Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Texas Real Estate Education
You Have Questions about Texas Real Estate Licensing. We have Answers!
We have provided a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about earning and maintaining a Texas Real Estate License. If you cannot find the answer to your questions listed below, or if you need additional help, please feel free to contact us! If you are ready to get started, you will find our available QE programs listed below this section.
Set Your Real Estate License Education Course Schedule.
Classroom, Online, or in the Virtual Classroom!
This delivery method combines home study with in-person learning. You will spend 15 hours studying outside the classroom and 15 hours attending class in person. You will take the final (closed-book) exam at the end of the last day in the classroom. Students must attend all classroom hours and complete all chapter quizzes to take the final exam to complete the course.
Please Note - This delivery method is only applicable to real estate QE and SAE courses.
The immersive Online Interactive™ courses include engaging animations, videos, and activities. The courses can be accessed 24/7 from any mobile or desktop device with a stable internet connection. Chapter quizzes and proctored exams are administered via your student account. These courses do not use textbooks and are best for self-paced learners.
Please Note - This delivery method is only available for all QE, select SAE and various CE courses.
Our ChampionsLive!™ virtual classrooms allow students to attend live classes remotely. In this format, classes will be live streamed via Zoom and students will be required to attend on set dates. This delivery method gives you the chance to ask questions and interact with instructors in real time. Each course has instructional assistants that answer questions during the lecture.
Through this method, you will study the material at your own pace. Materials are available in PDF or hard-copy textbook format. You will complete the quizzes and exams online. The final exam is closed-book and administered via ChampionsLive! or at a campus location.
Sample Course
Please Note - This method is only available for real estate QE/SAE and some home inspection courses.
Select the "Champions Advantage" option when you enroll and customize your learning experience. This option allows you to choose different delivery methods for each course in the package. Learn More.
Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) Questions
The following questions pertain to Real Estate Qualifying Education (QE) and are commonly asked by people who want to earn a Sales Agent license in Texas.
How do I get a Texas Real Estate license?
In order to attain a Real Estate Sales Agent license in the state of Texas, you must complete the educational requirements set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), file a license application, and pass the state exam. The current educational requirement is 180 hours which is covered in six 30-hour courses.
Champions offers a convenient, all-inclusive package for $980 which includes everything you need in order to apply for a license and prepare for the state exam. For more information about the licensing process and the packages that we offer, please visit our How do I get a Texas Real Estate License? page.
To qualify for a Real Estate Sales Agent license in Texas, all applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
- A DACA recipient does not qualify as a lawfully admitted alien.
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Meet TREC's qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity
- TREC recommends submitting an optional 'Fitness Determination' form if you have any criminal offenses, unpaid judgments, etc.
Does Champions offer a payment plan option?
No, Champions offers students the choice between purchasing the courses independently or together as a package. Regardless of which method you choose, tuition must be paid in full at the time of enrollment. The individual courses that make up the packages are offered individually and can be purchased one-at-a-time as you move through the program. Keep in mind that purchasing the courses together in a package will always save you a little bit of money in the long run.
What are the different class delivery methods and how do they work?
- Blended Classroom
A dynamic course composed of independent study and an instructor-led classroom lecture held over two days (or four evenings). Students must complete a proctored, closed-book exam to receive 30-hours of credit with the Texas Real Estate Commission. Learn More
- Classroom
Instructor led classroom sessions that present all of the required hours for the course in the classroom. If required, course exams are administered on the last day of the class and are graded and reviewed by the instructor. Learn More
- Online-Correspondence
Students study the course material (textbook or online PDF) at their own pace and then complete the necessary homework/quiz assignments followed by a proctored, closed-book exam. (Please Note that all Exams for Real Estate QE/SAE courses must be proctored via our Live Broadcast system or at a Campus) Learn More
- ChampionsLive!® Broadcast
A fully interactive, real-time system, ChampionsLive! allows students to participate in an instructor-led class from their home or office using a webcam. Learn More
- Correspondence
Students read through the provided textbook materials and complete the homework assignments at home before coming into a campus testing center to complete the proctored exam. Learn More
- Online
Students work through the course material that is presented in a timed online format complete with videos, interactive games, and online exams. Learn More
I have finished all of my classes. Now what?
Once you have completed the 6 required courses, you will need to submit your license application, application fee, and class completion certificates to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). You can file your license application directly from the TREC website and certificates can be emailed to documents@trec.texas.gov. Please visit our "Steps to a Texas Real Estate License" page for relevent links and additional information pertaining to this process.
When can I schedule my state licensing exam?
