How to Get Your Real Estate License in Kentucky (2026)
Compare KREC-approved schools, understand the 96-hour requirement, and navigate every step from enrollment to license. Find the best school for your budget and schedule.
Course Cost
$199 – $599
Time to License
2 – 4 months
Avg Salary
$55,000 – $80,000
Required Hours
96 hours
Top 3 Kentucky Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Kaplan Real Estate Education
Best value for Kentucky's 96-hour pre-license course. Self-paced online with Live Learning Hub and daily instructor sessions available.
$379
starting price
2. The CE Shop
Top-rated for interactive learning. LEAP platform with 96% student satisfaction and comprehensive exam prep tools.
$505
starting price
3. Kentuckiana Real Estate Academy
Best classroom option in Kentucky. In-person classes in Louisville & Lexington with live Zoom alternative. Includes 2-Day Exam Prep Cram Course.
$505
starting price
Best Real Estate Schools in Kentucky
All 6 schools are Kentucky KREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$379
- Live Online Learning Hub (daily instructor sessions)
- Kaplan Commitment to Pass (18-month support)
- 24/7 Student Community
- Drill & Practice QBanks
Available Packages (3)
Real Estate Principles Course
- 96-credit-hour licensing course
The CE Shop
Starting at
$505
- Interactive LEAP platform
- 96% student satisfaction rate
- Exam Prep Edge available
- Free 5-day trial
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 96-hour pre-licensing course
- Business ebooks
- Digital flashcards
- Career resources
- Real estate glossary
- Study schedule
Kentuckiana Real Estate Academy (KYINREA)
Best ClassroomStarting at
$505
- In-person classes in Louisville & Lexington
- Live virtual (Zoom) option available
- 2-week, 4-week & 12-week class schedules
- Includes 2-Day Exam Prep Cram Course (classroom)
Available Packages (3)
Online Pre-License
- 96-hour self-paced online course
- Kentucky state-approved
Century Real Estate School
Starting at
$550
- Kentucky state-approved
- Personal instructor support
- Louisville-based school
- Flexible schedule
Available Packages (1)
Premium KY Pre-License
- 96-hour pre-licensing course
- Flexible online schedule
- Instructor support
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$559
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- Live instructor support
- Audio narration / read-along
- AI-powered personal tutor
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 96-hour pre-license course
- State-approved instructor support
- Study guides
- Simulated exams
- Flashcards
- Accessible narrated audio
Appraisal & Real Estate Career Academy
Starting at
$599
- KCPE & KREC approved
- Interactive online course platform
- Student & instructor support specialists
- Lexington, KY based school
Available Packages (3)
Clever Fox Starter Kit
- 96-hour interactive online course (60 hr National + 36 hr KY Law)
- Proctored course final exam
- Real estate glossary
- KY PSI Candidate Handbook
- Certificate & transcript
- Student support & instructor support
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Kentucky?
Average Annual Income
$55,000 – $80,000
Source: Indeed / ZipRecruiter, 2025
Top Earners
$100,000+
Louisville and Lexington metro agents
Commission Structure
Kentucky real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $210,000 home (Kentucky median), that's approximately $5,250–$6,300 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $3,675–$4,410. Closing 6–8 deals in your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $22,050–$35,280. Louisville agents average around $85,139 annually, making it the strongest single market in the state.
Top-Earning Kentucky Markets
Is a Kentucky Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Strong Metro Markets: Louisville and Lexington provide two large, active real estate markets with steady buyer demand.
- + Affordable Housing: Kentucky's $210,000 median home price keeps buyers active and transactions flowing.
- + No Degree Required: Just a high school diploma or GED, plus 96 hours of coursework.
- + Reciprocity Available: Kentucky has reciprocity with Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia, making expansion easier.
- + No Broker Required at Issuance: Kentucky issues your license without requiring a sponsoring broker upfront — you can activate when ready.
