Real Estate CE Texas: Requirements, Course Options, Providers, Costs & Career Growth

Real Estate CE Texas refers to the continuing education required for licensed real estate agents and brokers in Texas to renew their licenses. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) mandates 18 hours of CE every two years for active licensees, which includes specific courses on legal updates and contracts. This post provides a comprehensive overview of Texas's CE requirements, explores online vs. in-person course options, reviews some of the best CE providers (with a neutral look at each, including why many find Empire Learning particularly appealing), discusses cost and time commitments, and highlights the importance of continuing education for long-term career growth.

CE Requirements in Texas

Renewal Cycle & Hours: Texas real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew an active license, agents and brokers need to complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) within each two-year cycle. All required CE must be finished by the license expiration date to avoid a lapse in active status.
Mandatory Topics: The 18-hour CE requirement includes several mandatory courses. Specifically, Texas requires 4 hours of Legal Update I and 4 hours of Legal Update II (these cover updates to laws, rules, ethics, and hot topics), as well as at least 3 hours of contract law or contract-related training. These courses ensure that all licensees stay current on Texas real estate laws and forms.
Broker Responsibility: If you are a broker or a sales agent who supervises other agents (for six months or more), your CE must also include the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course as part of the 18 hours. This course is mandatory for brokers who sponsor agents, designated brokers of business entities, and any agent appointed as a supervisor, and it covers the duties and ethical obligations of supervising licensees.
First-Time Renewal (SAE): Note that if you are renewing your license for the first time (as a Sales Agent), the requirements are different. Texas requires a total of 270 hours of qualifying real estate education for the first renewal, which is known as Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE). This 270-hour total includes the 180 hours of pre-licensing education plus an additional 90 hours of SAE coursework. First-time renewals must also include the 4 hours of Legal Update I and 4 hours of Legal Update II (8 hours of legal updates), and if you are in a supervisory role, the 6-hour Broker Responsibility would apply here as well.
Renewal Deadlines: TREC will send a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expiration date, but you should complete your CE well before the deadline. Failing to complete the required CE by the expiration can result in late renewal fees or your license going inactive until the education is finished. It's best to finish your CE hours ahead of time to ensure a smooth renewal process.

Course Options: Online vs. In-Person Courses

Texas real estate professionals can choose to complete their CE requirements through online courses or in-person classes. Both formats are approved by TREC, so it comes down to personal preference and learning style. Here's a look at the pros and cons of each format:

Online Courses

Flexibility: Online CE courses offer maximum flexibility. You can complete lessons on your own schedule, from anywhere with internet access, which is ideal for busy agents who need to fit in study time during evenings, weekends, or breaks.
Self-Paced Learning: Most online courses are self-paced, allowing you to progress through the material at a comfortable speed. You can pause and resume coursework as needed, and spend more time on challenging topics.
Convenience & Comfort: With online CE, there's no commute – you can take courses from home or the office. This can save travel time and costs. Many platforms are also mobile-friendly, so you might even complete hours on a tablet or phone.
Less Interaction: A potential downside is the lack of face-to-face interaction. You won't have in-person discussions or immediate feedback from an instructor in real time. While many online providers offer support via email or chat, the experience is more independent.
Discipline Required: Because online courses are self-directed, they require discipline and motivation. It can be easy to procrastinate without a set class schedule, so you'll need to manage your time to ensure you complete the 18 hours before your deadline.

In-Person Courses

Structured Schedule: In-person classes are held on specific dates and times (for example, a full-day seminar or a series of evening classes). This structured schedule can help those who prefer a classroom routine and firm deadlines to stay on track.
Live Interaction: One advantage of classroom learning is the ability to interact directly with instructors and other real estate professionals. You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and benefit from the experiences shared by peers, which can enrich your understanding of the material.
Networking Opportunities: Attending CE in person allows you to network with other agents and brokers in your area. These connections can be valuable for your career, as you might exchange tips, referrals, or insights about the Texas real estate market during breaks or group activities.
Time & Travel: The downside to in-person courses is the need to travel to a training location and block out dedicated time. Busy professionals might find it challenging to attend a full-day class or multiple evening sessions, especially if the classes are not nearby. Travel costs and scheduling constraints should be considered.
Higher Cost: In some cases, live classes can be more expensive than online options because they may include instructor fees and facility costs. You'll want to compare prices (and consider the value of the in-person experience) when choosing a provider.

Best CE Providers

There are many TREC-approved continuing education providers for Texas real estate licensees. Below are a few reputable options available to Texas agents and brokers. Each provider offers state-approved courses, but they vary in format, price, and features. (We maintain a neutral tone in comparing them, but note which features might make one provider more appealing than others.)

Empire Learning: An online-focused CE provider known for its easy-to-use platform and competitive pricing. Empire Learning offers comprehensive Texas CE packages – for example, they provide an 18-hour bundle that covers all mandatory courses (Legal Update I & II, contracts) and even includes the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course in one package. This all-in-one approach, along with user-friendly course design, makes Empire Learning a particularly appealing choice for many Texas agents looking for convenience and value.
The CE Shop: A large national real estate school that offers a wide range of Texas CE courses online. The CE Shop is known for its extensive catalog of course topics and a convenient online interface. Texas agents can choose pre-built 18-hour packages or individual courses (including the required Legal Updates). The platform is entirely online and self-paced, and it often runs promotions or discounts on CE packages.
Kaplan Real Estate Education: A well-established education provider in the real estate industry. Kaplan offers Texas CE in multiple formats: online on-demand courses, live online classes, and sometimes in-person classes through partner schools. They are known for high-quality content and experienced instructors. Kaplan's courses can be a good fit if you prefer a more traditional learning experience or want the option of live classes with instructor interaction.
McKissock Learning: A popular online continuing education platform that covers many states, including Texas. McKissock offers TREC-approved CE courses with a focus on convenience and a user-friendly online learning system. They often bundle Texas CE courses into packages (including the Legal Update courses and electives) and provide additional resources like professional development tools. Many real estate professionals use McKissock for its reliable course content and straightforward online delivery.
Champions School of Real Estate: A Texas-based real estate school that provides continuing education through classroom and online formats. Champions has physical campuses in major Texas cities for those who prefer in-person instruction, and they also offer live streaming classes and online correspondence courses. This provider is well-known in Texas for real estate education. While their in-person classes offer a great networking and interactive experience, they also have online options for flexibility. Champions' CE packages typically include the 18-hour requirement with Legal Update I & II and a selection of elective topics, and their pricing is competitive with other full-service schools.