Once you submitted your license application, application fee, and class certificates, it can take up to 15 days to receive an approval letter from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Your approval letter will include a special code that you will use to schedule your licensing exam with Pearson Vue. You cannot schedule your state exam with Pearson Vue until you have received an approval code from TREC. Exams are administered at testing centers located throughout the state of Texas.
Is Exam Prep required to attain my license?
Exam Prep is not a required course, but it is highly recommended for improving your chances of passing the state licensing exam on your first attempt! Our Exam Prep course is setup with both National and State sections, each with a set of timed mock exams to give you an accurate simulation of the experience that you will have when taking the real exam. In addition, you can retake the class (including the mock exams) as many times as you need for up to one year after enrollment! If taking the Prep course in the classroom, you can schedule a free retake by calling your local campus to speak with a counselor (Contact Us).
If I have a criminal record, am I eligible to receive a Texas Real Estate License?
All license applicants are subject to a criminal background check before receiving application approval from the Texas Real Estate Commission. If you have any criminal offenses, unpaid judgements, disciplinary action taken against a professional license, or have performed unlicensed activity in the past, you should consider filing a "Fitness Determination" form with TREC before purchasing courses or applying for a license. TREC will use this form to determine whether your moral character meets their qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
To learn more about this process and submit a "Fitness Determination" form, please visit TREC's website.
Is Business Etiquette required to attain my license?
Business Etiquette is not required but it is a terrific course if you are new to the industry and working with clients. Our low stress, two-day program, molds emerging professionals into poised and polished executives ready to meet the challenges of the modern business world. The course covers topics such as public speaking, cultural mannerisms, and more! Learn More
What are the SAE classes that are offered in the packages?
Once you have earned your Real Estate license, you will need to renew every two years by completing additional Continuing Education classes and paying a renewal fee to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Your first renewal is referred to as Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) and consists of 98-hours of education. The 98-hours is comprised of three 30-hour elective courses and two 4-hour Legal Update courses. These required SAE courses are included in the 9-course and 11-course programs at a discounted rate. If you have been made a supervisor by your broker, you will also need to take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course to renew.
What happens if I do not pass my homework or exam?
Homework / Quizzes - Quizzes are open-book and not timed. If you are completing the classes online, you will be able to pause your quiz, if needed, and resume later at your convenience. In the event that you do not pass a quiz, you can retake it at no additional charge.
Exams - All Real Estate QE/SAE course exams must be proctored and a $50 retake fee must be collected if an exam is failed twice. At that point, the course will be reset and the student must retake the course from the beginning and complete a different set of exams in order to pass. Exams are closed-book and may be proctored via our Live Broadcast system using a webcam or in any one of our campuses across Texas.
Are the class materials included?
Yes. Our online Qualifying Education (and some Continuing Education) courses include a PDF version of the textbook material. A physical copy of the book is also included in the cost of tuition for all courses. If you would like a hard copy, you can pick one up from your local Champions campus free of charge or we can ship it to you for $8.50 per book (Additional shipping options are available).
I finished some of the required courses a while ago. Do I have to start my classes all over again?
Certificates do not expire; however, state requirements may have changed since you completed your courses. If you have finished a required class, you may still use that certificate for your application if that course is still required by the state. Simply purchase the remaining classes to ensure that you satisfy the current state requirements. If you would like to retake a class before taking the state exam, please speak with a Champions counselor about auditing a class. (Contact Us)
I failed my state/national exam 3 times. What should I do?
In the event that you do not pass the state or national portion of your exam after three attempts, TREC requires that you repeat a 30-Hour Qualifying Education course before attempting the exam again. If you completed your QE classes with Champions, please contact a career counselor for pricing (Contact Us).
Will my college degree count toward any of the required courses?
In some (rare) instances, TREC may accept an individual college course if it is a direct equivalent of one of the required Qualifying Education courses. If you think some of your college courses may count, you can submit your license application, application fee, and college transcripts to TREC for review. You will receive a response within 15 days that includes a full breakdown of the courses you must still complete to receive approval from the state. Keep in mind, a license application is valid for one year after submission. If you take longer than one year to complete everything, you will have to resubmit your application and pay a new application fee.
Can I mix up the delivery methods for my courses?
Yes, You can choose any delivery method you want for each individual course.
Do the classes have to be completed in any particular order?
None of the courses offered at Champions are pre-requisites to other courses so they do not have to be completed in any particular order.
I would like to retake a class before I take the state exam. Is this possible?
Yes. If you have previously completed the course with Champions, you may audit a class for $25 per day (up to a max of $50 per class). To learn more, give us a call to speak with a career counselor about auditing a class (Contact Us).
How does the online exam proctoring system work?
