How Many Questions Are on the Texas Real Estate Exam?
Everything you need to know about the Texas real estate licensing exam format, question breakdown, time limits, and passing requirements.
🎯The Quick Answer
The Texas real estate salesperson exam has 125 total questions, divided into two sections: 85 questions on the national portion and 40 questions on the Texas-specific portion. You have 4 hours to complete the entire exam.
125
Total Questions
4 hrs
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Texas Real Estate Exam Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Time Allocated | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 85 questions | ~2.5 hours | 70% (60 correct) |
| Texas State Portion | 40 questions | ~1.5 hours | 70% (28 correct) |
| Total | 125 questions | 4 hours | Must pass both |
Important: You must pass both sections independently. A high score on one section cannot compensate for a failing score on the other. If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section within one year.
National Portion: 85 Questions
The national portion of the Texas real estate exam covers general real estate principles that apply across all states. This section tests your understanding of fundamental concepts you'll use daily as a real estate agent.
Property Ownership & Land Use (15-18 questions)
- • Types of property ownership (fee simple, life estate, leasehold)
- • Legal descriptions and surveys
- • Zoning laws and building codes
- • Environmental regulations and restrictions
- • Easements, encumbrances, and liens
Contracts & Agency (18-22 questions)
- • Essential elements of valid contracts
- • Listing and purchase agreements
- • Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
- • Disclosure requirements
- • Breach of contract and remedies
Real Estate Finance (14-17 questions)
- • Types of mortgages and loans
- • Loan qualification and underwriting
- • Interest calculations and amortization
- • Federal lending regulations (RESPA, TILA)
- • Closing costs and settlement procedures
Valuation & Market Analysis (10-13 questions)
- • Appraisal methods (sales comparison, cost, income)
- • Factors affecting property value
- • Comparative market analysis (CMA)
- • Depreciation types and calculations
Fair Housing & Ethics (12-15 questions)
- • Federal Fair Housing Act protections
- • Protected classes and prohibited practices
- • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- • Equal Credit Opportunity Act
- • Professional ethics and conduct
Math Calculations (8-12 questions)
- • Commission calculations
- • Loan-to-value and down payment calculations
- • Property tax prorations
- • Area and volume measurements
- • Investment return calculations
Texas State Portion: 40 Questions
The Texas state portion focuses on laws, regulations, and practices specific to Texas real estate. This section is administered by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and requires knowledge of Texas-specific requirements.
Texas License Law (10-12 questions)
- • TREC licensing requirements and procedures
- • License renewal and continuing education
- • Broker-salesperson relationship requirements
- • Disciplinary actions and penalties
- • Advertising and business name rules
Texas Contracts & Forms (8-10 questions)
- • TREC-promulgated contract forms
- • Option period and earnest money requirements
- • Seller's Disclosure Notice
- • Special provisions and addenda
- • Texas-specific contingencies
Agency & Representation (6-8 questions)
- • Texas Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)
- • Intermediary relationships
- • Appointed license holder duties
- • Required disclosures to parties
Trust Accounts & Escrow (5-7 questions)
- • Trust account requirements in Texas
- • Earnest money handling procedures
- • Commingling and conversion violations
- • Record-keeping requirements
Texas Property Law (5-7 questions)
- • Homestead exemption rules
- • Community property laws
- • Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
- • Property tax exemptions and protests
- • Mineral rights and surface rights
Passing Score Requirements
National Portion
60/85
70% required to pass
Texas State Portion
28/40
70% required to pass
Key points about Texas exam scoring:
- You must achieve at least 70% on each section separately
- Scores are not combined—passing the national with 90% doesn't help if you fail the state portion
- If you pass one section but fail the other, you have one year to retake just the failed portion
- After one year, you must retake both sections
- You receive your results immediately after completing the exam
Time Management for 125 Questions
Your Time Per Question
1.9 minutes
Average time per question (240 min ÷ 125 questions)
~115 seconds
Per question for reading, thinking, and answering
Recommended Time Strategy
First Pass: 150 minutes
Answer all questions you know confidently. Flag difficult ones for review.
