The Ultimate Guide to the Texas Real Estate Exam

If you are preparing to get your real estate license in the Lone Star State, passing the Texas Real Estate Exam is the final hurdle between you and your new career. Administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), this exam is designed to be challenging but completely passable with the right preparation.

Whether you are just starting your 180 hours of pre-licensing education or you are days away from test day, here is everything you need to know about the exam structure, passing scores, and the topics you need to master.

Exam Structure and Time Limit

The Texas Real Estate Sales Agent Exam is a multiple-choice computer-based test divided into two distinct sections: National and State. You will take both sections on the same day.

• Total Questions: 125 questions
• Total Time Limit: 240 minutes (4 hours)

Here is how the exam breaks down by section:

1. The National Section

• Questions: 85 questions (80 scored, 5 unscored pretest questions)
• Time Limit: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
• Focus: General real estate principles, practices, and laws that apply universally across the United States.

2. The State Section

• Questions: 40 questions (30 scored, 10 unscored pretest questions)
• Time Limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
• Focus: Texas-specific real estate laws, TREC rules, and state-promulgated contract forms.

Note: The "pretest" questions are mixed in seamlessly and do not count toward your final score, so it is crucial to answer every single question to the best of your ability.

What is the Passing Score?

To pass the Texas Real Estate Exam, you do not need a perfect score, but you do need to meet the minimum threshold for both sections independently. You will receive your results immediately upon finishing the test at the Pearson VUE testing center.

• National Portion Passing Score: 56 correct answers out of 85 (approx. 66%)
• State Portion Passing Score: 21 correct answers out of 40 (approx. 53%)

If you pass one section but fail the other, you will only need to retake the section you failed. You have up to three attempts to pass both sections. If you fail a section three times, TREC requires you to complete an additional 30 hours of remedial education before you can try again.

Core Topics Covered on the Exam

Understanding what is on the test is the first step in building an effective study strategy.

National Portion Topics Include:

• Real property characteristics and property use
• Forms of ownership and transfer of title
• Property value and appraisal
• Real estate contracts and agency relationships
• Real estate practice and disclosures
• Financing and settlement
• Real estate math calculations (expect about 7 math questions)

Texas State Portion Topics Include:

• TREC Commission duties and powers
• Licensing requirements and standards of conduct
• Agency and brokerage practices in Texas
• Texas-specific contracts and promulgated forms
• Special topics (e.g., community property, homestead laws)

Top Strategies to Pass on Your First Attempt

With the first-time pass rate generally hovering around 56% to 57%, relying on your course notes alone might not be enough. Here are the most effective ways to ensure you pass:

1. Utilize Practice Quizzes: Testing your knowledge through simulated multiple-choice questions is the most effective way to prepare. Take advantage of platform study materials and timed quizzes to build your stamina for the 4-hour test window.
2. Master the Math: Do not let the math section intimidate you. Memorize key formulas (like calculating commissions, proration, and loan-to-value ratios) and practice them until they become second nature.
3. Focus on Promulgated Forms: The Texas state section relies heavily on your understanding of specific contracts. Ensure you know the details of the forms provided by TREC.
4. Join a Membership Plan for Premium Prep: Upgrading to premium study materials can give you access to targeted flashcards, in-depth rationales for incorrect answers, and comprehensive study guides that bridge the gap between your coursework and the actual exam.