Step 1: Evaluate Education Requirements

In real estate, you MUST go to school and take classes to become a real estate agent.  Before you begin looking for real estate class providers and methods of classroom instruction, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your past education and compare it to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) education requirements. 

TREC education requirements include the satisfactory completion of 150 classroom hours of core real estate courses and 60 hours of related courses for a combined total of 210 hours. 

The 150 classroom hours includes the following MANDATORY classes:

• Principles of Real Estate:  60 classroom hours
• Law of Agency:  30 classroom hours
• Law of Contracts:  30 classroom hours
• PLUS another 30 hours of core real estate courses

If you have been to college, or trade school, there is a chance that some of your class credits will apply towards your 60 hours of related courses.  If you do not have a copy of your transcript, go ahead and order one from your college or university (sometimes they take several weeks to arrive).  You will be required to submit a COPY of your transcript to TREC when you apply for your Inactive Salesperson License and have your education evaluated.

With the possible exception of your previous college credits, all of the 150 classroom hours of core real estate courses must be completed by an accredited TREC Core Real Estate License Education Provider.

So, how do you know for sure if your previous education credits will apply towards your real estate license?? 

When I began my real estate classes, 4 1/2 years ago, I was advised to submit my college transcripts, in the form of an Education Evaluation, to TREC before beginning any of my classes.  I gathered my transcripts, filled out the form, sent in $35, and waited for a reply to come back (approx 3 weeks later).  My response from TREC confirmed that my 60 hours of related courses were covered with my previous education experience and I could move forward with purchasing the necessary 150 hours. 

NOW it appears that TREC has done away with the Education Evaluation form and $35 evaluation fee.  There is only the Inactive Salesperson Form to complete and send in to evaluate your education and apply for your inactive license.  The fee for this form is a non-refundable $137.  YIKES! 

Here is the dilemma...

What if you are unsure that all of your previous college credits will transfer?  What if the class programs you choose can save you money by "bundling" a custom class schedule?  Say only 30 of your 60 related courses transfer properly but you thought all 60 would transfer...you don't want to pay for classes you don't need or miss the opportunity to "bundle" and save classes that you do need!  What if you complete your education, send in the non-refundable $137, and get a letter back stating that you need additional hours...what happens to the $137?  Do you have to submit the application money again once you complete the needed classes? 

At this time, the TREC website information is unclear on the procedures for education evaluation.  I will update this post once I am able to get answers from TREC.

In the case that you are questioning your past education history, and its application to your real estate license education requirements, I would advise emailing TREC directly with your questions at .

Note:  Processes, procedures, and requirements are updated with TREC from time to time, when in doubt, check the TREC website for updated information!