Cost and Time Commitment

Cost: The cost of real estate CE in Texas can vary widely depending on the provider and course format. Online CE packages tend to be the most affordable – some providers offer the full 18-hour Texas CE bundle for around $40-$50 during promotions. More commonly, you might expect to pay anywhere from about $60 to $100 for a complete 18-hour online package. In-person courses or premium/live instructor-led online classes often cost more, sometimes approaching or exceeding $100 for all 18 hours. It's a good idea to shop around: many schools offer discounts, especially if you bundle all required courses together. Also, consider that some providers include extras (like PDFs, textbooks, or exam prep materials) in their price, which can add value if you need those resources.

Time Commitment: Texas requires a total of 18 credit hours of continuing education for each renewal, which translates to about 18 hours of actual course time (by design). Whether you choose online or classroom courses, you'll need to dedicate this time to complete the material and pass any required end-of-course quizzes or exams. The advantage of online courses is that they are often self-paced – you can log in and complete an hour here or there as your schedule permits. In contrast, an in-person class might be a single full-day seminar or split over two days or evenings. Busy professionals should plan their time wisely to ensure they can complete the courses without rushing right before the deadline. Remember that you can complete your CE at any time during the two-year license period (you don't have to wait until the renewal notice arrives), so spreading the education out can make it more manageable.

For those with packed schedules, here are some scheduling strategies and tips to help manage the CE requirements:

Start Early: Mark your calendar with your license expiration date and plan backwards. Don't wait for the last minute. In fact, TREC sends a renewal reminder about 90 days before your license expires, but ideally you should have your CE done by then or well underway. Starting early gives you ample time to handle any unexpected delays (like a course taking longer than anticipated or technical issues with an online class).
Break It Into Chunks: Instead of trying to do all 18 hours in one go, break your continuing education into smaller sessions. For example, you might commit to completing 2 hours of coursework per week for a couple of months. By spreading out the study load, it becomes easier to fit into a busy routine and you're less likely to burn out or lose focus. Many online platforms save your progress, so you can do a little at a time and gradually accumulate hours.
Leverage Downtime: Take advantage of any downtime in your schedule. If you have a slower season in real estate (for instance, some agents find the market cools during certain holiday periods or mid-summer), use that period to knock out a big portion of your CE. Even day-to-day, you can use quiet afternoons or gaps between client appointments to complete an online lesson. Because online courses are accessible 24/7, you can study early in the morning before work, late at night, or whenever you find a free hour.
Consider Your Learning Style: Choose the format that will keep you on track. If you know self-paced online learning might be hard to finish due to procrastination, consider signing up for a scheduled live webinar or an in-person class which has set times – this can impose a helpful structure on your schedule. On the other hand, if your work hours are unpredictable, an online course you can pause and resume as needed will likely be a better fit. Pick a format that aligns with your personal discipline and availability.

Importance of CE for Career Growth

Continuing education isn't just a box to check for license renewal – it's an investment in your professional development. Beyond keeping your license active, staying up-to-date with CE can significantly benefit your real estate career in Texas. Here are a few key reasons why continuing education is essential for long-term success:

Staying Current with Laws & Trends: The real estate industry is constantly evolving. Texas periodically updates its real estate laws, contracts, and regulations, and market trends can shift. CE courses (especially the Legal Update I & II classes) ensure you remain informed about the latest changes in legislation and industry practices. By staying current, you can avoid legal pitfalls and provide the most accurate, relevant advice to your clients.
Enhancing Skills and Professionalism: Continuing education is an opportunity to refine your skills and even learn new ones. Whether it's a mandatory topic or an elective, each course can add to your knowledge base – be it sharpened understanding of contract law, new marketing strategies, or technology tools for real estate. Consistently improving your expertise makes you a more competent and confident professional. This dedication to learning can also boost your reputation; clients and colleagues will notice that you stay informed and take your career seriously.
Maintaining a Competitive Edge: In a competitive field like real estate, those who continuously learn often have the edge. Knowledge gained through CE can set you apart by enabling you to offer better services – for example, knowing the latest financing options, understanding emerging market sectors, or utilizing new digital platforms for client outreach. By keeping up with continuing education, you ensure that your skills don't become outdated. This adaptability and commitment to growth help you remain relevant and competitive in the Texas real estate market, which can lead to more business opportunities and career advancement (such as stepping into a broker role or managing a team).

In summary, fulfilling your real estate CE requirements in Texas is not just about staying compliant with TREC rules – it's about continually building your expertise. By treating continuing education as an opportunity rather than a chore, you keep yourself knowledgeable, professional, and ready to tackle the changes and challenges in the industry. This proactive approach to learning will ultimately benefit your clients, enhance your credibility, and support your long-term career growth in Texas real estate.