How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Texas

Becoming a broker in Texas is more than a career move—it’s a chance to expand your influence and take on a leadership role in the industry. As a broker, you’ll have the authority to build and manage your own team, shape your business strategy, and gain greater control over your professional future. 

This will help you navigate the steps to earning your broker’s license, from meeting the requirements to passing the licensing exam.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Texas

Advancing to a broker’s license is an exciting milestone that builds on your real estate experience. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Meet Experience Requirements
2. Complete Required Education
3. Submit Your Broker License Application
4. Get Your Fingerprints Taken for a Background Check
5. Pass the Texas Real Estate Broker Exam
6. Activate Your Broker License

Let’s break down each step to guide you on your journey to becoming a broker.

1. Meet Experience Requirements

Applicants for a broker license must meet strict experience qualifications, including:

• A minimum of 4 years of active work as a licensed agent or broker in the last 5 years.
• Documentation of at least 360 points of experience through real estate transactions.
• A completed Qualifying Experience Report, accompanied by a detailed list of transactions tied to your points.

These steps confirm that candidates possess the practical knowledge necessary for success as a broker.

2. Complete Required Education

Texas requires aspiring brokers to complete a total of 900 hours of real estate education. 

This includes 270 hours of qualifying real estate courses and 630 hours of related education. 

The qualifying real estate courses must cover the following subjects:

• Principles of Real Estate I (30 hours)
• Principles of Real Estate II (30 hours)
• Law of Agency (30 hours)
• Law of Contracts (30 hours)
• Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (30 hours)
• Real Estate Brokerage (30 hours) (must be completed within two years before applying)

Additionally, 630 hours of related education are required. These can include elective courses such as Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Law, Property Management, and more, or academic courses in related fields like Accounting, Marketing, and Finance.

Upon completing each required course, you must pass a final exam and receive a certificate of completion. These certificates must be submitted when applying for your broker’s license.

By the way, we partnered with Kaplan to provide educational courses to all aspiring brokers. Joining through our website gets you a discount too.

3. Submit Your Broker License Application

After satisfying the education and experience criteria, the next step is to apply for your broker license on TREC’s online portal.

1. Create an Account: Register on the TREC website to access their application system.
2. Complete the application: Enter your personal information, education credentials, and work history.
3. Submit Documentation: Upload your course completion certificates and any other required documents.
4. Pay the Application Fee: A $305 fee is required, payable online during the application process.

Make sure all details are accurate and complete to avoid any delays.

4. Get Your Fingerprints Taken for a Background Check

Texas law requires all real estate license applicants to undergo a background check. After submitting your application, schedule a fingerprinting appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or an authorized vendor. The process includes:

• Scheduling an Appointment: Use the online system or call the designated service provider.
• Providing Identification: Bring a valid government-issued ID to your appointment.
• Paying the Fee: The fingerprinting service fee is approximately $38.25.

The fingerprints are used to conduct a background check through the DPS and the FBI. Ensure this step is completed promptly, as it can affect the timing of your license approval.

5. Pass the Broker’s Exam

Once your application and background check are approved, you will be eligible to take the Texas Real Estate Broker Exam. The exam details are as follows:

• The exam consists of 145 multiple-choice questions.
• There are two sections: a national section with 85 questions and a state-specific section with 60 questions.
• You have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam.
• To pass, you must correctly answer at least 60 questions on the national portion and 38 questions on the state portion.

Use study materials that emphasize Texas law, ethics, and brokerage responsibilities. Practice exams should play a central role in your preparation. 

Did we mention that we provide unlimited practice exams? Our exam prep package helps get you ready for the exam and is affordable.

6. Activate Your License

After passing the exam, your broker license will be issued. It must be activated before you can legally operate any real estate business. 

The activation process depends on your role—whether you are an independent broker, a designated broker for a business entity, or an associate broker. 

Be sure to follow TREC’s procedures on their website to ensure your license is in good standing before engaging in any real estate activities. If you're unsure of the activation steps, contact TREC directly for guidance.

FAQs about Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Texas

Below are a few of the most common frequently asked questions we get from students who are becoming brokers in Texas.

Should You Become a Broker in Texas?

Gaining more control over your firm, leading a team, and earning more money are all made possible by becoming a broker. 

A broker license gives you the freedom to determine your career and business path, making it an essential step for agents looking for advancement and chances to lead. 

It's a natural development for those who want to establish themselves in the real estate sector.

How Fast Can You Get a License?

The whole process usually takes 4 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you complete education and professional requirements. 

Applications and background checks can take different amounts of time to process, so keep this in mind.

How Much Do Brokers Make?

A broker's salary in Texas is influenced by many factors, such as location, professional network, and level of experience. The average annual pay for a real estate broker in Texas is $103,604, with most earnings ranging between $83,052 and $127,519.

Brokers who oversee other agents can also boost their income through commission overrides, adding another layer of potential earning to this rewarding career path.

How Much Does a Broker’s License Cost?

Becoming a broker might cost somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500, which includes:

• Application Fee: $305
• Fingerprinting and Background Check: $30-$40
• Exam Fee: $43
• Educational Courses: $1,000–$2,000 (depending on provider)

Planning ahead of time for these expenses will help you stay on track financially.

What’s the Difference Between Brokers and Agents?

An agent is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which means they follow a strict code of ethics.

A broker is a licensed real estate professional who has more education and experience than an agent and can own a real estate business or manage other agents. Brokers have a higher level of training and responsibility in the industry.

Does Texas Have a License Reciprocity Agreement?

Texas does not currently offer reciprocity for broker licenses. If you’re licensed as a broker in another state, you’ll still need to meet Texas-specific requirements, including additional courses and the state exam. This may vary by state, so check local guidelines if you hold licenses elsewhere.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Texas

Becoming a licensed broker in Texas is a rewarding endeavor, granting you greater control over your life, the ability to lead, and the potential for more income. While the journey requires dedication, each step prepares you for success as a broker in Texas’s dynamic real estate market.

If you’re ready to take the next step, click the “enroll” button below to join our partnered real estate broker program and start your journey to a more fulfilling career in Texas real estate.