StateLicensed

Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Kentucky

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
96 hrs
Upfront cost
$230
Exam
Sales Associate Licensing Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED. A national criminal history check is required and must be completed before the licensing exam. A license must be affiliated with a principal broker; a license can be canceled for failure to affiliate with a principal broker, failure to maintain errors and omissions insurance, or failure to complete education. [2]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 96 hours of training at a state-approved program. Applicants must complete a Kentucky 96-hour pre-license course, or alternatively six academic credit hours in real estate courses from an accredited college or university. No more than 9 hours of study per day count, and the proctored final exam cannot be accessed until the 11th day after starting the course. All sales associates licensed after January 1, 2016 must also complete 48 hours of post-license education within the first two years of an active license. [1]

  3. 3

    Sales Associate Licensing Examination

    Pass the Sales Associate Licensing Examination (fee: $100). The exam fee is paid directly to PSI, not to KREC. A national criminal history background check must be completed before taking the exam and submitting an application; background checks are valid for 90 days. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) issues your Sales Associate License for Kentucky.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] $130
Renewal fee [3] $130
Sales Associate Licensing Examination [2] $100
Initial license fee if going directly to inactive status [3] $120

There is no separate application fee distinct from the license fee. The initial Sales Associate license fee is $130 to become an active agent (or $120 if going directly into inactive status). Renewals, due by March 31 of every even-numbered year, are also $130 (active) or $120 (inactive). The $100 PSI exam fee is separate and not paid to KREC.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Licenses renew every two years, due by March 31 of even-numbered years. Kentucky requires the state-specific 'Kentucky Core Course' once every four years for active licensees subject to continuing education; the exact required annual CE hour total (beyond the Core Course) was not published on the pages reviewed. Late CE/CORE completion carries a $1,000 late fee; late renewal carries a $200 late fee.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Kentucky has reciprocity/MOU agreements with five jurisdictions: Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi (formal reciprocity agreements) and Illinois and Ohio (Memoranda of Understanding). Requirements vary by state (e.g. Florida sales associates need 1 year active licensure, Tennessee associate brokers need 1 year). All reciprocal applicants must complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course, submit fingerprints for a national criminal history check, pass the PSI reciprocity exam, and provide a license history certification/letter of good standing plus proof of errors and omissions insurance. Applicants from states without an agreement must complete the full 96-hour education and standard exam.

Cost calculator

  • $130
  • $100
Total$230

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of pre-license education does Kentucky require?

96 hours of Commission-approved pre-license instruction, or six academic credit hours in real estate courses from an accredited college or university.

Who administers the Kentucky sales associate exam?

PSI administers the exam for a $100 fee, paid directly to PSI. A national criminal history check must be completed first and is valid for 90 days.

Does Kentucky have reciprocity with other states?

Yes, with Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi (reciprocity agreements) and Illinois and Ohio (Memoranda of Understanding). Reciprocal applicants still take a 40-hour reciprocal license law course and pass a reciprocity exam through PSI.

What continuing education is required after licensure?

New sales associates (licensed after January 1, 2016) must complete 48 hours of post-license education within their first two years. All active licensees must also complete the state-specific Kentucky Core Course once every four years.

How often does a Kentucky sales associate license renew?

Every two years, due by March 31 of even-numbered years, at a cost of $130 for an active license or $120 for inactive status.

Sources

  1. [1] krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] krec.ky.gov/newstatic_Info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12