How to Become a Licensed Realtor in El Paso, TX: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Licensed Realtor in El Paso, TX: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Updated: August 25, 2026

Your Quick Answer: How to Get a Real Estate License in El Paso

To become a licensed realtor in El Paso, Texas, you must complete 180 hours of TREC-approved education, pass a background check, file an application with the Texas Real Estate Commission, pass the state licensing exam (scoring 70% on each section), and find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. The total cost ranges from $650 to $1,300, and most people complete the process in 2 to 6 months.

Introduction: Your Path to an El Paso Real Estate Career

El Paso sits in the far west corner of Texas, a vibrant city where American and Mexican cultures blend seamlessly. The real estate market here has remained stable and strong, with single-family home prices increasing by about 8% between 2022 and 2023—an exception in Texas while other markets declined due to high mortgage rates.

Becoming a licensed realtor gives you the flexibility to build your own business, help families find their dream homes, and earn income based on your effort.

This guide walks you through every step of the licensing process. Whether you are changing careers or starting fresh, you will find exactly what you need to know.

Quick Overview: Costs and Timeline

How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost in El Paso?

Fact #1: The total investment to get your Texas real estate license ranges from $650 to $1,300+. Here is the breakdown:

The highest variable cost is your pre-licensing education, which varies depending on the provider, course format, and included resources. Pricing for pre-licensing courses varies by provider. Some schools charge less than $400, while premium packages with exam prep and extra resources cost more.

Fact #2: Optional costs to consider: Fitness Determination ($52, for applicants with prior legal history), exam prep programs, and practice tests. While optional, these tools can improve your chances of passing the exam on the first try—saving you money on retake fees.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Realtor in El Paso?

Most people take 3 to 6 months because they balance coursework with a job. If you study full-time, you can finish faster. The key is staying consistent.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you invest time and money, make sure you qualify. Texas law requires all applicants to:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
3. Meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity

What About a Criminal Record?

Fact #3: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. TREC evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any criminal history, unpaid judgments, or prior disciplinary actions against a professional license, request a Fitness Determination from TREC before enrolling in any courses. This costs $52 and gives you an official answer upfront. Skipping this step is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make because you could pay for 180 hours of education and then find out you cannot get licensed.

Step 2: Complete 180 Hours of Qualifying Education

Texas requires 180 classroom hours of pre-licensing education from a TREC-approved provider. These six courses cover everything you need to know:

Important Legislative Update: Senate Bill 1968, effective January 1, 2026, shifts authority for setting initial sales agent education requirements from state statute to TREC rulemaking. This change, along with the launch of the new REALM Portal (December 10, 2025), makes the licensing process more efficient and adaptable.

Where to Take Courses in El Paso

Local In-Person Options:

1. Lone Star Real Estate School – Local classroom and evening classes in El Paso
2. El Paso Community College (EPCC) – Offers an AAS in Business Management-Real Estate Option that covers the required coursework

Online Options:

1. Kaplan, The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, and other TREC-approved providers offer flexible online options

Choose the format that fits your schedule. Online, self-paced courses are typically more affordable; livestream or in-person classes may cost more but provide a consistent schedule.

Step 3: Submit Fingerprints and Complete Your Background Check

All applicants must be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check. Texas uses IDEMIA, the state's fingerprinting vendor, and the fee is approximately $37.

The results go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and then to TREC.

Important: If you have never been fingerprinted for a TREC license before, you must complete this step before you can take the exam.

Step 4: File Your TREC Application

The application is filed through TREC's REALM Portal (formerly the online licensing system). The new system officially launched on December 10, 2025. The application fee is $206 and covers your first two-year license period.

Fact #4: The REALM Portal streamlines the application process significantly—all education applications now shift from paper to online, and renewals for CE and QE courses allow approved courses to maintain the same course number across approval terms.

What to Disclose

Be completely honest on your application. If you have any criminal history, unpaid judgments, or disciplinary actions, disclose them fully. Lying on your application is grounds for automatic denial.

The application is valid for one year from the filing date. If you do not pass the exam within that year, you must file a new application.

Step 5: Pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Texas. You cannot schedule the exam until TREC approves your application and sends you an eligibility letter.

Exam Structure

The national portion covers general real estate principles. The state portion focuses on Texas-specific laws, TREC rules, and promulgated contract forms.

How to Pass

Fact #5: You must score at least 70% on each section independently. Passing one does not carry the other—if you pass the national section but fail the state section, you only retake the state section. This means at least 56 out of 80 scored questions on the national portion and approximately 21 out of 30 scored questions on the state portion.

Fact #6: The statewide first-time pass rate for salesperson candidates is approximately 56%. Many candidates need more than one attempt—which is why choosing a school with quality exam prep and practice tests matters. TREC publishes provider exam pass rates, which is worth reviewing before choosing a school.

What Happens If You Fail?

1. You can retake the failed portion(s) after 24 hours
2. Each retake costs another $43
3. You have only three attempts to pass each section. If you fail one section three times, you must complete an additional 30 hours of education for that section before you can test again. If you fail both sections three times, you must complete an additional 60 hours of education

Study Tip: Dedicated exam preparation is essential. Most candidates who fail relied on coursework alone. Consider investing in practice tests, exam prep courses, and study tools to pass on your first try.

Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker (Your Most Important Decision)

After you pass the exam, TREC issues your license in inactive status. You cannot practice real estate until you find a licensed broker to sponsor you and activate your license.

How to Choose the Right Brokerage

Your broker will have a bigger impact on your first two years than anything else. Here is what to look for:

1. Real Training, Not Just Motivation

You need training on contracts, negotiations, compliance, and how Texas real estate law works in practice.

2. Commission Split That Makes Sense for Your Stage

New agents often chase the highest split possible. A 90/10 split with zero support is worth less than a 70/30 split with real mentorship, leads, and systems.

3. A Broker Who Answers the Phone

You will have questions at night or on weekends. If your broker is not available to help, you are on your own.

4. Technology and Systems

A CRM, transaction management tools, and marketing systems are essential for building your business efficiently.

5. Lead Generation Support

This is where OmniReferral comes in. No matter which brokerage you choose, having access to premium, verified buyer and seller leads gives you a massive advantage. OmniReferral provides qualified leads delivered through a clean dashboard so you can focus on closing deals, not just prospecting. Learn more about our real estate lead generation services.

Top Brokerages to Consider

El Paso Local:

1. ClearView Realty (strong mentorship focus)

National Franchises:

1. Keller Williams
2. RE/MAX
3. CENTURY 21

Tech-Focused/Cloud-Based:

1. eXp Realty
2. REAL Broker
3. Fathom Realty
4. Compass

Key: Before you join any brokerage, confirm that your broker holds membership in the MLS serving your market.

Step 7: Activate Your License and Start Building Your Career

Once your sponsorship is approved in the REALM Portal, your license becomes active. You can then:

1. Update your Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form
2. List your sponsoring broker on all contracts
3. Start advertising under your broker's name
4. Join the local MLS (essential for residential real estate)

Understanding El Paso's Market

Fact #7: El Paso's median home price is approximately $143,700—far less than the national average of 208,000.WhilepricegrowthisslowerthanotherTexascitieslikeDallasorAustin,thehighdemandforhomesmakesupforthelowerlistpricesintermsofcommissionpotential.ThemostpopularneighborhoodsincludeBearRidge(329,608 average) and High Ridge ($423,146 average). Browse our property listings to see current El Paso market activity.

First-Time Renewal: The 90-Hour SAE Requirement

New sales agents are considered apprentices for the first two years. To renew your license for the first time, you must complete 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE).

This includes:

1. The 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course (effective October 1, 2023)
2. 4 hours of TREC Legal Update I
3. 4 hours of TREC Legal Update II

Important: If you do not complete this before your first renewal, TREC will charge a CE Deferral Fee and place your license in inactive status.

Ongoing Renewal: The 18-Hour CE Requirement

For second and later renewals, you must complete 18 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years.

Fact #8: CE deadlines are strict. A lapsed license costs more to reinstate than to renew on time. If you plan to take a break from the business, setting your license to inactive status before your renewal is the best move if you want to return in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I become a realtor in El Paso?

Complete 180 hours of TREC-approved education, pass the background check, file your TREC application through the REALM Portal, pass the Texas licensing exam (70% on each section), and find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. The process takes 2 to 6 months depending on your pace.

How much does a real estate license cost in Texas?

Plan for $650 to $1,300+ for courses, application fees, exam fees, and fingerprinting. Tuition varies by provider, so compare options and look for packages that include exam prep. Check our pricing page to understand the investment for lead generation services once you're licensed.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Texas?

Most people take 2 to 6 months. Full-time students can finish in 6-10 weeks, while part-time students often complete the process in 4-6 months.

Do you need a college degree to be a realtor in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a college degree. You must complete the 180 hours of TREC-approved qualifying education and pass the exam.

What is the best brokerage for new agents in Texas?

There is no single "best" brokerage. The right choice depends on your needs. Look at commission splits, training programs, lead generation support, culture, and technology. Interview multiple brokerages before deciding.

Where can I find leads as a new real estate agent?

Your brokerage may provide some leads, but many agents supplement with a premium lead generation platform like OmniReferral. OmniReferral delivers verified buyer and seller leads through a simple dashboard, so you can spend more time closing and less time prospecting. Explore our available listings to see the quality of opportunities we provide.

What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?

You must score 70% on each portion independently. That means at least 56 out of 80 scored questions on the national section and approximately 21 out of 30 scored questions on the state section. You need to pass both parts to get your license.

What happens if I fail the exam three times?

If you fail one section three times, you must complete an additional 30 hours of qualifying education for that section. If you fail both sections three times, you must complete an additional 60 hours of education before retaking the exam.

Ready to Start Your El Paso Real Estate Career?

Getting your real estate license in El Paso is a big step. The process takes time and money, but the reward is a career with unlimited potential.

Here is a quick summary of what you need to do:

1. Confirm you meet TREC's eligibility requirements
2. Complete 180 hours of qualifying education
3. Submit fingerprints and pass your background check
4. File your TREC application through the REALM Portal
5. Pass the national and state portions of the licensing exam (70% each)
6. Find a sponsoring broker
7. Activate your license and start building your business

Your license gets you started, but clients are what build your career. A strong lead generation strategy makes the difference between struggling and thriving. OmniReferral helps agents focus on closings, not cold calls, by providing verified, high-intent buyer and seller leads.

Ready to make your first move? Visit OmniReferral to learn more about our premium lead generation services and take the next step toward a successful real estate career. Contact our team to discover current pricing and available options tailored to your market.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.