After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
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A Win for Protecting Texas Consumers
12/10/2024
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December Closings and Power Outages You Should Know About
12/09/2024
All systems, including the Online Licensing Services portal and the Posting System, will be down because of planned electrical outages at TREC headquarters.
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Can You Use Unlicensed Individuals to Help With Your Texas Real Estate Transactions? It Depends.
11/17/2024
Real estate transactions are complex, so many brokers and sales agents engage the help of assistants to handle the administrative details. Regardless of an assistant’s professional title—unlicensed assistant, administrative assistant, office manager, and transaction coordinator are popular—the real estate license status determines what type of activities they can legally perform in Texas.
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TREC Form Changes Effective January 3, 2025
11/15/2024
The changes listed below, recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee, were adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission during its November 4 meeting. These apply to all contract forms unless specified otherwise.
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Working for Multiple Brokerages: What Transaction Coordinators and Showing Agents Are Allowed to Do in Texas
11/12/2024
The Real Estate License Act (TRELA) says a licensed sales agent may not engage in real estate brokerage activity unless that sales agent is sponsored by a licensed broker and is acting for that broker.
In Texas, transaction coordinators and showing agents are frequently used by brokerages as part of their business model, but sometimes these models entail working for other brokerages. Here is what “acting for” your broker means in these situations.
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TREC Meeting Recap: Contract Form Changes Coming in 2025
11/12/2024
Multiple contract form changes were adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission during the November 4 TREC Meeting after being recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC). Some of those changes are in response to industry practice changes around broker compensation.
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Who is My Client When a Third Party is Paying for the Inspection?
11/12/2024
When a third party, such as a relative or real estate agent, is paying for an inspection, does this mean the third party is the client? Under TREC rules, the answer is no. Another person paying for the inspection on behalf of the client does not change who the inspector's client is for this transaction. The inspection report should be delivered to the client, regardless of who pays for the inspection.
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It’s Just the Beginning: TREC Awarded for Course Design Overhaul
11/05/2024
With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I & II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
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BRAC Continues Discussion on Education and Experience to Become a Broker
10/30/2024
The Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met October 15 and discussed potential changes to becoming a licensed broker in Texas.
Currently, to become a licensed broker, 900 education hours are required (630 of these hours are required to be in related education). If an applicant holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, the 630 hours of related education are satisfied, regardless of field of study.
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BLC Recommends Commission Adopt Form Changes at November Meeting
10/30/2024
The Broker-Lawyer Committee met October 11 and reviewed hundreds of public comments related to form changes proposed at the August TREC Meeting. Most of BLC’s recommended changes are the culmination of two years’ worth of work on the part of the committee, with other changes recommended in response to industry practice changes around broker compensation affecting many license holders.
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Watch Out for Rental Fraud Scams in Texas
05/24/2024
They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
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Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should Be Aware Of
05/19/2023
The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
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Scam Alert! Make Sure You Know If A Message Is From Us
06/18/2020
UPDATE: Due to a recent resurgence of SPAM messages being sent out to our license holders, we wanted to remind you of these tips to help keep your information secure!
Scammers or Spammers sometimes try to copy and email and text from messages from TREC or TALCB to trick you into providing personal information. We know this can be confusing and frustrating, and we want to help make sure you don't fall victim to these schemes.
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License Revocation Makes News
07/24/2019
Recently, the Commission was mentioned in a news story about a former license holder whose license was revoked by the agency.
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Beware of Possible Scams before Sending Money via Wire Transfer
07/18/2019
Before wiring money for an escrow deposit or to close on a home purchase, License Holders should make sure to talk with their clients to ensure they are sending funds to the correct recipient and account. Consumers should not rely on instructions sent by email without contacting their broker or sales agent to verify the instructions are correct, since emails may be hijacked by potential scammers.
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Scam Notice!!!
04/16/2018
TREC has been made aware of a scam requesting information from license holders. The request is sent by email by someone posing as the Texas Real Estate Commission and asks that information be provided to them and provides a link to follow (see example emails).
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Message from the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee Chair
02/23/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met in January, and there were a couple of items from that meeting that were forwarded to the Commissioners for approval. The first was a modification of a rule regarding when multiple check boxes are used. This rule makes it clear that if an inspector chooses more than one check box, that an explanation must be provided.
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TREC’s Role in Texas Real Estate
05/09/2022
"How do we raise the bar of professionalism?"
"We need more broker responsibility."
"I work with people on the other side of a contract who don’t know what they are doing. They don’t even know the name of their broker!"
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How You Can Help TREC Raise the Bar in Texas Real Estate
02/16/2022
Greetings from Austin. We are just on the other side of another Commission meeting and participation in Texas REALTORS Winter Meeting. I love that these two events occur at the same time in Austin so that attendees of the Winter Meeting can also attend the Commission meeting (and receive CE credit).