All Real Estate QE/SAE course exams must be proctored. Upon passing all of the required Topic Quizzes online, you will be able to select a Proctoring session for the exam. If you wish to take advantage of our online proctoring system and have the exam proctored from your home, select the "Virtual Classroom" option (a webcam is required) from the first dropdown menu and then select a time slot from the second dropdown menu and click the "Submit" button.
Once a selection has been made, you will receive an automated email containing a link that can be used to access the proctoring session during your selected time. Once you are successfully logged into the proctoring session, the Proctor will verify your ID and then unlock the exam. You will then be able to access the exam via the start button the "Class Information" screen and you will have two hours to work on it. If you do not finish the exam during that time, your exam will be graded based upon the questions that have been answered. If you do not receive a passing grade, you will need to schedule a retake or pay the necessary course retake fee if you have failed the exam twice.
How can I check the status of my TREC license application?
TREC has set up the following page to communicate the current TREC processing times to license applicants. If you have submitted an application and are wondering about the status, this page is a good place to start - TREC Processing Times.
If you have additional questions, they may be directed to TREC - Contact TREC.
Most Popular Real Estate License Programs
Choose a Program to Enroll
To purchase a package, choose your preferred delivery method from the appropriate dropdown below. To mix-and-match multiple delivery methods, you can choose the Champions Advantage option.
6 Course Licensing Program
$980$1110
SAVE $130
Courses Included in this Package:
- Six 30-Hour QE Courses
- Real Estate Exam Prep Course
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 180 TREC Credit Hours
This basic program includes everything you need to apply for a license and prepare for the state licensing exam.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
6 Course Licensing Program + Business Etiquette
$1080$1255
SAVE $175
Courses Included in this Package:
- Six 30-Hour QE Courses
- Real Estate Exam Prep Course
- Success Through Business Etiquette
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 180 TREC Credit Hours
Develop your professional demeanor with our popular 'Business Etiquette' course.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
9 Course Licensing and Renewal Program
$1445$1685
SAVE $240
Courses Included in this Package:
- Six 30-Hour QE Courses
- Real Estate Exam Prep Course
- Three 30-Hour SAE Renewal Courses
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 278 TREC Credit Hours
Includes the 98-hours of SAE credit needed to renew your license within your first two years as a licensed Agent.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
11 Course Licensing and Renewal Program + Success Tools
$1624$1944
SAVE $320
Courses Included in this Package:
- Six 30-Hour QE Courses
- Real Estate Exam Prep Course
- Three 30-Hour SAE Renewal Courses
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
- Success Through Business Etiquette
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Prep Retakes for 1 Year
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 30 Days to Success Coaching Videos
- "Successful Tendencies of Real Estate Champions" Book
- 278 TREC Credit Hours
Includes all of the education and resources you will need to jump start your career in Real Estate!
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
Real Estate Continuing Education (CE) Questions
The following questions pertain to Real Estate Continuing Education (CE) and are commonly asked by people who are renewing an existing Sales Agent or Broker license.
Does Champions report my completed classes to TREC?
Champions will electronically report all Real Estate SAE (30-hour electives) and CE courses on the student's behalf. For this reason, it is imperative that you provide Champions with the correct license number when prompted. Providing the wrong license number may result in a delay of the reporting process or even the expiration of your license if the error is not caught in time. You can verify and modify your license number via the My Profile page in your student account.
When is my credit reported to the Texas Real Estate Commission?
Champions will report your credit within 24 business hours of completing the course. Once the credit has been reported, it typically posts to your online TREC profile immediately but can take up to 24 hours to post. If you recently completed a CE or SAE course and it has not posted, take the following steps:
- Log into your ChampionsSchool.com account.
- Visit the "My Profile" page and verify that Champions has the correct license number on file. If there is an error in the license number, please correct it and then contact a campus to speak with a counselor.
- For CE courses, check to see if you successfully signed the "Distance Education Reporting (DER) Form" (Under the "Forms" section). If there is a "Continue" button, then you must take additional steps to complete the course before the credit can be reported.
- For SAE courses, check to make sure you have successfully completed all components and that the course has been marked as "passed." If the course is truly complete, it should be located under the "Completed" tab in your student account.
- If you have completed the previous steps and it has been more than one business day since you completed the course, please contact a campus to speak to a counselor.
What happens if my classes are not posted in time?
If your classes are not completed and posted to TREC by 11:59pm on your expiration date, you are considered late. It is HIGHLY recommended that you complete, and submit (if applicable), your classes no later than 10 days before your expiration date. Champions is not responsible for any late or penalty fees assessed by TREC.
