To get your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). You need to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and demonstrate the required honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity standards.

MAI gives students the flexibility to purchase courses individually or as a package. Regardless of the option you choose, tuition must be paid in full at the time of enrollment. Each course within the package is also available for individual purchase, allowing students to progress through the program at their own pace. However, opting for a package will always offer cost savings in the long run.

Modern Agent Institute provides multiple learning formats so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning style:

1. Classroom (In-Person) – Attend classes at our Houston campus with live instructors and peers in a traditional setting. Perfect for those who prefer face-to-face learning and structure.

2. Live Broadcast (Virtual Classroom) – Join live, instructor-led sessions online from anywhere. Engage with instructors and classmates in real time using your computer, webcam, and microphone.

3. Online Interactive (Self-Paced + Instructor Support) – Learn at your own pace with videos, quizzes, and interactive content, while still having access to instructor support when needed.

4. Online Correspondence (Self-Paced Reading & Exams) – Study independently with digital or textbook-based materials, complete quizzes, and take a final exam. Ideal for self-motivated learners.

5. Blended Learning (Customized Mix) – Combine formats to fit your lifestyle. For example, attend some classes in person while completing others online.

Each method is designed to give you flexibility, support, and the tools you need to succeed.

Congratulations on completing your courses. Here are the steps you need to take to officially obtain your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License:

1. Submit Your License Application

   • Apply online through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

   • Pay the required $185 application fee.

2. Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check

   • Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO.

   • Pay the $38.25 fee.

   • TREC will use your fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check.

3. Schedule and Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam

   • Register for the exam through Pearson VUE (exam fee: $43).

   • The exam includes:

     • National Portion: 85 questions (passing score: 56/85).

     • State Portion: 40 questions (passing score: 21/40).

   • You will have 4 hours to complete the exam.

4. Find a Sponsoring Broker

   • You must work under a licensed Texas real estate broker.

   • Select a brokerage that aligns with your career goals, training needs, commission structure, and support system.

5. Receive Your Active License

   • Once you pass the exam and secure a sponsoring broker, TREC will issue your license.

Next Steps:

• Begin working with clients and building your real estate career.

• Complete 98 hours of Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) before your first license renewal (within 2 years).

If you’ve already submitted your application, fee, and class certificates to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), you’ll need to wait up to 15 days for approval. Once you receive your approval letter with the special code, you can schedule your licensing exam with Pearson Vue.

Pearson Vue offers exams at testing centers across Texas, and you can schedule your exam online or by phone once you have your approval code. If you’re in a hurry, you can check for cancellations to find an earlier test date.

No, Exam Prep is not required to attain your Texas real estate license, but it is highly recommended.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) only requires you to complete the six mandatory real estate courses and pass the state licensing exam through Pearson Vue. However, many candidates find the exam challenging, and Exam Prep courses can help you review key concepts, practice test questions, and improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

If you have a criminal record, you may still qualify for a Texas real estate license, but eligibility depends on the specifics of your conviction. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) reviews each case individually to determine whether the offense affects your ability to practice real estate.

Key Factors TREC Considers:

• The type of offense (felony vs. misdemeanor)

• How long ago the offense occurred

• Whether it involved fraud, dishonesty, or violence

• Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct since the conviction

Steps to Determine Eligibility:

1. Request a Fitness Determination (FD)

   • If you are uncertain whether your record will disqualify you, you can submit an FD request to TREC before applying for a license.

   • The cost is $52, and TREC will review your case and provide an eligibility decision upfront.

2. Apply for Your License

   • If you apply directly without requesting an FD, TREC will conduct a background check during the license application process.

   • If concerns arise, TREC may ask for additional documentation or deny the application.

No, Business Etiquette is not required to attain your Texas real estate license.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) only requires you to complete the six mandatory real estate courses and pass the state licensing exam through Pearson Vue. However, having good business etiquette can help you succeed in real estate by improving your communication, professionalism, and client relationships.

In Texas, Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) courses are required for real estate agents renewing their license for the first time. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires a total of 98 hours of SAE coursework.

