QUICK ANSWER

The Texas real estate exam is a closed-book Pearson VUE test for Texas sales agent candidates who are exam-eligible through TREC. You take a National/General portion and a Texas State Law portion, get 240 minutes if taking both, and must pass both separately with 56 correct National answers and 28 correct State answers. The handbook and content outlines disagree on the combined displayed-item total, so this guide shows each published figure with its source.

Use the source-checked Texas exam facts page to verify a score, fee, retake rule, pass-rate claim, or an older study guide.

EXAM PREP ONLY

This guide explains how the Texas sales agent exam is structured, weighted, and scored so you can study in the right order. It is exam-prep education, not legal, tax, lending, brokerage, or licensing advice. Verify current rules with TREC, the Texas Real Estate License Act (Occupations Code Chapter 1101), and the Pearson VUE candidate handbook before acting on an application or a real transaction.

Exam format

The Texas real estate sales agent exam is a closed-book, computer-based licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE. It has two separately-scored portionsand you must pass both. Pearson VUE’s handbook lists the combined sales appointment as 125 total items in 4 hours, with 120 scored items: 80 National/General and 40 Texas State Law. In the content outlines, the national portion shows 80 scored plus 5 pretest items (85 total), and the Texas state portion shows 40 scored plus 10 pretest items (50 total). Pretest items are mixed in and not identified, so answer every one. Pearson lists the appointment total and the outline breakdown in separate documents, so the 125 does not equal the portion subtotals exactly. The exam covers 14 content areas (8 national + 6 Texas state). For a section-by-section breakdown, see the Texas exam format guide or how hard the exam is.

01Use the weights

Brokerage, contracts, mortgages, property rights, and appraisal deserve more time than one-question topics.

02Separate math

Computation points are easier to save when formulas, units, and setup are drilled outside mixed practice.

03Simulate timing

The national portion gives you 150 minutes. That is generous only if you flag stalled questions and keep clean points moving.

  • Question format: multiple-choice questions based on Texas real estate law, principles, practice, and mathematics, split into a national and a Texas state portion.
  • Time: the national portion allows 150 minutes, the Texas state portion allows 90 minutes, and candidates taking both portions have 240 minutes total.
  • Passing score: sales agent candidates must answer at least 56 National questions and 28 State questions correctly. You must pass both portions.
  • Testing location: Texas candidates take the examination in a physical Pearson VUE test center.
  • Exam result: candidates receive an official, photo-bearing result report immediately after the exam. Check it before leaving the test center.
The practical read

This is not a trivia exam. A large share of points comes from applying a rule to a situation. When your study plan is mostly passive reading, you may recognize terms but still miss the question under timed pressure.

What to study first

Pearson VUE publishes the official Texas content outline in 14 weighted areas across the national and Texas state portions. The table shows the official scored-item count for each area and its rounded share of all 120 scored items. Use the item count to decide where your next study hour should go. Once you know what to study, see how to choose the best exam prep for your situation.

First repairContracts and agency, Texas agency and intermediary
Then stabilizeProperty characteristics, value and appraisal, practice, ownership and title
Then protectMath, disclosures, standards of conduct, TREC duties, licensing
#
Topic and next action
Priority
~Qs
Weight
01
Real Estate Contracts and Agency
Contract validity, classification, breach remedies, agency creation and duties
Start here. The heaviest national topic. Drill contract classification, breach remedies, and agency scenarios until the rule triggers feel automatic.
Critical
16
13%
02
Real Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions & Property Use
Physical and legal characteristics, legal descriptions, encumbrances, land use
Build a vocabulary map for estates, encumbrances, and legal-description methods, then test scenarios.
Critical
11
9%
03
Property Value and Appraisal
Approaches to value, adjustments, depreciation, income value logic
Pair method recognition with math setup. The exam often tests which approach fits the property.
Critical
11
9%
04
Real Estate Practice
Listings, advertising, commissions, fair housing, brokerage operations
Drill listings, advertising, commissions, and fair-housing scenarios until the rule triggers feel automatic.
High
10
8%
05
Forms of Ownership, Transfer & Recording of Title
Estates, co-ownership, deeds, title, recording, notice, transfer
Make a deed and title vocabulary map, then test voluntary vs. involuntary transfer scenarios.
High
9
8%
06
Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues
Seller disclosures, environmental hazards, lead-based paint, material facts
Study disclosure triggers and environmental-hazard language in short, repeated passes.
High
9
8%
07
Financing and Settlement
Notes, mortgages, loan programs, foreclosure, federal lending and settlement rules
Separate note, mortgage, foreclosure, and loan-program vocabulary before timed practice.
Core
7
6%
08
Real Estate Math Calculations
Commission, proration, area, loan-to-value, capitalization, closing math
Use math drills until the setup is faster than the arithmetic.
Core
7
6%
09
Commission Duties and Powers (TREC)
TREC structure, rulemaking authority, investigations, enforcement
Small weight, but easy points if you know TREC structure and its rulemaking and enforcement authority.
Support
3
3%
10
Licensing
Eligibility, education, application, renewal, and license status under TRELA
Memorize eligibility, education, application, and renewal rules with Texas-specific TRELA wording.
Support
3
3%
11
Standards of Conduct
Trust account handling, advertising, deceptive practices, ethical duties
Focus on trust account handling, advertising rules, and what each ethical or deceptive-practice term means.
High
9
8%
12
Agency / Brokerage (Texas)
Intermediary, agency relationships, the IABS disclosure, brokerage duties
Highest-weight Texas topic. Use scenario drills on intermediary status, agency duties, and the IABS disclosure.
Critical
11
9%
13
Contracts (Texas Promulgated Forms)
TREC promulgated forms, addenda, completion rules, contingencies
Know the TREC promulgated forms, common addenda, and completion rules cold.
High
9
8%
14
Special Topics (Texas Law)
Property tax, homestead, special Texas statutes and disclosures
Learn the Texas-specific statutes, property tax, and homestead language, then keep it alive in mixed practice.
Support
5
4%

