Getting your Real Estate License in the Austin Metro Area


In the past 20 years, the Austin metro area has more than doubled in size. This central Texas location has also greatly improved opportunities for its residents. With Tesla and other tech giants moving to Austin, the city appears to be turning into a major tech hub, making it a great time to be a real estate agent.

Thinking of getting your real estate license in the Austin metro area? Here's what you need to know. 

Basic Requirements for Getting Your Real Estate License in the Austin Metro Area

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues real estate licenses in Texas. This agency also sets the guidelines for becoming a real estate agent or broker. They are as follows:

  • You must be either a U.S. citizen or a "lawfully admitted" alien.

  • You must be at least 18 years old.

  • You must meet TREC's fitness qualifications for "honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity."

The Process of Becoming a Texas Real Estate Agent

  1. File your application with TREC and pay the $185 license fee. You can apply either online or through the mail. 

  2. Get your fingerprints taken at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) so that the state can run a background check.

  3. Take 180 hours of qualifying real estate courses, including the following: Principles of Real Estate I #42039 and II #42040 (30 hours each); Law of Contracts #1251 (30 hours); Law of Agency #1151 (30 hours); Real Estate Finance  #451(30 hours); and Promulgated Contract Forms #351 (30 hours). 

  4. Submit proof of your completed coursework to TREC.

  5. Take the real estate license exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE. If you fail the exam three times, you will have to do additional education.

  6. Find a Texas real estate broker to sponsor you. Your sales agent license remains inactive until you have a sponsor, but once someone agrees to work with you, you can begin buying and selling real estate on behalf of clients.

You have a year from first filing your application to meet all the requirements listed above.

Want to get your Real Estate License? Begin your Pre-Licensing Course today!

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Where to Take Your Real Estate License Exam in Austin

As mentioned above, Pearson VUE administers the real estate licensing exam. There are three main testing centers within Austin city limits:

  • Pearson Austin: 505 Huntland Dr, Centennial Towers building. (512) 206-0554

  • Pearson Professional Centers (north location): 12345 North Lamar Blvd, Suite 207. (512) 832-4771

  • Pearson Professional Center (south location): 5100 W Highway 290 access road. (512) 892-0421

Where to Take Your Real Estate License Exam Outside of Austin

If you live in suburbs like Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, or Cedar Park, unfortunately, there are no testing centers in your town. You'll have to drive into Austin or check out one of these nearby centers:

  • Anmol Technologies: 1311 Chisholm Trail, Suite 102, Round Rock. (512) 358-6142

  • Oak Hill Technology, Inc.: 19690 Ranch Rd 12, Driftwood. (512) 842-1000

  • TEMC at Texas State University: Commons Dining Hall G4, San Marcos. (512) 245-2276

Consider Joining the Austin Board of REALTORS

Once you're a real estate agent, you might want to go one step further and become a Realtor. Realtors must abide by a strict code of ethics established by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Becoming a Realtor could allow you to rub shoulders with local officials, and it will definitely help you expand your network. Learn more about the Austin Board of Realtors, including how to join, by visiting their website.

Ready to Hit the City that Keeps Things Weird?

Aceable Agent can help.  We offer a 180-hour course package that includes TREC-approved online Texas real estate courses. Choose our basic course package to get practice exams and prep for the exam, or go all out with our premium option, which includes live private tutoring and webinars. Whatever option you choose, Aceable has you covered.

Want to get your Real Estate License? Begin your Pre-Licensing Course today!

Get Started Now!


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