South · Real Estate License
Kentucky
Sales Associate License Requirements
96
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$537.25
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–20 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
12 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 96-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take a KREC-approved 96-hour course (Parts A & B). Max 9 hours of study per day.
Estimated time: 3–12 weeks
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Schedule via IdentoGO (service code 27GJR5). Cost: $51.25. Must be completed BEFORE exam. Results sent to KREC.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Register with PSI and Pass the Exam
Schedule at psiexams.com. Pay $100 exam fee. Pass both National (60/80 = 75%) and State (38/50 = 75%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Submit License Application to KREC
Submit within 60 days of passing exam. Pay $130 (active) or $120 (inactive). Receive application at PSI testing site upon passing.
Estimated time: ~5 business days processing
Obtain E&O Insurance
RISC group policy (~$256/2 years) or independent coverage.
Estimated time: 1–3 days
Affiliate with a Principal Broker
Secure affiliation to activate license and begin practicing.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified96 hours from a KREC-approved provider. Alternative: 6 academic credit hours in real estate from accredited college/university. Max 9 hours study per day. No more than 48 hours may be appraisal courses.
Required Topics / Courses
- Part A: National Real Estate Principles (real estate law, contracts, finance, appraisal, agency, fair housing, closings, math)
- Part B: Kentucky License Law (KY-specific statutes, commission rules, disclosure requirements)
Provider type: KREC-approved education providers (proprietary schools, community colleges, universities, online)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Kentucky-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person only at PSI test centers (no remote proctoring).
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (Kentucky) | 50 | 90 min | 75% |
| Total | 130 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes. Can retake as soon as 24 hours after failing. $100 per attempt. Must pass both portions within 4 months or all scores expire. Only failed section needs retaking.
5–10 unscored pretest items included. National and state questions are intermingled (not separately labeled). Test centers: Bowling Green, Lexington, Louisville, Maysville, Paducah, Somerset. Non-programmable calculators permitted.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Kentucky real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $100.00 | PSI Services | |
| License Application Fee (Active) | $130.00 | KREC | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check Note: $51.25 is the IdentoGO/KSP fee alone. Some sources cite $69.25 which may include the separate $18 FBI Identity History Summary. Different components, not conflicting data. (Alt: $69.25 per Colibri/Mbition (may include additional FBI Identity History Summary fee of $18)) | $51.25 | IdentoGO | |
| E&O Insurance (2-year group policy) | $256.00 | RISC or approved E&O provider | |
| Estimated Total | $537.25 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not required
Non-residents must submit KREC Form 205 (Consent to Jurisdiction & Service of Process).
Citizenship
US citizen or permanent resident alien
Background Check
Required
National Criminal History Check (FBI) via IdentoGO (service code 27GJR5). Must be completed BEFORE taking the exam. Results valid for 90 days.
E&O Insurance
Required
Errors & Omissions insurance required for active licensees. RISC group policy or independent coverage.
Sponsoring Broker
Required to activate
Not required to obtain the license itself, but must affiliate with a principal broker to activate and practice.
Reciprocity
Kentucky has reciprocity agreements
Type: Conditional Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (4)
Florida
Must complete 40-hr KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass KY state exam portion, background check.
Illinois
Must complete 40-hr KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass KY state exam portion, background check.
Tennessee
Must complete 40-hr KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass KY state exam portion, background check.
Ohio
Memorandum of Understanding. Must complete 40-hr KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass KY state exam portion, background check.
West Virginia reciprocity status uncertain — some sources indicate it may have been discontinued due to statutory changes. All reciprocal applicants must complete 40-hour KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass course final (75%), pass KY state exam, complete background check, and obtain license history from all states where licensed.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
12 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$130.00
First Renewal Notes
New licensees exempt from CE during first 2 calendar years. Must complete 48-hour post-licensing education (32 mandatory + 16 elective) within 2 years of activating license.
Deadlines
March 31 of each even-numbered year. CE must be completed by December 31 annually.
Kentucky Core Course is mandatory once every 4 years — no substitutions accepted. E&O insurance must be arranged before renewal.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Kentucky requires 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
HB 88: Amended KY Consumer Protection Act to impose new restrictions on residential real estate 'service agreements' including listing agreements.
Effective: 2024-04-01 · Affects: requirements
eServices portal opened for 2026 biennial renewal. E&O insurance moved to 2-year RISC group policy ($256 + surcharge/taxes).
Effective: 2026-02-03 · Affects: renewal, fees
Sources
https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=188&menuid=55
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=205
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_Info.aspx?static_ID=199
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=206
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=217
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.psiexams.com/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible