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Real Estate Broker
Total cost: $1048
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
270 hrs
Pre-License Hours
4 yrs
Experience Required
Yes
Exam Required
18 hrs
CE Hours
$1048
Total Fees
Permitted
Dual Agency
Broker Pre-License Education
Mostly verifiedPre-License Hours
270 hours
College Degree Required
No
Approved Providers
Texas-approved real estate schools, colleges, and online providers
Additional Broker Courses
Additional broker-specific courses in management, supervision, and advanced real estate topics required beyond salesperson education
Course Topics
Real estate broker education requirements include pre-license coursework covering topics such as real estate law, brokerage management, contracts, finance, and ethics. Some states require a college degree in addition to pre-license hours, while others accept equivalent experience.
Browse Real Estate Broker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Start with the salesperson license
Broker licensing in Texas typically requires completing your salesperson (real estate agent) license first and practicing for 4 years before you can sit for the broker exam. The pre-licensing courses below are the recommended starting point on the path to a broker license.
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Agent Experience & Transaction History
Mostly verifiedAgent Experience Required
Prior real estate sales agent experience
4 yrs
Min Years as Agent
720 experience points (doubled from 360 effective 1/1/2026 per SB 1968) reported via Qualifying Experience Report for a Broker License form. Specific transaction types earn different point values.
Points System
Most states require a period of active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent before qualifying for a broker license. Some states use a points-based system or require a minimum number of closed transactions as an alternative or additional requirement.
State Broker Exam
Mostly verifiedState Broker Exam Required
Real estate broker licensing examination
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Format
Pearson VUE
Provider
75%
Passing Score
$43
Exam Fee
Exam Sections
The real estate broker exam typically includes both a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations. Exams are usually administered by third-party providers such as PSI or Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers.
Overall licensing difficulty: 14/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Broker Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Real Estate Broker Exam
Passing Score
75%
Format
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Administered By
Pearson VUE
Key Topics Covered
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $43Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Real Estate Broker Exam.
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
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Broker Practice Capabilities
VerifiedYes
Independent Practice
Yes
Supervise Agents
Yes
Operate Brokerage
Yes
Property Management
Yes
Escrow Handling
Yes
Dual Agency
Yes
Designated Agency
Restricted Activities
Real estate brokers have a broader scope of practice than sales agents, including the ability to operate their own brokerage, supervise agents, and handle escrow funds. Dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) and designated agency rules vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee VERIFY against current TREC fee schedule. Per License Classroom: '$150 application fee plus an additional $85 in fees for research purposes and online payments' = $235 total. Kept at $305 pending human verification. | $305 |
Exam Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $43 |
License Fee Included in application fee; TREC charges a single $305 application/license fee | License fee is included within the application total; no separate standalone license issuance fee |
E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance; varies by provider | $200 |
MLS Fees MLS membership varies by local association | $500 |
Renewal Fee | $305 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($305), exam ($43), E&O insurance, and MLS fees | $1048 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
18 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Post-License Education
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$305
Regulatory Board
Broker licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state real estate commission. Continuing education typically covers topics such as ethics, fair housing, agency law, and state-specific legal updates. Some states also require post-license education within the first renewal period.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
ARELLO Certification
Accepted
Reciprocal States
Reciprocity Requirements
Real estate broker reciprocity agreements allow brokers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state with reduced requirements. ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) certification may be accepted in some states. Requirements typically include passing the state-specific portion of the broker exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Texas broker requires 270 hours of qualifying education (7 mandatory 30-hr courses) PLUS 630 hours related qualifying education = 900 hours total — highest combined education in nation. 4 years active sales agent experience PLUS 720 experience points (doubled from 360 effective 1/1/2026 per SB 1968). NO reciprocity — out-of-state credits don't count. Pearson VUE exam, 75% passing score (NOT 70%). CE 18 hrs/2yr including 4 hrs Legal Update I + 4 hrs Legal Update II + 3 hrs contract-related + 7 hrs electives. Effective 1/1/2026 SB 1968: 6-hr Broker Responsibility Course required for ALL brokers (was only sponsoring brokers); applicants must complete BEFORE licensure. Bachelor's degree credit capped at 300 hours (previously satisfied full 630). REALM Portal for all license management.
Texas broker requires 270 hours of qualifying education (7 mandatory 30-hr courses) PLUS 630 hours related qualifying education = 900 hours total — highest combined education in nation.
Experience: 4 years active sales agent licensure within last 60 months PLUS 720 experience points (doubled from 360 effective 1/1/2026 per SB 1968).
Pearson VUE exam, 75% passing score (NOT 70% — Texas exam is harder than most). Exam: 80 National + 50 State questions, 4 hours.
CE 18 hrs/2yr including 4 hrs Legal Update I + 4 hrs Legal Update II + 3 hrs contract-related + 7 hrs electives.
Effective 1/1/2026 (SB 1968): (1) Experience points doubled from 360 to 720; (2) Broker Responsibility Course required for ALL brokers regardless of sponsoring agents; (3) All broker applicants must complete Broker Responsibility Course PRIOR to licensure; (4) Bachelor's degree credit capped at 300 hours (was full 630); (5) Online application process via REALM Portal (replaced paper form).
Real Estate Brokerage course (30 hrs) must be completed within 2 years of application.
REALM Portal for all license management.
$200 minimum E&O insurance lapse fee. $200 deferral fee for 60-day CE extension.
Sponsoring broker required before transactions.
Effective May 15, 2018: Rule 535.155 — Commission rebate rules.
TX has NO formal reciprocity — out-of-state credits do NOT count.
Min age 18.
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in Texas.
Real Estate Broker Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Texas requires 270 hours of pre-license education and 4 years of agent experience for broker licensure. A state broker exam is required. All licensing is managed through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state real estate commission.