How Many CE Hours Do I Need to Renew My Texas Real Estate License?
If you’re staring at your TREC renewal notice wondering how much CE you actually need, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions Texas real estate agents ask – and the answer hasn’t changed, but the details matter.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires every active sales agent and broker to complete 18 hours of approved continuing education before their license renewal date. Miss the deadline, and starting October 1, your license goes inactive and your broker affiliations are terminated. No grace period, no courtesy extension.
The 18-Hour Breakdown
Not all 18 hours are created equal. TREC mandates specific categories:
| Category | Hours | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Update I | 4 hours | Yes – mandatory | Covers recent changes to Texas real estate law and TREC rules |
| Legal Update II | 4 hours | Yes – mandatory | Covers TREC contract forms, addenda, and legal issues in practice |
| Contract courses | 3 hours | Yes – mandatory | TREC addendums and contract training |
| Electives | 7 hours | Your choice | Insurance, inspection, sales, marketing, professional development |
| Total | 18 hours | Required every 2 years for renewal |
Legal Update I & II: The Non-Negotiables
Every renewal cycle, TREC releases updated versions of Legal Update I and Legal Update II. These are not the same courses year to year – they cover whatever legal and regulatory changes have happened since the last cycle. For 2026-2027, that includes new rules, updated contract forms, and commission-related changes that affect how you practice.
You cannot substitute these with other courses. You cannot skip them. And you need the current version – taking last cycle’s Legal Update doesn’t count.
At Texas Real Estate Academy, Legal Update I and II are available both online and in the classroom at our Fort Worth location. TREA is one of only 6 TREC-approved providers that offers both formats for the Legal Updates.
Contract Courses: 3 Hours of Addendum Training
TREC requires 3 hours of contract-related CE. This typically covers TREC promulgated addendums – the standard forms you use in every transaction. Knowing these inside and out protects you, your broker, and your clients.
TREA’s contract series is taught by Michelle Stuart, Broker/Owner of All Cities Realty, and covers addendums across three 1-hour courses. They’re practical, not theoretical – the kind of contract knowledge that actually helps you in a deal.
Electives: 7 Hours, Your Choice
The remaining 7 hours are elective CE. This is where you get to learn something you’re actually interested in. TREC approves a wide range of topics:
- Insurance – coverage gaps, closing issues, uninsured homes
- Home inspection – inspector mistakes, choosing the right inspector
- Sales & marketing – referral generation, sales professionalism
- Professional development – time management, personality types
- Unique properties – weird homes, specialty transactions
TREA offers a free 2-hour elective – “Who Do You Think You Are?” taught by DISC-certified psychologist Dr. Phillip Shero. It counts toward your 7 elective hours, and it’s a zero-risk way to try TREA’s courses before spending a dime.
Brokers: Don’t Forget Broker Responsibility
As of January 1, 2026, all renewing brokers are required to complete the Broker Responsibility course regardless of whether they are sponsoring agents. This is in addition to the standard 18-hour CE requirement. TREA’s Broker Responsibility course is $45 and available online with interactive quizzes and a textbook format.
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Your CE?
Starting October 1, if your license expires without completed CE:
- Your license status changes to inactive
- All broker affiliations are terminated
- You cannot practice real estate until you complete your CE and renew
- You may face late fees and additional requirements to reinstate
Don’t wait until the last week before your renewal. TREA’s courses are self-paced and available 24/7, but life has a way of filling up those “I’ll do it later” windows.
The Fastest Way to Get Your 18 Hours Done
If you want to knock out your entire renewal in one shot, a CE bundle is the way to go. TREA offers three options:
- Lunch Money ($48) – 11 hours: Legal Update I & II + two free elective classes
- Hall Pass ($75) – 18 hours: Complete renewal including Legal Updates, contracts, and electives
- Dean’s List ($85) – 25+ hours: Every course TREA offers
All bundles include instant TREC credit posting (~3 seconds, 24/7) and TREA’s no-questions-asked refund policy. If you’re not happy, you get your money back and keep any CE hours you’ve already earned.
Ready to Complete Your 18 Hours?
Get your entire CE renewal done online with studio-quality video courses. Instant TREC posting. Start with a free class or go straight to a bundle.
Browse CE CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Can I take more than 18 hours of CE?
Yes. Extra hours don’t carry over to the next cycle, but many agents take additional courses for professional development. The Dean’s List bundle includes 25+ hours for $85.
Do I need to take CE if I just got my license?
Your first renewal requires the same 18 hours of CE. There’s no exemption for new licensees.
Can I complete all 18 hours online?
Yes. TREA is one of only 6 providers offering Legal Update I & II in both online and classroom formats. All other courses are also available online, self-paced, on any device.
How do I know which CE hours I’ve already completed?
Check your TREC transcript. TREA posts completed hours to TREC in approximately 3 seconds, so your transcript updates almost immediately after finishing a course.