Kentucky Real Estate Licenses
This guide to obtaining a Kentucky real estate license provides all the essential information, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s suitable for everyone in the state, with special resources highlighted for those in Louisville (KY).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have access to quality education regardless of your location in Kentucky.
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 Kentucky, 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, Kentucky 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 96 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). These courses include:
- Sales Associate Pre-License Course (96 hours)
Alternatively, you can complete six credit hours in real estate courses from an accredited college or university.
Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is required to ensure you meet the ethical standards required for licensure.
Continuing Education
To maintain your license, complete 12 hours of continuing education every year before renewing your license. This includes mandatory courses and elective courses to stay updated with industry changes and legal requirements.
Kentucky Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: Provides online pre-licensing courses tailored to Kentucky’s requirements.
- Colibri Real Estate: Formerly known as Real Estate Express, provides flexible online learning options.
- The CE Shop: Offers comprehensive online courses for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Louisville:
- Kentucky Real Estate College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Jefferson Community and Technical College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Lexington:
- Bluegrass REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- University of Kentucky: Provides in-person real estate education.
Bowling Green:
- South Central Kentucky Association of REALTORS®: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Kentucky offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Florida
- Ohio
- Tennessee
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Kentucky real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Kentucky offers partial reciprocity with other states. 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 Kentucky state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Kentucky Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Kentucky, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 336 hours of broker pre-license education or 21 credit hours from an accredited college or university
- Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The Kentucky 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 Kentucky Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $860 – $1,560 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $100 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $60 |
Post-Licensing Education | $200 – $400 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Kentucky Real Estate Commission: (502) 564-7760 | Email Form
- Street and Mailing Address: Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street , 2NE09, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
- Telephone: (502) 564-7760
- KREC Licensing
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
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 96 hours of pre-license courses or college credits
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Kentucky Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Kentucky
Here’s the Step-By-Step Process graphic from the KREC.
- 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).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 96 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission or six college credit hours.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Kentucky Real Estate Sales Associate Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $100.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Kentucky State Police-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $60.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Kentucky real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first two years of obtaining your license, complete 48 hours of post-licensing education.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Kentucky.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every year, complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Kentucky Real Estate Agent Salary
In Kentucky, real estate agents earn an average salary of $83,031 per year, with a range from $30,000 to $150,000.
The median salary is $75,000, indicating a balanced distribution of income among agents. Top performers, especially in cities like Louisville, can earn over $160,000 annually.
The state’s affordable cost of living makes these earnings more attractive, offering a comfortable lifestyle for successful agents. Kentucky’s real estate market, while moderate in size, provides steady opportunities for growth and income.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Kentucky if I have a felony?
The Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
The total estimated cost ranges from $860 to $1,560, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity with other states?
Kentucky has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Kentucky state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
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