Please Note - If you attempt to file for renewal via TREC's online system before all of your CE credit has posted, TREC will charge a $200 deferral fee unless you renew in inactive status. Payment of the CE deferral fee allows you to remain active for an additional 60 days from your expiration date to complete CE requirements.
Do I need to take SAE or CE to renew my license?
As a licensed agent or broker in Texas, you are required to take additional courses to renew your license every two years. There are two types of renewals you must be aware of: Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) and Continuing Education (CE).
If you are a licensed Sales Agent and are renewing your license for the very first time, you must complete 98-hours of SAE by the end of your second year of licensure. This includes 8-hours of Legal Update credit and three (3) 30-hour elective courses. If you have been made a supervisor by your broker for 6 months or more you must also take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course to renew.
If this is NOT your first renewal, you must complete 18-hours of CE credit every two years. Of these 18-hours, 8-hours must consist of Legal Update credit. If you have been made a supervisor by your broker, you must also take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course as part of your 18 hours to renew.
What is required for SAE?
Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) is your first renewal as a licensed Real Estate Sales Agent. You are required to complete (3) 30-Hour SAE electives, Legal Update I, and Legal Update II. This amounts to a total of 98 credit hours. You must also complete the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course if your broker has made you a supervisor.
What is required for Sales Agent CE?
Continuing Education (CE) is required for all active agents for their second renewal, forward. You are required to complete 10 hours of CE electives plus Legal Update I (4-Hours), and Legal Update II (4-Hours). If you have been made a supervisor by your broker, you must also take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course which can be used as part of the 10 hours of CE electives.
What is required for Broker CE?
18-Hours of Broker Continuing Education (CE) is required for all active Brokers who sponsor agents. As a Broker, you are required to complete a 6-hour Broker Responsibility course, 4-hours of CE electives, and 8-hours of Legal Update.
If I enroll at 10:00 PM on the day before my license expires and then complete the homework and final exam by 11:59PM, will my license be considered renewed on time?
No. Please note that SAE classes have a 48 hour wait time on the exams and the appropriate amount of time must pass between enrollment and completion of multiple courses . Champions will report all CE classes to TREC within 24 business hours of completion. Champions is not responsible for any late or penalty fees assessed by TREC.
Does an inactive Real Estate Licensee have to comply with renewal requirements?
All licensed agents are required to complete their SAE classes for their first renewal, regardless of active or inactive status. If you are in your CE renewal period, and are in inactive status, you are not required to complete your CE classes until you want to move to active status. However, you are still required to pay your renewal fees on time to maintain inactive status. Failing to pay the renewal fee will result in the expiration of your license.
How often must a license holder renew their license?
A licensee must renew their license every two years.
- 1st Renewal - 98-Hours of SAE (Included 8-hours of Legal Update). The 6-hour Broker Responsibility course is also required if an agent has been made a supervisor by the broker.
- 2nd Renewal, forward - 18-Hours of CE (Including: 8-hours of Legal Update and 3-hours of Contracts). The 6-hour Broker Responsibility course is also required if an agent has been made a supervisor by the broker or if they renewing a Broker license.
Can CE hours be taken at anytime?
Yes, Continuing Education hours can be completed at any time during the renewal period. Please note that you cannot repeat a class within a two-year period.
How soon can I pay my renewal fees?
TREC will send a notice of renewal 90 days before your license expires. You may pay your renewal fee upon receipt of this letter. As a license holder you are responsible for remembering your license expiration date and must renew timely even if you do not receive a notice of renewal.
Please Note - If you file for renewal before your CE credit has been reported and posted to your license, TREC will charge a $200 deferral fee.
Why is there a wait period for my class exam?
Once enrolled, you will have immediate access to your online textbook (if applicable) and homework quizzes but per TREC requirements, a student must spend the full clock hours of time, for which credit is awarded, enrolled in a class before being allowed to take the exam. For this reason, you may have to wait until additional time has passed (after enrollment) before you can access the exam.
What will it cost me to ship the class textbook?
We charge $8.50 per book for standard shipping (3-5 Days) or $19 per book for FedEX Overnight.
Please Note - FedEx shipments that are ordered after 3:00pm on Fridays will be shipped on the following Monday for delivery on Tuesday.
Can I just download the textbook(s)?
All of our Real Estate QE most of our CE classes have a downloadable PDF version of the book available. Courses that feature downloadable textbooks will be grouped together in sections labeled "Online Textbook Available" and other courses will be grouped together in sections labeled "Shipping / Pickup Required."
Can I renew my expired license?
