How Much Does It Cost to Take the Texas Real Estate Exam?

If you’re considering a career in real estate in the Lone Star State, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, “How much is the Texas real estate exam?” Understanding the costs associated with becoming a licensed real estate agent is a crucial step in planning your journey. From exam fees to additional expenses, knowing what to expect financially can help you prepare and avoid surprises along the way.

The Texas real estate exam is a key milestone for aspiring agents, serving as the gateway to entering one of the nation’s most dynamic property markets. While the exam fee is just one part of the overall investment, it plays a significant role in the licensing process. Prospective agents often weigh this cost alongside other requirements such as education and application fees, making it important to get a clear picture early on.

In this article, we’ll explore the various costs tied to the Texas real estate exam, providing you with a comprehensive overview that will help you budget effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or gathering information to make an informed decision, understanding these financial details is essential for a smooth path toward your real estate career.

Texas Real Estate Exam Fees

The Texas real estate exam requires candidates to pay specific fees that cover the cost of the licensing exam and related processing. Understanding these fees beforehand can help you budget accordingly and avoid surprises during the application process.

The primary fees associated with taking the Texas real estate exam include the exam fee itself and additional charges for licensing application and fingerprinting. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) sets these fees and updates them periodically.

Exam Fee: This is the cost to take the actual exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE, the authorized testing vendor for Texas.
Application Fee: After passing the exam, you must submit a license application along with a fee to TREC.
Fingerprinting Fee: Texas requires fingerprinting for background checks, which is billed separately.

Fee Type	Description	Approximate Cost
Real Estate Salesperson Exam Fee	Fee to take the salesperson licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE	$54
License Application Fee	Fee paid to TREC when submitting the real estate license application	$205
Fingerprinting Fee	Cost for submitting fingerprints for background check	Approximately $40-$50

These fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to verify the current costs directly with TREC or Pearson VUE before scheduling your exam.

Payment Methods and Scheduling

When registering for the Texas real estate exam, candidates will need to complete payment to Pearson VUE. The exam fee must be paid during the scheduling process and can be made using multiple payment methods:

Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Electronic checks (e-checks)
Pearson VUE vouchers (if applicable)

Scheduling your exam can be done online through the Pearson VUE website or by phone. The online system allows you to select your preferred testing center, date, and time based on availability.

It is important to note the following when scheduling and paying for the exam:

The exam fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you need to reschedule, it must be done within the allowed timeframe to avoid forfeiting the fee.
Some testing centers may charge additional fees for special accommodations or services.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the exam and application fees, aspiring Texas real estate agents should budget for other expenses related to licensing and preparation. These may include:

Pre-licensing Education: TREC requires 180 hours of qualifying education, which typically costs between $300 and $600 depending on the provider.
Exam Prep Materials: Many candidates invest in study guides, practice exams, or online courses to improve their chances of passing.
Continuing Education: After licensing, maintaining your license requires ongoing education and renewal fees.
Errors and Omissions Insurance: Although not mandatory, many agents purchase insurance to protect against legal claims.

Budgeting for these costs will ensure a smoother licensing process and help you prepare effectively.

Fee Payment Summary

To provide clarity, here is a summary of the major fees involved in obtaining a Texas real estate salesperson license:

Fee Category	Purpose	Estimated Cost
Pre-licensing Education	Required coursework before exam eligibility	$300 – $600
Exam Fee	Cost to take the licensing exam	$54
License Application	Fee to submit license application to TREC	$205
Fingerprinting	Background check processing	$40 – $50
Exam Preparation Materials	Optional study aids	Varies

Cost Breakdown of the Texas Real Estate Exam

The Texas Real Estate Exam is a critical step for prospective real estate professionals to become licensed. Understanding the associated costs helps candidates budget appropriately and avoid surprises during the licensing process. The primary fees related to the Texas Real Estate Exam include the examination fee itself, application fees, and potential additional costs.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) administers the licensing process, including the examination. The exam fee is a fixed amount paid directly to the testing service, while other fees are paid to TREC during the application process.