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From the Executive Director - November 2021
11/16/2021
Last week we celebrated Veterans Day. We have many license holders who have served our country in the military. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for your service.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - October 2021
10/19/2021
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee met on October 11 via videoconference. There was not much on the agenda as the committee has covered a lot of ground the last couple of years. There was a discussion about the new Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6) that will be required to be used as of February 1, 2022. There is a new section in that report form for Gas Distribution System and Gas Appliances. There was a concern that there might be confusion on where to put deficiencies in
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From the Chair - October 2021
10/13/2021
Happy October to all of you! I hope this message finds you well and that fall has arrived in your part of the world so that you can enjoy being outside a bit without the Texas heat.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - September 2021
09/10/2021
The TREC Commissioners met on August 9th in Austin. There were a few inspector-related items that were on their agenda. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the new revisions to the Standards of Practice that have been in the works for the last few years. The new Standards of Practice will go into effect on February 1, 2022. This should allow for adeq
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From the Executive Director - September 2021
09/09/2021
September in Texas. The month we wish for fall, with pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather. In reality, we have to wait many more weeks before going outside without melting in the sun. Here’s to the first cold front coming soon.
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From the Chair - August 2021
08/02/2021
Summer is coming to an end, and I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. The hot temperatures here in Texas do not seem to compare to the red-hot real estate market. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work in this state with so many hardworking, knowledgeable license holders who make a difference in the lives of so many Texans every day.
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From the Chair - Inspector Committee - July 2021
07/16/2021
The Inspector Advisory Committee (IAC) met on July 12th in Austin. This was the first meeting that the IAC has had in person in some time, and it was good to be face to face again. There were a few items on the agenda this go around that entailed some lengthy discussion. The IAC discussed comments received on the proposed rule to require an inspector to obtain permission in writing from a client prior to obtaining a referral fee, or other valuable consideration, for referring se
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A Win for Protecting Texas Consumers
12/10/2024After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
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TREC Form Changes Effective January 3, 2025
11/15/2024The changes listed below, recommended by the Broker-Lawyer Committee, were adopted by the Texas Real Estate Commission during its November 4 meeting. These apply to all contract forms unless specified otherwise.
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It’s Just the Beginning: TREC Awarded for Course Design Overhaul
11/05/2024With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I & II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
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ESAC Recommends Course Outline Changes, Discusses Course Proctoring and ID Verification
07/16/2024
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on July 8. Here are the highlights.
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TREC Meeting Recap: A DFW Affair With Proposed New Rules, Fee Focus, NAR Debrief
05/29/2024
Record-breaking attendance made the TREC Meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) a standout and marks the Commission's second out-of-Austin meeting. Leaving the comforts of the Texas Capitol Complex in Austin—where TREC is headquartered—is an initiative that began last year in an effort to connect with more license holders and Texans. Houston was the first stop in 2023 with roughly 80 attendees.
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Watch Out for Rental Fraud Scams in Texas
05/24/2024They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
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Meet TREC in Dallas
04/19/2024
To reach more Texans in person, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) hits the road every May for the second quarterly meeting of the year. This time Commissioners are headed to Dallas-Fort Worth.
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How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online
02/21/2024
Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
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We Hope you Choose to Serve on MLK Day
01/12/2024
In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Congress in 1994 designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a National Day of Service. The commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is a call to Americans to volunteer in service to others within their communities.
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Message from TREIC Chair Lee Warren: July 2023
08/02/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met July 17. We received public comments on new items and some comments on some agenda items. It is good to see stakeholders taking an interest in the process and providing input more frequently.
One public comment expressed concern that inspectors are being strongly encouraged to pay brokerages for the opportunity visit their offices or even just talk to their agents.
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A Win for Protecting Texas Consumers
12/10/2024After combing through 1,100 complaints during his 11-year tenure with the Commission, TREC Chief Investigator Roy Minton wins Investigator of the Year for a second time. The first win was in 2019. Both recognitions, by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), were given for Minton’s work in uncovering rental fraud.
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Watch Out for Rental Fraud Scams in Texas
05/24/2024They are still happening: Real estate leasing scams continue to pose a threat to property owners in Texas, especially in the greater Houston area, prompting the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to issue warnings such as this press release sent to more than a dozen news outlets—most of them based in the southeastern part of the state—including
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What Texas Inspectors Should Know About TREC Complaints
04/26/2024
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Enforcement Division has 37 people—10 attorneys, legal assistants, and investigators. They enforce the laws and rules that regulate real estate brokers, sales agents, real estate inspectors, and timeshare plans, through the investigation of consumer complaints. They also review the fitness of an applicant for licensure.
The only way enforcement can initiate an investigation is through a filed complaint, which can be done by anyone.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023
The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency. A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.
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Ongoing Fraud: There's Another Scheme License Holders Should Be Aware Of
05/19/2023The Texas Real Estate Commission is assisting the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) in educating license holders of trending fraud schemes.
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ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents
05/12/2023
The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met April 3.
