
- Real estate study guides
- AI tutor
Champions School of Real Estate
Best In-PersonStarting at
$980
- In-person classes (5 campuses)
- Dominant Texas school
- Career fairs
Available Packages (4)
6 Course Licensing Program
- 180-hour course
- Textbooks
- Exam prep course
- 6-month exam prep retakes
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Texas?
Average Annual Income
$45,000 – $85,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$100,000 – $150,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Texas real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $340,000 home (Texas median), that's approximately $8,500–$10,200 per sale. New agents on a 60/40 split with their brokerage would keep $5,100–$6,120. Closing 4–6 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $20,000–$37,000.
Top-Earning Texas Markets
How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas
Complete 180 Hours of Pre-License Education
Take the 6 required 30-hour courses: Principles I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance.
File Your Application with TREC
Submit your application online using the TREC Online Services portal. The application fee is $205.
Get Fingerprinted
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO for your background check. The fee is typically around $38.25.
Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam
Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. The exam has 125 questions, and you must pass both the national and state portions.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
You cannot practice real estate until your license is sponsored by an active Texas broker. Once sponsored, your license becomes active.
Texas Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a US citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Must reside in Texas (unless applying as out-of-state)
- Must meet TREC's qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity
Education & Exam Requirements
- 180 hours of approved pre-license education (6 courses)
- Pass course final exams
- Pass Texas state exam (125 questions total)
- Exam administered by Pearson VUE
Texas Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Texas real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course | $249 – $599 | 180-hour package |
| License Application | $205 – $205 | Paid to TREC |
| Fingerprinting | $38.25 – $38.25 | IdentoGO fee |
| State Exam Fee | $43 – $43 | Per attempt (Pearson VUE) |
| Background Check | Included – Included | In fingerprint fee |
| Estimated Total | $535 – $885+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch |
The Texas Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 125 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: National: 56/85 (66%) | State: 21/40 (52.5%)
- Time limit: 4 hours (240 mins)
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $43
Exam Topics
- Principles of Real Estate
- Land Use Controls and Regulation
- Valuation and Market Analysis
- Financing
- Laws of Agency
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Texas exam has a ~56–60% first-time pass rate. Focus heavily on the National portion, which requires a higher percentage (66%) to pass than the State portion. Schools that include exam prep packages significantly improve your chances of passing on the first try.
How Long Does It Take?
4–6 weeks
Full-time
Studying 6–8 hours/day
2–3 months
Part-time
Studying 10–15 hours/week
4–6 months
Casual pace
Studying 5 hours/week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Texas has one of the highest education requirements in the nation. See how it stacks up against other major markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Texas?
The total cost is typically between $535 and $900. This includes the 180-hour pre-license course ($250–$600), the TREC application fee ($205), the fingerprinting fee ($38.25), and the state exam fee ($43).
How long does it take to get a Texas real estate license?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months. You must complete 180 classroom hours of education, which is significantly more than most other states.
What are the requirements for a Texas real estate license?
You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and a resident of Texas. You must complete 180 hours of education, submit an application, pass a background check, and pass the state exam.
Is the Texas real estate exam hard?
The exam is challenging, with a first-time pass rate around 56–60%. It consists of 125 questions, and you must pass both the National (56/85 correct) and State (21/40 correct) portions.
Can I take the Texas real estate courses online?
Yes, TREC approves many providers to offer the 180-hour pre-license coursework entirely online. Online courses allow you to study at your own pace.
How much do real estate agents make in Texas?
The average annual income for Texas real estate agents varies widely but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000. Top producers in major markets like Dallas or Austin can earn well over $150,000.
Do I need a college degree to be a real estate agent in Texas?
No, you do not need a college degree. However, you must complete the 180 hours of specific real estate education required by TREC.
Who is the exam provider for the Texas real estate exam?
Pearson VUE administers the Texas real estate sales agent exam. You will schedule your exam through their website after your application is approved by TREC.
What happens if I fail the Texas real estate exam?
If you fail one or both portions, you can retake the failed portion(s). You have three attempts within one year of filing your application. The retake fee is $43.
Can I get a Texas real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. TREC evaluates each applicant's honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. You can request a 'Fitness Determination' from TREC before applying to see if you would be eligible.