Texas Real Estate Exam Cheat Sheet: Format, Passing Scores, and Texas-Specific Topics
A focused review of the Texas state portion — the rules and terms that make Texas different.
Exam snapshot: The Texas sales agent exam is delivered by Pearson VUE for the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). It has 125 scored questions — 85 national and 40 state — with a 4-hour limit. You must pass both portions separately: 56 of 85 on the national and 28 of 40 on the state. Confirm current details in TREC’s candidate handbook.
This Texas real estate exam cheat sheet zeroes in on the state portion, where Texas-specific rules like intermediary practice, promulgated contracts, and homestead law come into play. For national topics, use our real estate exam cheat sheet.
Texas Real Estate Exam Cheat Sheet: Format and Passing Scores
| Portion | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| National | 85 | 56 correct |
| State | 40 | 28 correct |
| Total time | 4 hours | |
Agency, Intermediary, and IABS
- Information About Brokerage Services (IABS): A TREC form that must be provided at the first substantive communication with a party about a specific property.
- Intermediary: A broker who represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction, with written consent from both. Texas uses intermediary instead of traditional dual agency.
- Appointments: In an intermediary transaction, the broker may appoint different associates to work with each party, with written notice.
- Confidentiality: An intermediary can’t disclose, for example, that the seller will accept less or the buyer will pay more, without written permission.
Promulgated Contracts
- What “promulgated” means: TREC publishes required contract forms that licensees must use for most transactions.
- Licensees fill in blanks: They can’t draft new legal language — that’s the practice of law.
- Exceptions: Licensees may use forms prepared by an attorney for a specific transaction, or by a party to the transaction.
- Know the common addenda: Financing, sale of other property, seller’s disclosure, and HOA addenda.
Texas Property Law
Homestead
Texas offers strong homestead protections against most creditors, with exceptions such as purchase-money loans, property taxes, and certain home equity loans.
Community Property
Texas is a community property state: most property acquired during marriage is owned equally by both spouses. Separate property includes property owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances.
Seller’s Disclosure
Sellers of most residential properties must provide a disclosure notice about the property’s condition.
TREC Rules to Know
- Sponsorship: A sales agent must be sponsored by a licensed broker to practice.
- Trust money: Know the deadlines for depositing earnest money and option fees.
- Advertising: Ads must include the broker’s name as required by TREC rules.
- Recovery fund: The Real Estate Recovery Trust Account compensates consumers harmed by certain licensee violations.
- Continuing education: Required for license renewal.
Key Takeaways
- 125 scored questions: pass 56/85 national and 28/40 state, in 4 hours.
- Know IABS timing and how intermediary practice works.
- Licensees use TREC promulgated forms and can’t draft legal language.
- Understand Texas homestead and community property rules.
- Review sponsorship, trust money, advertising, and the recovery fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Texas real estate exam?
The Texas sales agent exam has 125 scored questions: 85 national and 40 state. You have 4 hours and must pass each portion separately. Confirm current details in the TREC candidate handbook.
What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?
You need 56 of 85 correct on the national portion and 28 of 40 correct on the state portion.
What is an intermediary in Texas real estate?
An intermediary is a broker who represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, with written consent from both parties. Texas uses intermediary practice instead of traditional dual agency.
When must the IABS be provided in Texas?
The Information About Brokerage Services notice must be provided at the first substantive communication with a party about a specific property.
The Bottom Line
This Texas real estate exam cheat sheet covers the state topics that make Texas unique. Master intermediary practice, promulgated contracts, and property law, and the state portion becomes far more manageable.
Ready to Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam?
MyFastEdu offers Texas-focused practice questions, clear explanations, and expert guidance to help you pass both portions.
Explore Our Real Estate Exam Prep