Classroom courses for real estate license holders and inspectors require the instructor and the student to interact face-to-face and in real time, either in the same physical location, or though technology.  Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many courses that historically were offered in a classroom, are now being offered virtually.  In fact, the number of classroom courses taught virtually has skyrocketed.  As the frequency has increased, a concern regarding appropriate conduct in virtual courses has been

The Texas Real Estate Commission is accepting applications for appointment for four real estate license holders members and two education members to the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC).  Committee members will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021, and expiring December 31, 2022. Real estate license holders applying must have been actively engaged in the practice of real estate for the five years preceding the appointment. Education members must be a real estate instructor or an owner of a real estate school that provides qualifying or continuing education.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, TREC understands that some inspector applicants may find it challenging to complete the in-person ride-along course required for licensure. For that reason, TREC has granted a temporary allowance to the on-site ride-along course requirement and will permit ride-along course sessions to take place virtually, so long as ride-along instructor conducts inspections live and on-site, and the instructor and the students are able to interact with each other in real-time through both audio and video. 

To implement requirements in the agency’s Sunset bill, the Commission recently adopted rules eliminating TREC licenses for instructors.  However, the standards that set the qualifications for instructors did not change.  Effective September 1, education providers are now responsible to ensure instructors meet the qualifications to teach a course.

To implement provisions in the agency’s recent Sunset bill, TREC has proposed rules to eliminate instructor licensing.  The proposed rules are expected to be adopted at the August Commission meeting with an effective date of September 1, 2019.

As a reminder, while an instructor license will no longer be required to teach on September 1, the qualifications necessary to teach specific courses remain  It will be the responsibility of the education provider to ensure an instructor is qualified.  

To implement provisions in the agency’s Sunset bill, the Commission has proposed rules to eliminate instructor licensing.  The proposed rules are expected to be adopted at the August Commission meeting with an effective date of September 1, 2019. TREC will continue to approve and renew instructor licenses through August 31, 2019. 

A provider is responsible for making sure course examinations are proctored by a faculty or staff member, or third party proctor acceptable to the Commission.  Examples of acceptable third party proctors are listed in Section 535.65(h) of TREC rules.  Proctors must be required to positively identify that the student taking the exam is the student who registered for and took the course.  It is equally important to make sure proctors understand that an examinee must be monitored at all times.  In other words, the proctor must be able to observe the student taking the exam to ensure the overal