👎 Cons
- - 96-Hour Requirement: Higher than many states (e.g., Missouri's 72 hours), meaning more upfront study time.
- - Two-Step Background Check: You must complete a national criminal history check before scheduling your exam, adding time and cost ($18–$51).
- - Dual-Section Passing Standard: You must score 75% on both the national and state sections independently — failing one means retaking both and paying $100 again.
- - E&O Insurance Required: Must obtain Errors & Omissions coverage before applying for your license — an additional ongoing cost.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Kentucky
Complete 96 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a KREC-approved 96-hour pre-license course covering national real estate principles and Kentucky-specific law. Alternatively, 6 semester credit hours in real estate from an accredited college may substitute. Online and in-person formats are available — most students finish in 4–8 weeks.
Pass the Course Final Exam & Get Your Completion Certificate
Your school will administer a final course exam before issuing your completion certificate. This is required to register for the state licensing exam. Your education hours do not expire — there is no deadline between completing the course and scheduling your exam.
Submit Fingerprints for a National Criminal History Check
Kentucky requires a national criminal history check before scheduling the state exam. Request via the FBI ($18, results mailed) at edo.cjis.gov, or through Kentucky State Police via IdentoGO ($51.25, service code 27GJR5, results sent directly to KREC). Note: the report is valid for only 90 days, so time this step accordingly.
Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Licensing Exam (PSI)
Register at PSI Exams (psiexams.com) and pay the $100 exam fee. The exam has 130 questions: 80 national (150 min) and 50 Kentucky-specific (90 min). You must score 75% or higher on each section independently. In-person testing centers are available in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Florence, Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Paducah, Somerset, Maysville, and other Kentucky cities.
Obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
All Kentucky applicants must secure E&O insurance before submitting a license application. You can enroll in the KREC Group E&O Program through RISC or choose a private carrier meeting KREC's minimum standards ($100,000 per-claim limit, max $2,500 deductible). Pay the $10 KREC processing fee via your eServices account.
Apply for Your Kentucky Sales Associate License
Submit your application online via KREC eServices (you'll receive a link by email within 36–48 hours of passing the exam) or by mail to KREC at 500 Mero St., 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601. Pay the $130 fee for an active license (or $120 for inactive). Kentucky does not require a sponsoring broker to issue your license — you can activate with a broker whenever you're ready.
Kentucky Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED required
- No college degree required
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Must pass national criminal history background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 96 hours of KREC-approved pre-license education
- Pass the PSI Kentucky Real Estate Exam (130 questions)
- 75% passing score required on each section independently
- Errors & Omissions insurance required before application
- Reciprocity available with FL, OH, TN, and WV
Kentucky Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Kentucky real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (96 hours) | $199 – $599 | Compare schools on CertLaunch to find best deal |
| State Exam Fee (PSI) | $100 – $100 | Per attempt; retakes cost $100 each |
| Background Check | $18 – $51 | FBI ($18) or IdentoGO/KSP ($51.25, code 27GJR5) |
| License Application Fee | $130 – $130 | Active license; $120 for inactive |
| E&O Insurance Processing | $10 – $10 | KREC processing fee; E&O policy premium additional |
| Estimated Total | $457 – $858+ | E&O policy premium is an additional annual cost |
The Kentucky Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice questions (national + state)
- Questions: 130 total (80 national + 50 state)
- Passing score: 75% on each section independently
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Cost: $100 per attempt
- Pass rate: ~61.8% national, ~57.0% state (KREC 2024)
Exam Topics
- Property ownership and land use controls (national)
- Valuation, market analysis, and financing (national)
- General principles of agency and contracts (national)
- Property disclosures, transfer of title, and calculations (national)
- KREC rules and license requirements (state)
- Brokerage activities, disclosures, and property management (state)
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Kentucky state section has a lower first-attempt pass rate (~57%) than the national section (~62%). KREC rules, disclosure requirements, and brokerage regulations are common stumbling blocks. Schools that include exam prep packages — practice tests, flashcards, and simulated exams — significantly improve your pass rate. Consider Kaplan's KY Exam Prep Package ($399), The CE Shop's Standard Package, or Colibri's Exam Preparation package if exam prep is a priority.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Kentucky Real Estate License?
6–8 weeks
Full-time
Studying 6–8 hrs/day — complete 96-hour course in ~2 weeks, then pass exam and apply within 4–6 weeks
8–14 weeks
Part-time
Studying 3–4 hrs/day — complete course in ~4–5 weeks, schedule exam and apply within another 3–4 weeks
3–5 months
Casual pace
Studying ~10 hrs/week — complete course in ~10 weeks, then schedule exam and submit application
Get the Complete Kentucky Real Estate Guide
Step-by-step KREC requirements, top school recommendations, and exam prep tips — delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a real estate career in another state? See how Kentucky compares to other top markets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Kentucky?
Total costs typically range from $450 to $900. This includes the pre-license course ($199–$599), the PSI exam fee ($100), the background check ($18–$51.25), the license application fee ($130), and E&O insurance processing ($10). Course costs vary by provider — compare schools on CertLaunch to find the best deal.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Kentucky?
Most candidates take 2–4 months from start to license. The 96-hour pre-license course takes 4–8 weeks depending on your pace. After completing the course, you schedule your background check and PSI exam, then submit your application. KREC typically issues licenses within 5 business days of a complete application.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Kentucky?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete 96 hours of KREC-approved pre-license education (or 6 college credit hours in real estate), pass a national criminal history background check, pass the PSI state licensing exam with 75% on each section independently, and obtain Errors & Omissions insurance before applying.
Is the Kentucky real estate exam hard?
The Kentucky real estate exam is moderately challenging. First-time pass rates are approximately 61.8% for the national portion and 57.0% for the state portion (KREC 2024 data). Candidates who complete a quality prep course and practice with mock exams significantly improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
Can I take the Kentucky real estate course online?
Yes. KREC-approved online courses are widely available and allow you to complete the 96-hour requirement at your own pace. Many candidates prefer online because of scheduling flexibility. However, the PSI licensing exam must be taken in person at an authorized testing center — remote/online testing is not available for Kentucky.
How much do real estate agents make in Kentucky?
Kentucky real estate agents earn an average of $55,000–$80,000 per year. Agents in Louisville average around $85,000 annually, and top producers in high-demand markets like Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky can earn $100,000 or more. With Kentucky’s median home price around $210,000, a 3% commission on a typical transaction yields roughly $6,300 per side — volume and strong client relationships drive higher earnings.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky does not require a college degree. You only need a high school diploma or GED, plus the 96-hour pre-license education. However, if you have 6 semester credit hours in real estate from an accredited college, those can substitute for the 96-hour course requirement.
What is the best real estate school in Kentucky?
Top options include Kaplan Real Estate Education, The CE Shop, and Colibri Real Estate — all KREC-approved. Kaplan offers the most affordable entry package starting at $379. The best choice depends on your learning style and budget. Online schools often cost less and offer flexible schedules, while the Kentuckiana Real Estate Academy offers classroom and Zoom options in Louisville and Lexington.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Kentucky?
Online courses are typically more affordable and let you study on your own schedule — ideal if you’re working full-time or have a busy lifestyle. In-person and Zoom classes, available through schools like Kentuckiana Real Estate Academy in Louisville and Lexington, provide structured schedules and direct instructor interaction. Both formats fully satisfy KREC’s 96-hour requirement. Note that the PSI exam must be taken in person regardless of how you completed your course.
Can I get my Kentucky real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature, severity, and recency of the offense. KREC reviews each application individually. Certain convictions may disqualify you or delay your license issuance. It’s best to request your criminal history check early in the process and, if you have concerns, contact KREC directly at (502) 564-7760 before investing in the pre-license course.