Mandatory SAE Courses (8 hours total):

• Legal Update I (4 hours)

• Legal Update II (4 hours)

Elective SAE Courses (90 hours total):
Students can choose from a variety of elective courses offered by approved providers. Common options include:

• Real Estate Marketing

• Real Estate Brokerage

• Property Management

• Real Estate Finance

• Residential Inspection for Real Estate Agents

• Real Estate Investment

Together, these courses fulfill the required 98 hours of SAE education needed for your first license renewal.

If you do not pass your homework or exam in a Texas real estate course, the outcome depends on the school’s policies. However, these are the general guidelines most schools and the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) follow:

If You Fail a Homework Assignment:

• Most schools allow retakes or corrections.

• You may need to redo the assignment until you achieve a passing grade.

• Some schools require a minimum score (such as 70%) to pass.

If You Fail a Course Final Exam:

• Retake Policy: Most schools allow at least one retake.

• If you fail the retake, you may need to re-enroll in and retake the entire course.

• Some schools may enforce a waiting period before you can attempt the exam again.

If You Fail the State Licensing Exam:

• You may reschedule and retake the exam through Pearson VUE (additional fees apply).

• TREC allows up to 3 attempts to pass both the national and state portions.

• If you fail all 3 attempts, you must complete additional education before retesting.

Yes, most Texas real estate schools include course materials in their packages, but the exact items may vary depending on the provider and the package you choose.

What’s Typically Included:

• Digital course materials such as online textbooks, PDFs, and slides

• Practice quizzes and exams to prepare for tests

• Study guides with key concepts summarized for review

• TREC-approved course content required for licensing

Possible Additional Costs:

• Printed textbooks (often available for an extra fee)

• Exam prep courses (sometimes included, sometimes sold separately)

• SAE courses (required only for your first license renewal)

In Texas, real estate course credits remain valid for 2 years from the date of completion.

What This Means for You:

• If your courses were completed within the last 2 years, they are still valid, and you can proceed with the licensing process.

• If your courses are more than 2 years old, they have expired, and you must retake them before applying for your license.

You can check your course completion dates through your real estate school or by logging into your TREC account.

If you fail the Texas real estate licensing exam (state or national portion) three times, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires you to complete additional education before you can attempt the exam again.

Steps to Take After 3 Failures:

1. Complete Additional Education

   • Enroll in an approved real estate course that addresses the areas you struggled with.

   • This is typically 30 hours of remedial education offered by many schools specifically for retake students.

2. Submit Proof of Completion

   • After finishing the additional coursework, provide proof of completion to TREC for review.

3. Reschedule the Exam

   • Once TREC approves your coursework, you’ll be allowed to register for another attempt at the exam.

Tips for Success After Multiple Attempts:

• Review your weak areas: Use your exam score reports to focus your study on the sections where you struggled.

• Take an exam prep course: Many schools offer prep classes with practice exams, study guides, and targeted training designed to improve your chances of passing.

In Texas, a college degree does not directly count toward the required real estate license courses. TREC mandates specific courses to be completed for eligibility to sit for the licensing exam, and college degrees do not substitute for these required real estate courses.

However, certain college coursework may help you in other ways, such as:

• Real Estate-related degrees (e.g., a degree in business, finance, or real estate) may provide you with a foundational understanding of concepts covered in the required courses.
• Real Estate Education Provider: Some schools might offer degree-based programs or advanced courses that align more closely with the state requirements, but the degree itself is not a replacement for the mandated 180 hours of pre-licensing education.

Yes, you can combine different delivery methods for your Texas real estate courses. Many schools allow you to mix formats so you can study in the way that works best for your schedule and learning style.

Delivery Methods You Can Combine:

• Online Courses (Self-Paced): Learn at your own pace with digital materials available anytime. This option provides maximum flexibility.

• Live Online Classes (Instructor-Led): Attend scheduled virtual classes with real-time instruction and interaction. Best for students who prefer structure and live engagement.

• In-Person Classes: Take classes in a traditional classroom setting with face-to-face instruction and peer interaction.

• Hybrid Options: Combine online and in-person learning for a balance of flexibility and live support.

Important to Note:
As long as you complete the required 180 hours of pre-licensing education and the courses are approved by TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission), you are free to choose any combination of delivery methods.

In Texas, there is no required order for completing your real estate license courses. However, many students find it easier to follow a sequence that builds knowledge step by step.

