Yellar there! From the Kentucky Derby’s pageantry to the Bourbon Trail’s lickin’ good flavors, Kentucky is a downright charming place to call home—and an even better spot to kickstart your journey as a real estate pro. But to help folks in the Bluegrass State find their dream digs, you’ve gotta learn how to become a real estate agent in Kentucky (KY). And that’s where I come in. Just follow these seven easy-peasy steps, and you’ll be on your way to launchin’ your career in Kentucky real estate in no time! Let’s get to it, y’all!
Quick Facts & Costs for Kentucky Licensees
Types of Licensees in Kentucky & How Much They Earn
- Real estate sales associate (salary range: $47,000 to $62,000): An entry-level licensee who works under a broker and helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties.
- Real estate broker (salary range: $80,000 to $122,000): A licensed individual who can operate independently, manage their own brokerage, and oversee sales associates.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Kentucky Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Kentucky Requirements
To be eligible for a Kentucky real estate license, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
- Possess a high school diploma
Step 2: Complete a 96-hour Prelicensing Course
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Cost:
Starting at $584
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Time commitment:
3 to 6 weeks
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Helpful resource:
Best Real Estate Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky requires 96 hours of coursework before sitting for the licensing exam. You’ll need the help of a highly-rated Kentucky real estate school to get through this weighty material. Most people choose a real estate school based on the course’s cost and educational format.
Choosing the right course format—be it self-paced, livestream, or in-person—depends on your individual learning style and schedule. The total time you need will vary based on how many hours you commit to studying each week. You can complete the entire 96-hour course online, and if you’re able to dedicate around 40 hours a week, you could finish in less than three weeks. For those who study more quickly, the timeline could be even shorter.
If you’re looking for a self-paced experience, I like Colibri Real Estate’s online platform best. Its prelicensing courses include extra features like exam prep, instructor support, or career resources. Colibri Real Estate is also featured on our national roundup of the best online real estate schools.
Readers of The Close can get 30% off tuition on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Kentucky using coupon code “TheClose30“.
Step 3: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$28 to $61.25
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Time commitment:
1 to 2 weeks
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Helpful resource:
IdentoGO and Electronic Department Order
The next step on how to get a real estate license in Kentucky is to submit fingerprints for eligibility for a Kentucky real estate license as part of a background check. Here are the details:
- All applicants must request a copy of their national criminal history before registering for the real estate exam or submitting their activation paperwork.
- Go to your local law enforcement agency to get fingerprinted. The State Real Estate Commission recommends obtaining your fingerprints at a police station or sheriff’s office. Kentucky State Police charge $10 for fingerprinting.
- Two options for obtaining a national criminal history check:
- Through the FBI: This option costs $18. The report is mailed to you and the average processing time is one week.
- Through the Kentucky State Police: This option costs $51.25. Individuals must schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted through the Kentucky State Police. This report is sent directly to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC); the average processing time is one to two weeks.
- All national criminal history checks expire 90 days after the report date of issuance.
- The Kentucky Real Estate Commission cannot issue a license without a valid, current report.
Step 4: Schedule & Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Salesperson Exam
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Cost:
$100
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Time commitment:
4 hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Kentucky Real Estate Commission’s candidate handbook
Testing sites for the Kentucky real estate exam are located in the following cities:
- Bowling Green
- Lexington
- Louisville
- Maysville
- Mount Sterling
- Owensboro
- Paducah
- Somerset
- Williamstown
As soon as you’re done with the multiple-choice exam, you’ll learn whether you passed or failed. If you don’t pass, you’ll be given a detailed score report to help you prepare for the retake. You can take the exam as many times as you’d like within one year following the date you sent in your original exam application, but you will have to pay $100 each time.
Step 5: Obtain Errors & Omissions Insurance
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Cost:
$100 to $232
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Time commitment:
1 day
All active licensees in Kentucky are mandated to carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. This insurance typically protects brokerages and individual agents from being sued by clients if they make a mistake related to real estate transactions. It covers the legal, defense, and court costs related to a claim.
KREC works closely with Rice Insurance Services Company to provide affordable options, but check with your principal broker to verify their firm requirements for coverage. In the case of Rice, the initial cost of the policy is $232, but some surcharges and taxes can impact the price. This policy is good for two years. Visit the KREC website for more information on how to become a real estate agent in Kentucky.
Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
In Kentucky, you must work under a broker after passing the real estate salesperson exam. Ask about commission splits, available resources, and goals during interviews to decide the best brokerage for you. Interview at multiple locations, and remember, it’s as much of an interview for you as it is for the brokerage!
Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For a guide to learn about some of the larger firms.
Step 7: Complete the Licensing Process
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Cost:
$130
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Time commitment:
1 to 2 weeks
The final step on how to get a real estate license in KY is simple: After completing all the above tasks, apply for that hard-earned salesperson license. This license allows you to handle real estate transactions, including buying and selling properties and managing the rental process. You’ll receive your application and your passing score report at your exam site. The cost of the application is $130. While the KREC doesn’t provide an estimated wait time to get your application reviewed and approved, you must apply for your license within 60 days after passing your exam.
You can either complete the application and send it to the KREC’s office with a check or money order or submit the application online. At the end of the application, you will be asked to pay the appropriate fees with a debit or credit card. Upon a successful application review by KREC, you will be recognized as a real estate salesperson in Kentucky.
Step 8: Start a Successful Career in Kentucky
Kick off your exciting career in Kentucky by diving into the vibrant real estate scene. It’s a fantastic place to shine and find plenty of opportunities. Check out some of our friendly guides designed just for new real estate agents:
- Network with others: Socialize with clients, other agents, and people associated with the industry.
- Utilize social media: Know how to use Instagram and Facebook for your listings in building your brand.
- Keep learning: Taking courses, seminars, and real estate certifications are wonderful ways to further your education and stay competitive.
- Apply technology to your real estate business: Tools like CRMs and lead generation tools will make your life easier.
- Mentorship: Coordinating with senior agents will help in getting the knowledge and tactics needed for success.
- Focus on customer service: It’s the surest way of getting referrals and repeat business.
FAQs
Is the Kentucky real estate exam hard?
The passing rate for the Kentucky Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 50%, meaning half of the people who take it do not pass. Be sure to pay attention during your prelicensing course and take studying seriously. If you put in the proper effort, you should pass on your first attempt. Otherwise, you’ll need another $100 to take the test again.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with four states: Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. For a complete list of steps to get your real estate license KY through reciprocity, check out our helpful guide, Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability: A State-by-State Guide.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Kentucky?
It usually takes prospective agents two to four months to get their real estate license in Kentucky. Most of the time spent getting your license will be in your 96-hour prelicensing course. If you enroll in a scheduled full-time course, you can usually complete your classes quickly. You might take longer if you work online at your own pace. Self-paced courses, however, allow you to fit learning into your busy schedule at work and home. You’ll have to decide which course works best for you.
Can I get my Kentucky real estate license online?
Unfortunately, you’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to take your Kentucky real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is that you can complete 96 hours of classwork from home.
Back to You
Now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in Kentucky, it’s time to grab your bucket of Dirty Bird and a side of Betty and enjoy the ride of getting your Kentucky real estate license. By following our guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the path to obtaining your license and launching a successful career in the vibrant Kentucky real estate market.
Have more questions about how to become a real estate agent in KY? Let us know below!
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