How scoring works

The Texas exam is scored as two separate portions, and you must pass both. You need at least 56 correct answers out of 80 scored National items and at least 28 correct answers out of 40 scored Texas State Law items. Passing one portion does not make up for failing the other. Every answer matters, so there is no reason to leave a question blank.

National 56 to 80
National portion passed
PASS
State 28 to 40
Texas state portion passed
PASS
National 0 to 55
National portion not passed
RETAKE
State 0 to 27
Texas state portion not passed
RETAKE

If you do not pass a portion, use any topic-level or performance information your result report provides. Then build your next plan around the weak topics in the portion you failed, not around rereading the entire course from page one.

Practice questions

Good practice questions test the rule, the trap, and the reason a tempting answer is wrong. The examples below are original study questions, not copied exam questions and not a prediction of live Pearson VUE wording.

  1. Texas forms: A buyer asks a sales agent to write a custom legal remedy into a TREC contract addendum. What is the safest exam answer?

    Answer: The agent should avoid drafting legal language and recommend that the buyer seek legal advice. The exam is testing the line between filling in a promulgated form and practicing law.

  2. Scoring: A candidate scores 60 on the National portion and 27 on the Texas State Law portion. What happened?

    Answer: The candidate passed National and failed State. Texas sales agent candidates must pass each portion separately. While the application is active, the next appointment can cover State only. If the application expires, the National result remains valid for one year from the date it was passed if the candidate reapplies before that result expires.

  3. Math: A parcel contains 2 acres. How many square feet is that?

    Answer: 87,120 square feet. Pearson says 43,560 square feet per acre is not provided at the test center, so memorize it before exam day.

  4. Agency: A buyer at a showing asks whether the license holder represents the seller. What is the exam testing?

    Answer:Disclosure and representation. Look for the answer that uses Texas agency language, identifies who is represented, and avoids giving a misleading impression about the license holder's role.

Exam tips that save points

The fastest point gains usually come from Texas wording, math setup, and missed-score repair. Another complete course reread is rarely the best next step.

  • Use Texas terms on state questions.Texas tests intermediary practice, TREC-promulgated forms, IABS disclosure, and broker responsibility. Do not import another state's vocabulary.
  • Read the action word before the facts. Questions often ask what the license holder should do next, what is required, or what is prohibited. That word controls the answer.
  • Name the math unknown first. Before you calculate, decide whether the question asks for value, loan amount, commission, acreage, proration, net, or rate.
  • Treat pretest items like scored items. Pearson says pretest items are not identified, so guessing which questions count is wasted effort.
  • After a failed portion, repair that portion. Use the result report to target weak areas instead of restarting the whole course from page one.

Booking your exam

Candidates must apply to TREC for license eligibility before making an exam reservation. Once you are authorized, you can schedule through Pearson VUE online or by phone, subject to availability.

  1. Complete the required 180 classroom hours of Texas qualifying education: Principles I, Principles II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance. For the full licensing path, see how to get your Texas real estate license.
  2. Submit the TREC application and complete the required fingerprinting and background check process. Use the REALM application walkthrough and TREC fingerprint guide for those steps.
  3. Wait for authorization from TREC and Pearson VUE before trying to reserve an exam seat.
  4. Create or log into your Pearson VUE account using your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
  5. Pick a physical test center and appointment time, then check the change or cancellation deadline. Pearson VUE requires at least 48 hours of notice to change or cancel without forfeiting the fee.

Use the Texas exam scheduling walkthrough for the reservation sequence, compare locations with the Pearson VUE test-center guide, use the city licensing directory for local testing and education logistics, and read the change and cancellation rules before the deadline matters.

Do not treat booking as studying

A test date creates urgency, but it does not create readiness. If your timed mixed practice is not close to passing, use the readiness calculator or try five questions before spending another exam fee.

Exam day

The official instructions are strict because the exam is secure. Confirm admission requirements before thinking about the first question.