Any license that is not renewed at the end of the license period will be considered late and may be moved to expired status. The license may subsequently be renewed up to 6 months after the expiration date by completing the requirements and paying the the fees specified by the Texas Real Estate Commission. After 6 months and up to two years after the expiration date, you may apply for reinstatement of your license. After two years have passed, you will be required to re-apply for a license and pass the state exam again.
Our Most Popular 18-Hour Texas Real Estate CE Program Options
Choose a Program to Enroll
To purchase a package, choose your preferred delivery method from the appropriate dropdown below. To mix-and-match multiple delivery methods, you can choose the Champions Advantage option.
18-Hour Trends & Disruptors CE Program
$99 - $119
SAVE UP TO $81
Courses Included in this Package:
- 5-Hour Eye on Real Estate: Trends and Disruptors
- 2-Hour Technology Update
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
- 3-Hour Essential Topics: Contract Review
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- 18 TREC Credit Hours
For Licensed Agents in need of the TREC mandated 18-hours of Continuing Education.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
18-Hour Texas Specialty CE Program
$99 - $119
SAVE UP TO $81
Courses Included in this Package:
- 7-Hour Commercial Real Estate OR
- 7-Hour Farm and Ranch OR
- 7-Hour Property Management
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
- 3-Hour Essential Topics: Contract Review
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- Choose a 7-hour Elective Topic
- 18 TREC Credit Hours
For Licensed Agents in need of the TREC mandated 18-hours of Continuing Education.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
18-Hour Texas Broker Responsibility CE Program
$99 - $119
SAVE UP TO $81
Courses Included in this Package:
- 6-Hour Broker Responsibility
- 1-Hour Technology in Real Estate
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 1
- 4-Hour TREC Legal Update 2
- 3-Hour Essential Topics: Contract Review
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- 18 TREC Credit Hours
For Licensed Brokers or Sales Agents who currently supervise other agents
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
Real Estate Broker Licensing Questions
The following questions pertain to Real Estate Broker Licensing and are commonly asked by licensed Sales Agents who are pursuing a Texas Broker license.
What are the requirements to become a Real Estate Broker in Texas?
There are three main requirements that applicants must satisfy to become a Texas Real Estate Broker:
- 360 Experience Points in 4 of the last 5 years
- 30 Points for each closed purchase or sale of a residential property (single-family, condo, multi-family, apartment unit lease)
- 30 Points for each closed purchase or sale of a farm and ranch property (with residence, improved, or unimproved)
- 50 Points for each closed purchase or sale of a commercial property (apartment with 5+ units, office, retail space, hotel, etc)
- Other Broker point opportunities available - View Qualifying Experience Report Form
- 900 Total Education Hours (Meet current license requirements and Real Estate Brokerage within the last 2 years)
- Be an active Sales Agent for the last 4 years.
To learn more about the process, please visit our Steps to a Texas Broker License page.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee for an Individual Broker license is $235.00.
What classes count toward my Broker license?
All classes taken for credit will count toward the 900-hour credit requirement for a Broker license. If you have a Bachelor degree or higher, TREC will award you 630 credit hours towards that requirement. You can start planning today by requesting a "Broker Plan of Attack".
Why should I get my Broker license?
Real Estate Broker is the only designation that the general public, your customer, recognizes.
Are there any special requirements for CE if I am a Broker?
Yes, if you are a sponsoring broker or served as the designated broker for a business entity broker that sponsors sales agents, or have been made a supervisor of other license holders, you must complete a 6-Hour Broker Responsibility course as part of your regular 18-hour renewal every two years.
Will Champions report my Broker CE to TREC?
Yes. Champions reports all CE and 30-hour Broker electives to TREC within one business day of completion. Once the credits have posted to your license, you will need to pay your renewal fee with TREC.
Most Popular Broker License Programs
Choose a Program to Enroll
To purchase a package, choose your preferred delivery method from the appropriate dropdown below. To mix-and-match multiple delivery methods, you can choose the Champions Advantage option.
5-Course Texas Real Estate Broker License Program
$725$825
SAVE $100
Courses Included in this Package:
- Five 30-Hour Broker Elective Courses
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 150 TREC Credit Hours
This package includes five elective courses (150-hours) that count towards the 900-hour education requirement for Brokers.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
10-Course Texas Real Estate Broker License Program
$1350$1650
SAVE $300
Courses Included in this Package:
- Ten 30-Hour Broker Elective Courses
Additional Details:
- FREE Books / PDFs Included
- FREE Exam Proctoring
- 300 TREC Credit Hours
This package includes ten elective courses (300-hours) that count towards the 900-hour education requirement for Brokers.
Please select a delivery method
above and try again.
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Source: https://www.championsschool.com/real-estate/tx/faq/
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