Second Pass: 60 minutes
Return to flagged questions. Eliminate wrong answers and make educated guesses.
Review: 30 minutes
Double-check math calculations and review any answers you're unsure about.
Texas Real Estate Exam Pass Rates
First-Time Test Takers
55-65%
Average pass rate for candidates taking the exam for the first time
With Proper Preparation
80-90%
Pass rate for candidates who complete coursework and take practice exams
The Texas real estate exam has a moderate difficulty level. Most candidates who fail do so because they underestimate the exam or don't study the state-specific portion adequately. With proper preparation, you can confidently pass on your first attempt.
How to Prepare for 125 Questions
📚Complete Your 180-Hour Pre-License Education
Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education covering six courses. Take these seriously—they form the foundation of your exam knowledge.
- Principles of Real Estate I (30 hours)
- Principles of Real Estate II (30 hours)
- Law of Agency (30 hours)
- Law of Contracts (30 hours)
- Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (30 hours)
📝Take Full-Length Practice Exams
Practice exams are essential. Take at least 5-10 full-length practice tests before your exam date.
- Simulate real testing conditions (timed, no breaks, no notes)
- Review every incorrect answer to understand your mistakes
- Focus additional study time on topics where you score below 70%
- Track your progress—you should see improvement with each test
🎯Focus on High-Weight Texas Topics
Prioritize studying topics that appear most frequently on the Texas portion:
- TREC promulgated forms—know each contract and addendum
- Information About Brokerage Services (IABS)—when and how to present
- Intermediary relationships—understand appointed license holders
- Trust account requirements—earnest money handling rules
- Texas homestead laws—exemptions and protections
🧮Master the Math (10-15% of questions)
Math questions have definitive right answers. Learn these formulas:
- Commission: Sales Price × Commission Rate = Total Commission
- LTV Ratio: Loan Amount ÷ Property Value × 100
- Proration: Annual Amount ÷ 365 × Days Owed
- Square Footage: Length × Width
- Monthly Interest: Principal × Rate ÷ 12
What to Expect on Exam Day in Texas
📋 Before the Exam
- Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE after completing your 180 hours
- Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of valid ID (primary must have photo and signature)
- Personal items must be stored in a locker—no phones, notes, or calculators
💻 During the Exam
- Computer-based test with on-screen calculator provided
- Scratch paper and pencils are provided
- You can flag questions to review before submitting
- Breaks are allowed but count against your 4-hour time limit
✅ After the Exam
- You receive your results immediately on screen
- If you pass, you can apply for your license through TREC
- If you fail one section, you can reschedule to retake just that portion
- Failed sections must be retaken within one year
How Texas Compares to Other States
| State | Total Questions | Time Limit | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 125 | 4 hours | 180 hours |
| California | 150 | 3 hrs 15 min | 135 hours |
| Florida | 100 | 3 hrs 30 min | 63 hours |
| New York | 75 | 1 hr 30 min | 77 hours |
| Georgia | 120 | 3 hrs 30 min | 75 hours |
Texas has one of the more rigorous pre-licensing requirements at 180 hours, but this thorough education actually helps prepare you better for the 125-question exam. The 4-hour time limit gives you ample time to work through all questions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I retake the Texas real estate exam?
There is no limit on the number of retakes, but you must wait at least 24 hours between attempts. Each retake requires a new exam fee.
Can I use a calculator on the Texas real estate exam?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided. You cannot bring your own calculator to the testing center.
What happens if I pass one section but fail the other?
Your passed section remains valid for one year. You only need to retake and pass the failed section within that time. After one year, you must retake both sections.
How much does the Texas real estate exam cost?
The exam fee is $54 per attempt (as of 2026), payable to Pearson VUE when you schedule your exam.
Are the 125 questions the same for everyone?
No, questions are drawn from a large question bank. While the topics and difficulty are consistent, each test taker receives a different set of questions.
Ready to Practice for Your Texas Exam?
Now that you know what to expect from the 125-question Texas real estate exam, start practicing with our Texas-specific practice tests to build confidence and identify areas that need more study.