How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Kansas

how to become a real estate agent
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Kansas Real Estate Licenses

Looking to get your Kansas real estate license? This guide covers all the necessary steps, including real estate continuing education requirements.

It’s designed for all Kansans, with special information for residents of Wichita (KS) and other major urban areas.

We provide details on the best real estate classes and online courses, offering comprehensive resources to help you succeed in Kansas’s real estate market.

Don't Become a Realtor If...

If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:

Requirements

To become a real estate agent in Kansas, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Like all US states, Kansas allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 60 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC). These courses include:

  • Principles of Real Estate (30 hours)
  • Kansas Practice Course (30 hours)

Kansas Real Estate Exam Details

Exam Structure

  • Total Questions: 140 multiple-choice questions
  • National Portion: 80 questions
  • State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
  • Time Limit: 4 hours
  • Passing Score: 70% on each section

Registration and Fees

Identification Documents

  • Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates

The Kansas Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, with a passing rate of about 70%.

It requires a thorough understanding of both national real estate principles and Kansas-specific regulations.

Required Forms and Documents

  • Application: Submit the application through the Kansas Real Estate Commission along with the required fees.
  • Additional Forms: Include proof of completed pre-licensing education and any other necessary documentation.

 

Background Check Process for Kansas Real Estate License

  1. Submission of Application

  2. Fingerprinting

    • Request Packet: You may request a kit using this waiver from the KREC website. Also, some real estate education providers have live Exam Prep Courses where they hand it out. 
    • Fingerprinting: Use the fingerprint card provided. Fingerprinting can be done at local police stations or other approved locations. It’s advisable to call ahead to verify availability, costs, and accepted payment methods.
    • Fee: Submit a $60 fee with the completed fingerprint card and waiver form to the Kansas Real Estate Commission.
  3. Processing

    • The fingerprints are sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the FBI for a thorough background check. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks. Results are valid for 6 months.
  4. Review and Approval

    • The Kansas Real Estate Commission reviews the background check results as part of the licensure application. You do not need to wait for the background check to be completed before applying for your license.

 

Post-Licensing Requirements

Post-Licensing Education

Additional Courses: After passing the exam, new salespersons must complete a 30-hour Kansas Practice Course within the first 12 months of licensure.

This course focuses on practical aspects of real estate practice in Kansas and is designed to ensure new licensees have a solid foundation for their careers.

By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, candidates can smoothly navigate the process of obtaining and maintaining a real estate license in Kansas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the Kansas Real Estate Commission’s website and the Kansas Association of REALTORS.

Continuing Education

To maintain your license, complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years before renewing your license. This includes mandatory courses and elective courses to stay updated with industry changes and legal requirements.

Kansas Real Estate Education Options

Online Options

Kansas offers a range of excellent online real estate education options, with most major providers offering digital courses. Kaplan stands out as a top choice, outshining Colibri due to its impressive pass rates, high customer satisfaction, and top-tier course materials.

If you’re interested in exploring other options, we’ve arranged special discounts for additional programs. The CE Shop is the most affordable choice, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can maximize your savings.

While all the courses are reasonably priced, Kaplan remains our top recommendation due to its strong reputation and high success rates. If you’re aiming to get the best start in your real estate career, it’s definitely worth considering.

1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Kansas, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.

Pros

  • Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
  • Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
  • No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.

Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.

2. Kaplan Real Estate

Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Kansas students, with live online and self-paced formats.

Pros

  • Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
  • Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.

Cons

  • Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.

Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.

3. Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Kansas students.

Pros

  • Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
  • Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.

Cons

  • Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.

Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.

In-Person Options by Major Cities

Wichita:

Overland Park:

Topeka:

Reciprocity

Full Reciprocity

Kansas does not offer full reciprocity with any state.

Partial Reciprocity

Kansas offers partial reciprocity. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.

You will still need to pass the Kansas state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.

For detailed information and required forms, visit the Kansas Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.

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Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Kansas, you must:

  • Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
  • Complete 24 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Kansas Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Kansas Real Estate Commission

Criminal Record

The Kansas Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Kansas Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$597 – $1,197
Pre-License Education
$300 – $600
Exam Fee
$82
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$15
Post-Licensing Education
$100 – $200
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

Document Checklist

  • Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Completion certificates for 60 hours of pre-license courses
  • Completion certificates for additional required courses
  • Exam pass notification from Pearson VUE
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Kansas Real Estate Commission
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Kansas

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 60 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Kansas Real Estate Commission.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Examination through Pearson VUE. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $82.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a KBI-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Kansas Real Estate Commission.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Kansas Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $15.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Kansas real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first year of obtaining your license, complete 12 hours of post-licensing education.
  8. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Kansas.
  9. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.

Kansas Real Estate Agent Salary

In Kansas, real estate agents earn an average salary of $108,620 per year, with earnings typically ranging from $45,000 to $200,000.

The median salary stands at $100,000, indicating a healthy earning potential across the board.

Top agents, especially in cities like Wichita, can earn well over $220,000 annually. Kansas offers a relatively low cost of living, making these earnings particularly valuable.

The state’s balanced market and economic stability provide ample opportunities for agents to achieve significant financial success.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Kansas if I have a felony?

The Kansas Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Kansas?

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.

What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Kansas?

The total estimated cost ranges from $597 to $1,197, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Kansas have reciprocity with other states?

Kansas does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Kansas state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Kansas involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Kansas.

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Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links that give us a commission at no extra cost to you. In some cases, you can even receive discounts via our links. If you found our content helpful, please use them.

We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.

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