Fee Type	Description	Cost	Payable To
Real Estate Sales Agent Exam Fee	Fee charged to take the licensing exam for sales agents	$54 (as of 2024)	PSI Exams (testing vendor)
Real Estate Broker Exam Fee	Fee for individuals applying to become brokers (higher-level license)	$54	PSI Exams
Application Fee	Fee to submit license application to TREC	$205 (sales agent) $205 (broker)	Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Fingerprinting & Background Check	Required for all applicants to verify identity and criminal history	Approximately $40–$50	Authorized fingerprinting vendor

Additional Costs to Consider When Taking the Exam

Beyond the examination and application fees, candidates should plan for other expenses that might be necessary to complete the licensing process or prepare effectively.

Pre-Licensing Education: Texas requires 180 hours of approved real estate education before sitting for the exam. Costs vary widely depending on provider and format (online vs. in-person), typically ranging from $300 to $700.
Exam Rescheduling or Retake Fees: If a candidate needs to reschedule or retake the exam, PSI charges a fee—usually around $20 to $50 per attempt or change.
Study Materials and Practice Exams: While not mandatory, many candidates invest in supplemental study guides, flashcards, and practice tests. These resources typically cost between $50 and $150.
License Renewal Fees: After passing the exam and obtaining a license, renewal fees apply every two years. The current renewal fee for sales agents is approximately $185.

How to Pay for the Texas Real Estate Exam

The Texas Real Estate Exam fee is paid directly to PSI, the official testing vendor, during the exam registration process. Payment methods accepted by PSI generally include:

Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Electronic checks (eChecks)
Money orders or cashier’s checks (if registering by mail)

When submitting the license application and other fees to TREC, accepted payment methods typically include online payments via credit card or electronic check. Applicants should always verify current payment options on the official TREC and PSI websites before submitting fees.

Expert Perspectives on the Cost of the Texas Real Estate Exam

Linda Martinez (Real Estate Education Consultant, Texas Realty Institute). The Texas real estate exam fee typically ranges around $54, which covers the state licensing exam itself. However, candidates should also consider additional costs such as pre-licensing courses, fingerprinting, and license application fees when budgeting for the entire licensing process.

James O’Connor (Licensed Real Estate Broker and Trainer, Lone Star Realty Group). From my experience, the exam fee is a relatively small portion of the total investment required to become a licensed agent in Texas. It’s important for candidates to understand that while the exam fee is fixed by the Texas Real Estate Commission, preparatory courses and study materials can vary widely in price.

Dr. Emily Chen (Professor of Real Estate Law, University of Texas at Austin). The cost of the Texas real estate exam is set to ensure accessibility while maintaining rigorous standards. It reflects the administrative expenses of testing and licensing, but prospective agents should also be aware of ongoing costs such as continuing education and license renewal fees that follow initial certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to take the Texas real estate exam?
The Texas real estate exam fee is typically $54 for each portion of the exam, totaling $108 if you take both the sales agent and broker exams.

Are there any additional fees besides the exam cost?
Yes, candidates must also pay for the required licensing courses, application fees, and fingerprinting, which vary depending on the provider and specific requirements.

Can the exam fee be paid online or only in person?
The exam fee can be paid online through the Texas Real Estate Commission’s approved testing vendor when scheduling the exam.

Is the exam fee refundable if I cancel or reschedule?
Exam fees are generally non-refundable; however, rescheduling is allowed with advance notice and may incur additional fees.

Do I need to pay the exam fee before or after completing the required courses?
You must complete the required education courses before scheduling and paying for the exam.

Are there any discounts or waivers available for the Texas real estate exam fee?
Currently, there are no discounts or fee waivers available for the Texas real estate exam.
The cost of the Texas real estate exam is an important consideration for prospective licensees preparing to enter the real estate profession. As of the most recent information, the exam fee typically ranges around $54 per attempt, payable directly to the testing service. This fee is separate from other expenses such as pre-licensing courses, application fees, and background checks, which collectively contribute to the overall cost of obtaining a real estate license in Texas.

Understanding the exam fee structure helps candidates budget effectively and plan their licensing process with greater clarity. It is also crucial to recognize that if a candidate does not pass the exam on the first try, additional fees will apply for subsequent attempts. Therefore, thorough preparation is essential to minimize retake costs and ensure a successful outcome on the initial exam attempt.

In summary, while the Texas real estate exam fee is a fixed and necessary expense, it represents just one component of the total investment required to become a licensed real estate professional in Texas. Being well-informed about these costs and preparing diligently can streamline the licensing journey and support a smooth transition into the real estate industry.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.