  • Arrival: report 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
  • Identification: bring two valid signature IDs. One must be government-issued and match the name used for licensure.
  • Calculator: Pearson VUE recommends bringing a calculator, since the test center does not provide one. Acceptable calculators are hand-held, battery or solar-powered financial calculators used in real estate, finance, accounting, and business; they may have storage capabilities but must not contain alpha (letter) keys. Calculator rules can change, so confirm the current Pearson VUE Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook before test day.
  • Closed book: reference materials, notes, books, papers, phones, bags, and personal study materials are not allowed in the test room.
  • Leaving the room:you need the test center manager’s permission to leave and lost time is not restored.

The licensing exam is delivered in person. Read the online-versus-in-person answer, check the calculator policy, and use the Pearson VUE exam-day walkthrough if you want the check-in sequence before you arrive.

Tactical tip

Dress comfortably and bring a layer. Testing rooms are climate controlled but may not suit every candidate. That is fair reason to avoid being cold for a long appointment.

After the exam

You receive an official result report immediately after completion. If you pass both portions, follow TREC and sponsoring-broker activation instructions before performing licensed real estate services. Passing the test and being able to practice are connected, but they are not the same step.

Start with the score-report guide. If both portions are complete, follow the after-passing checklist. If one portion is still open, use the failed-exam and retake hub.

If you do not pass a portion, do not make the next attempt a replay of the last one. Start with the score report, identify the weak topics in the portion you failed, repair the miss type, then test readiness with timed mixed practice.

Study plan builderChoose a timeline from your fresh score, schedule, attempt, and weakest area.How to studyBuild the diagnostic, repair, retest, and timed-practice loop.7-day cram planUse it for final review after qualifying education.2-week study planBuild both portions from a fresh first-attempt baseline.4-week and 30-day planAdd more retrieval, repair, and timed practice before booking.Time-management strategyUse checkpoints, flag-and-return, and a clean final review.Practice-volume guideJudge readiness by fresh results, not a vanity question count.Retake checklistTurn the result report into a 14-day action plan.Exam day checklistConfirm IDs, calculator rules, prohibited items, and arrival.Exam content areasStudy the official content areas with more detail.Math formulasRepair calculations before they cost easy points.Free practice testTake a timed mock and review every miss to test readiness.

Frequently asked questions

For quick answers to every common exam question in one place, see the Texas real estate exam FAQ.

How many questions are on the Texas real estate exam?

The Texas sales agent exam has two separately-scored portions. Pearson VUE's handbook lists the combined sales appointment as 125 total items and 240 minutes, with 120 scored items: 80 National/General and 40 Texas State Law. In the content outlines, the National/General portion is 80 scored plus 5 pretest items (85 total) and the Texas State Law portion is 40 scored plus 10 pretest items (50 total). Pretest items are not identified and do not affect your score, so answer every item and pass both scored portions.

What score do you need to pass the Texas real estate exam?

For the Texas sales agent exam, Pearson VUE reports the pass mark as a raw score: 56/80 National and 28/40 State. You must pass each portion separately.

How much does the Texas real estate exam cost?

The Pearson VUE exam fee for the Texas sales agent exam is $43 per reservation. You pay the same fee when you schedule a retake.

Is the Texas real estate exam online or at a test center?

Texas candidates take the exam in person at a physical Pearson VUE test center. Report 30 minutes before your appointment and bring two valid signature IDs, one of which is government-issued and matches the name used for licensure.

Can you use a calculator on the Texas real estate exam?

Yes. Pearson VUE recommends bringing a calculator, since the test center does not provide one. Acceptable calculators are hand-held, battery or solar-powered financial calculators used in real estate, finance, accounting, and business; they may have storage capabilities but must not contain alpha (letter) keys. Calculator rules can change, so confirm the current Pearson VUE Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook before test day. The exam is closed-book, so notes, phones, and study materials are not allowed in the test room.

What happens if you fail the Texas real estate exam?

You receive an official result report at the test center. While the application is active, you retake only the failed portion. TREC separately says each passed section remains valid for one year from its passing date if you reapply before that result expires. Pearson VUE says to wait 24 hours before scheduling a retake, and the sales examination fee is $43 per appointment. TREC Rule §535.57 requires additional qualifying education after a third consecutive failed examination.

Sources and methodology

Official exam facts on this page come from TREC and Pearson VUE primary materials. Study order, priority labels, and pacing advice are Pass Texas coaching guidance, not TREC rules. When the Pearson handbook conflicts with TREC's current rule text, this guide identifies the conflict and follows TREC for the licensing rule.

This page is exam-preparation content for the Texas Real Estate Sales Agent exam. It is not legal, tax, financial, lending, appraisal, brokerage, insurance, title, or licensing advice. Fees, item counts, scoring, and scheduling rules can change, so verify current requirements with TREC and Pearson VUE before applying, scheduling, rescheduling, or making licensing decisions.