Texas Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Texas requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Texas as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Texas Real estate broker license required. Texas business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 180 hours of approved coursework
Broker upgrade: 270 hrs total qualifying education for broker (including prior salesperson hours)
Experience Required 4 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: Pearson VUE — national + Texas state exam
Application fee: $205 application + $54 exam fee
License fee: $205
Exam note: Texas has the highest experience requirement at 4 years active as salesperson before broker exam
Continuing Education 18 hours per 2 years required to maintain active Texas broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Texas Texas is the second-largest M&A market in the US, driven by energy, technology, healthcare, and real estate. The TREC broker license is required for business brokerage. Texas State Securities Board (TSSB) oversees securities laws. Mid-market M&A advisors in Texas (especially Dallas, Houston, Austin) commonly hold FINRA Series 79 and affiliate with registered broker-dealers. The Texas M&A market has a strong professional community via the Texas Association of Business Brokers (TABB).
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Texas 1. Complete 180 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the Pearson VUE — national + Texas state exam 3. Obtain your Texas salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 4 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 270 hrs total qualifying education for broker (including prior salesperson hours) and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility