How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Kentucky | inboundREM Real Estate Marketing (2024)

July 22, 2024
General Real Estate Knowledge

Robert Newman

Founder of InboundREM an inbound marketing lead generation company focused on SEO. Blogger. Real Estate SEO expert. Real Estate Lead Generation expert. Real estate online marketing fanatic. Podcaster. Occasional public speaker and frequent vlogger.

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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)

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.

Examination

Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Sales Associate Examination administered by PSI. The exam consists of a national portion and a state-specific portion. You need to pass both sections with a score of at least 75%.

Exam Fee: $100

Background Check

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.

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission.

Application Fee: $60

Post-Licensing Education

Complete 48 hours of post-licensing education within the first two years of licensure. This education is necessary for maintaining your license.

Continuing Education

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.

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 circ*mstances 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
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

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.

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.