Where Do You Take the Texas Real Estate Exam?

The short version

TREC says license exams are given by Pearson, a testing company. The Pearson VUE Texas candidate handbook (rev08/2026, checked October 15, 2026) says you make a reservation online or by phone, then go to a test center on exam day.

• You get an email from TREC with scheduling instructions after your education is reviewed.
• You reserve your seat with Pearson VUE.
• You go to the test center with your required items.

How to schedule

The handbook says you create an account on the Pearson VUE Texas real estate page and follow the steps. You can also call Pearson VUE at (800) 997-1248. Either way, you must reserve at least 24 hours before the exam date.

Have these ready before you start: your legal name, mailing address, email, daytime phone, your TREC ID number from the eligibility letter, the exam name, and your preferred date and test center.

Where the test centers are

The handbook lists test centers in cities across Texas. It says locations and schedules are subject to change, and to confirm with Pearson VUE. In our area it lists these.

Can you take it online from home?

We cannot confirm that you can. The handbook describes reserving a seat and going to a test center. The Pearson VUE Texas real estate page we read on October 15, 2026 did not describe an at-home option for this exam either. If you see a site that says otherwise, ask Pearson VUE or TREC first.

Military base test centers

The handbook says the exams are also given at select Pearson VUE centers on military installations. Candidates need valid government ID and permission to enter the base. Civilians without it are turned away.

What it costs and how you pay

The handbook lists a fee of $58 for the sales exam (checked October 15, 2026). You pay when you reserve, by credit card, debit card or voucher. Payment is not accepted at the test center. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except under the change and cancel policy.

Changing or cancelling

The handbook says to call Pearson VUE at least 48 hours before the exam to change or cancel. With proper notice you can move your fee to a new reservation or ask for a refund. Without notice you lose the fee. A late or absent candidate can call within 14 days to ask for an excused absence for reasons the handbook lists, such as illness, a death in the family, jury duty or a weather emergency.

A simple scheduling checklist

These are planning ideas from us, not TREC rules. Pick a date only after you know your course work will be done. Choose a test center you can reach without a rush, and drive there once if you have never been. Book early, because the handbook says some centers run only a few days each week.

• Wait for the TREC email that gives scheduling instructions.
• Look up the test center list and pick the closest site with open days.
• Reserve at least a few days ahead, not at the 24 hour limit.
• Put the 48 hour change deadline on your calendar.
• Pack your identification the night before and match your name exactly to your registration.
• Plan to arrive 30 minutes early and leave extra time for traffic.

Vouchers, accommodations and weather

The handbook says vouchers can be bought online from the Pearson VUE voucher store and pay for an exam like a card does. It says vouchers expire 12 months from the date issued, and that the date cannot be extended. The exam must be taken by the date printed on the voucher.

If you need testing accommodations, the handbook points to the Pearson VUE accommodations page and an ADA coordinator email. Start that request early, since it may take time to approve.

If severe weather or a natural disaster makes a test center unsafe, the handbook says the exam may be delayed or canceled. It says Pearson VUE will notify and reschedule candidates. Check your email and phone on exam morning.

Fingerprints are a separate visit

Fingerprints are not taken at the exam. The handbook says candidates schedule fingerprint appointments at an IDEMIA location in Texas. Our guide on license requirements explains how the background check fits in. Treat it as its own errand with its own booking.

How long you have to finish

The handbook gives you 240 minutes, or 4 hours, to finish the state and national parts together, and you leave with an official score report. TREC says you must pass both parts before your application expires, and that application expires one year after it is filed. Passing results are valid for one year from the passing date. Plan your test date with those clocks in mind.

Reading the fine print on test center details

The handbook says candidates should contact Pearson VUE to confirm specific locations and schedules. That is worth doing, since the handbook lists how many days a week each site is open and says locations and schedules are subject to change. It also says you may test at any of its US test centers, so you are not tied to the city where you took your courses.

Exam day

The handbook tells you to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Read its What to Bring list before you go, since candidates without the required items are denied entry. Our guide on the exam format covers time limits and topics.

If you need to retest

If you fail, the handbook says you wait 24 hours before you schedule a retest, and you cannot reserve at the test center. You can retake only the part you missed, within one year of your application date. You have three attempts before more education is required.

Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with TREC.

Where this fits

Scheduling comes after your courses and application. See the license requirements and the exam cost guide. After you pass, you need a sponsoring broker. Our guide on finding a sponsoring broker shows what to ask.

If you are licensed in DFW and want to talk with The Bauer Group, you can start a conversation on our site. We do not issue licenses.