Texas Real Estate CE: 10 Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Every renewal cycle, Texas real estate agents ask the same questions about continuing education. Here are the answers to the ten most common ones.
1. How many CE hours do I need?
Most Texas real estate license holders need 18 hours every two years. That includes 4 hours of Legal Update I, 4 hours of Legal Update II, 3 hours of contract-related coursework, and 7 hours of electives.
2. When is my CE due?
Your CE is due before your license expiration date. The 2026-2027 Legal Update I and II courses must be completed by 11:59 PM Central Time on December 31, 2027.
3. Are the 2026-2027 Legal Updates different from the last cycle?
Yes. TREC releases new Legal Update content every two years. If you took Legal Updates in the 2024-2025 cycle, those courses do not count toward your current renewal. You must take the 2026-2027 versions.
4. Do brokers need more CE than sales agents?
Brokers have the same 18-hour requirement, but the breakdown is different. As of January 1, 2026, all brokers must complete the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course — regardless of whether they sponsor agents. For brokers, that means 4 + 4 + 3 + 6 + 1 elective hour.
5. Can I take all 18 hours online?
Yes. TREC-approved online courses count toward CE requirements, including Legal Updates. There is no classroom requirement for real estate CE in Texas.
6. Can I repeat a course I took last cycle?
No. You cannot take the same course twice within the same renewal period. Check your education history before you buy.
7. What happens if I miss my CE deadline?
Your license becomes inactive, and you cannot legally practice real estate. You must complete your CE and pay late fees to reinstate. If your license is expired for more than two years, you must reapply and retake the exam.
8. What is the CE deferral option?
If you can't complete your CE by your expiration date, you can pay a $200 deferral fee before expiration. This lets you renew in Active Status and gives you an extra 60 days to finish your CE.
9. How do I check if my CE has been reported?
Log into your TREC profile and check your education record. Providers report CE to TREC, but errors happen. Verify that each course appears in your record after you complete it — don't wait until the night before renewal.
10. What happens if I don't complete my CE on time?
You face late fees and possible license inactivation. Starting October 1, expired licenses are immediately set to inactive, and all broker affiliations are terminated. You cannot practice until you complete your requirements and renew.
The Bottom Line
CE compliance is straightforward if you plan ahead. Know your requirements, take the current cycle's Legal Updates, and verify your transcript before submitting your renewal.
Time2Renew offers TREC-approved CE courses for the 2026-2027 cycle — Legal Updates I and II, contract courses, and electives. Online and self-paced.