Best Online Real Estate Schools in Texas (2026)

Total costs range from $450 to $950. This includes the 180-hour pre-license course ($250–$600), TREC application fee ($206), state exam fee ($43), fingerprinting ($38.25), and background check. Using a CertLaunch discount code on the course alone can save you up to 30%.

Most students complete the entire process in 4–10 weeks. The 180-hour pre-license requirement (Principles I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance) typically takes 6–12 weeks to complete, depending on whether you take it full-time or part-time. After passing the exam, sponsorship and activation usually take 1–2 additional weeks.

You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, complete 180 hours of TREC-approved education, pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting through the Texas DPS, pass the Pearson VUE exam (both national and Texas portions), and obtain sponsorship from an active Texas broker before your license becomes active.

The Texas exam has approximately a 60–65% first-time pass rate. It consists of 160 multiple-choice questions covering national and Texas-specific real estate law, with a passing score of 70%. If you fail one portion, you only retake that portion. After three failures, you must complete an additional 30–60 hours of education before retesting.

Yes. All schools listed on CertLaunch offer TREC-approved online pre-license courses. Online courses are self-paced, meaning you can study on your own schedule from anywhere in Texas at your own pace.

Texas real estate agents earn an average of $78,390 per year (BLS 2023). Top agents in markets like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin can earn $100,000–$200,000+. First-year agents earning 6–8 sales at a 70/30 split with a $350,000 median home price can expect $37,000–$59,000 in first-year earnings before expenses.

No. Texas does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. You only need to complete 180 hours of TREC-approved education, pass the state exam, complete fingerprinting, pass a background check, and obtain broker sponsorship.

The best school depends on your learning style and budget. RealEstateU offers exceptional value at $249–$377 with CertLaunch discounts. Colibri/Real Estate Express is popular for interactive, structured lessons. Champions School is a strong local Texas choice for live instruction and classroom options. Compare the schools above to find your perfect fit.

Online courses offer flexibility, lower costs, and allow you to study at your own pace—ideal if you're working or juggling other commitments. In-person and live classes provide structure, instructor interaction, and networking opportunities—better if you prefer accountability and prefer learning in a group. Champions School and Kaplan both offer strong live and in-person options across Texas.

Texas requires broker sponsorship AFTER you pass the exam. You get an inactive license first, then a broker must sponsor you in the REALM system for your license to become active. Most agents secure sponsorship before taking the exam to expedite activation, but it's not required until after passing.