How to become a real estate agent in Kentucky
Kentucky real estate agents are licensed by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (Kentucky Real Estate Authority). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Kentucky, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Kentucky law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a real estate agent in Kentucky?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- 96-hour pre-license course or 6 academic credit hours
- National criminal history check, completed before the exam (valid 90 days)
- E&O insurance if the license will be active right away
Kentucky real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Kentucky Real Estate Commission (Kentucky Real Estate Authority) |
|---|---|
| License name | Sales Associate |
| Education or training | The Kentucky 96-hour pre-license course, or six academic credit hours of real estate courses from a college or university. Only 48 of the 96 hours may be appraisal courses. Pre-license education does not expire. |
| Exam | PSI administers the sales associate licensing exam, and a passing score is valid for 60 days, so you must apply within that time. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. An active sales associate must be affiliated with a principal broker. A license can be cancelled for failure to affiliate with one, and you can apply for inactive status instead. |
| License term | 2 years. All licensees renew in March of each even-numbered year (deadline March 31). |
| Continuing education | Sales associates first licensed after January 1, 2016 complete 48 hours of post-license education, and active licensees then complete 6 CE hours (3 in law) by December 31 each year, with a 6-hour Core course once every four years. |
| Reciprocity | Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee and memorandums of understanding with Illinois and Ohio; reciprocal applicants must pass the Kentucky law portion of the exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial application (active) | $130 |
|---|---|
| Initial application (inactive) | $120 |
| Exam (not paid to KREC) | $100 |
| Renewal (active) | $130 |
| Late renewal fee | $200 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Kentucky
- Complete the 96-hour pre-license course or 6 college credit hours
- Get a national criminal history check
- Pass the sales associate exam through PSI
- Get E&O insurance and affiliate with a principal broker (for an active license)
- Submit the application from PSI with fees within 60 days of passing
- Complete the 48-hour post-license education
Apply on the official Kentucky site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Kentucky?
- Search the name or license number on the official Kentucky real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.