ESAC addressed comments received regarding proposed changes to 22 §TAC 535.64, Content Requirements for Qualifying Real Estate Courses. TREC staff clarified that the rule proposal simply cleans up the rule language to remove the references to topics required for each course, rather, pointing specifically to each qualifying course approval form to define content.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Escalating to Trouble
10/05/2021
There may be instances where a client wants to add language to a real estate contract. In a “hot market,” it is not uncommon for a buyer to want an escalation clause added to the contract (for example, language stating the buyer will pay “X amount more than the highest offer if other offers are present”).
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It’s Just the Beginning: TREC Awarded for Course Design Overhaul
11/05/2024With the notion of keeping everything under one roof, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff took on a new part of the development of the 2024-2025 Legal Update I & II courses. Thanks to the skills and talent of TREC Director of Government and Strategic Communications Summer Mandell, this book was wholly produced in-house, to include the design of the course materials.
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ESAC-Recommended Changes: Course Proctoring and Student Verification
10/22/2024
During the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) meeting on October 7, the group reviewed three rules regarding course proctoring and student identification requirements. Multiple changes were recommended but before a dig into the highlights, a congratulations.
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ESAC Recommends Course Outline Changes, Discusses Course Proctoring and ID Verification
07/16/2024The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on July 8. Here are the highlights.
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Rule Spotlight: Responsibilities, Operations of CE Providers
06/07/2024
Continuing Education (CE) providers play a key role in ensuring real estate professionals receive ongoing training. TREC Rule 535.75 outlines important responsibilities that CE providers must adhere to.
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4 Tips for Submitting a Real Estate CE Course Application
06/07/2024
Want your real estate continuing education (CE) submission process to go more smoothly? Use this checklist each time you submit an application.
Double Check the Course Fee(s)
Remember, CE course fees must be calculated based on the following information. All courses must include the base fee and content review fee. In addition to the base and content review fees, fees for each delivery method in which the course will be offered are required.
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ESAC Recap: Principles I & II Updates, Law of Agency Course Review
04/04/2024
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met virtually on April 1. Discussion opened with the Principles of Real Estate I and II courses—ESAC is moving forward with a recommendation to revise their course approval forms.
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ESAC’s First Meeting of Year: New Members, Principles I & II Recommendation
01/09/2024
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) opened its first meeting of the year with a welcome to four new members. The new license holder members are Amanda Nichols and Thomas Carl Leatherman. The new education provider member is Cynthia Baas. The new public member is Rita Blevins.
Officers Election
ESAC held elections and selected Bill Steddum, Jr. as chair, Byron Underwood as vice chair, and Michael Crowley as secretary.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency. A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.
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TREC's Houston Highlights: Changes to Broker Responsibility & Inspection Reports, 'Lookback Period' Soon to End, Comment Now on Proposed Changes
05/23/2023
To reach more license holders, the Texas Real Estate Commission broke away from its Austin headquarters for the first time ever to meet in Houston on May 16. It was TREC’s second meeting of 2023. There were more than 80 attendees.
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ESAC reviews rule language, recommends 30-hour brokerage course for sales agents
05/12/2023The Texas Real Estate Commission's Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met April 3.
ESAC addressed comments received regarding proposed changes to 22 §TAC 535.64, Content Requirements for Qualifying Real Estate Courses. TREC staff clarified that the rule proposal simply cleans up the rule language to remove the references to topics required for each course, rather, pointing specifically to each qualifying course approval form to define content.
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How To Make All Your Fee Payments Online
02/21/2024Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
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88th Texas Legislative Session Update, and the Impact on License Holders
05/27/2023The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency. A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.
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TREIC April Meeting Recap: New Evaluation Form, Licensing Rule
04/18/2023The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met April 18.
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Broker Responsibility Working Group April meeting recap includes proposed rule changes
04/12/2023
The Broker Responsibility Working Group (BRWG) met April 12.
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License Holders: Inspector Non-Elective Course Changes
07/12/2021
On September 1, 2021 inspectors are required to complete a new 8 Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and Standards of Practice Review course as part of the 32 hours of inspector continuing education (CE) required to renew or activate a license.
This course will replace the two inspector non-elective CE courses, 4-hour Inspector Legal & Ethics, and 4-hour Standards of Practice Review course that will expire on August 31, 2021.
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Business Entities Inactivation Update - What Happened?
06/17/2021
On June 2, 2021, TREC inactivated broker business entity licenses in error. Upon discovery of the error, staff worked to resolve the issue and all licenses were restored by Friday, June 4, 2021.
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Temporary Allowance for New Texas Practicum Courses
02/09/2021
New inspector pre-licensing education and experience requirements begin March 1, 2021. The new experience requirement includes a 40 hour Texas Practicum, which must consist of a minimum of five complete and in-person inspections. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, TREC will grant a temporary allowance for on-site inspections to take place virtually, as long as the Practicum instructor conducts inspections live and on-site, and the instructor and students are able to interact with ea
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