Suggested Course Order:

1. Principles of Real Estate I & II (60 hours total)

   • These foundation courses introduce key concepts like property ownership, contracts, and finance.

   • Starting here helps you understand the basics that will be referenced in later courses.

2. Law of Agency (30 hours)

   • Focuses on the roles and responsibilities between agents, clients, and customers in real estate transactions.

3. Law of Contracts (30 hours)

   • Provides essential knowledge about contracts, which are central to both the exam and your future career.

4. Real Estate Finance (30 hours)

   • Covers financing, loans, mortgages, and the financial side of property ownership.

5. Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)

   • Teaches how to correctly use official Texas real estate contract forms.

6. Elective Courses (45 hours)

   • Can be taken at any time. Choose electives that match your interests or strengthen weaker areas (e.g., property management, marketing, or appraisal).

Why Follow This Order?
Starting with the Principles and Law courses gives you a strong foundation that makes advanced topics easier to understand. This sequence helps students build confidence and perform better on the Texas licensing exam.

Yes, it is possible to retake a class before taking the Texas real estate licensing exam, but the process depends on the school and the course package you are enrolled in.

If You Need to Retake a Course:

• For Improvement: If you feel you did not fully grasp the material or want a refresher, many schools allow students to retake a course. Some offer retakes at a reduced fee, or even free if it is an online program.

• Timing: All required coursework must be completed before applying for the state exam. Retaking a class should be done well in advance of your planned exam date to avoid delays.

• TREC Requirements: The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) does not require transcripts for every attempt at a course. However, you must show proof that you have completed the full 180 hours of approved education with an accredited provider.

Is Retaking a Class Recommended?
Retaking a class can be beneficial if you are struggling with specific areas or want to reinforce key topics. However, you may also consider enrolling in exam prep courses, which provide targeted practice questions, test-taking strategies, and additional support to help you succeed on the first attempt.

Yes, the Texas real estate licensing exam can be taken online through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system, which allows you to test from home under live supervision. This option provides flexibility while maintaining exam security.

How Online Proctoring Works:

1. Scheduling the Exam

   • After receiving your approval code from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), schedule your exam through Pearson VUE.

   • Choose the online proctoring option instead of a physical test center.

2. System Requirements

   • A computer with a webcam and microphone.

   • Stable internet connection.

   • Device compatibility with Pearson VUE’s technical specifications (check ahead of time).

3. ID Verification

   • Show a valid government-issued ID before the exam begins.

   • You may be asked to rotate your camera to show your workspace and confirm you’re in a secure, private environment.

4. Monitoring During the Exam

   • A live proctor will monitor you throughout the exam via webcam and microphone.

   • They may ask you to adjust the camera or show your surroundings if necessary.

5. Exam Environment

   • You must be in a quiet, private room with no one else present.

   • No outside materials (notes, books, phones, etc.) are allowed.

6. Exam Process

   • Once verified, you’ll take the timed exam on your computer, just as you would at a testing center.

   • You can review your answers before submitting.

7. Post-Exam

   • The proctor ends the session after you finish.

   • Results are provided immediately. If you pass, you can move forward with your license application.

Important Tips:

• Test your equipment in advance to avoid technical issues.

• Follow Pearson VUE’s instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.

• Choose a distraction-free environment to stay focused during the exam.

You can check the status of your Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) license application online at any time.

Steps to Check Your TREC License Application Status:

1. Log in to Your TREC Account

   • Go to the official TREC website: www.trec.texas.gov

   • Click “Online Services” and then select “My TREC Account.”

   • Log in with your username and password (create an account if you don’t have one).

2. View Your Application Status

   • Once logged in, check the “Applications” section.

   • You’ll see whether your application is still under review, approved, or if additional information is required.

   • This section also shows the status of required documents, such as course completions and background checks.

3. Check for Approval Letter

   • If approved, TREC will issue an approval letter that includes the special code you’ll need to schedule your licensing exam with Pearson VUE.

4. Follow Up if Needed

   • If your application takes longer than 15 days, or if you don’t see updates, contact TREC directly:

     • Phone: 512-936-3000

     • Email: license@trec.texas.gov

Additional Notes:

• Fingerprinting or background check results may delay approval.

• If documents or requirements are missing, TREC will notify you through your account.