How to Get a Real Estate License in Kansas

Kansas has a lot going for it—vast hills, rolling prairies, friendly communities, and affordable cost of living. It’s a great spot to settle down and an even better place to kick off a career as a real estate agent. If you want to help people in the Sunflower State find their perfect homes, you’ll need to get your real estate license first. So, grab an icy cold concrete mixer and dive into the steps of how to become a real estate agent in Kansas.

Quick Facts & Costs for Kansas Licensees

Quick Steps to Get a Kansas Real Estate License (+ Costs) checkmark bullet

Step 1: Meet Kansas Requirements (No Cost) checkmark bullet

Step 2: Choose a Kansas Real Estate School (Cost: $199+) checkmark bullet

Step 3: Pass the Kansas Real Estate Exam (Cost: $82) checkmark bullet

Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check (Cost: $60) checkmark bullet

Step 5: Apply for a Kansas Real Estate License (Cost: $125) checkmark bullet

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage (No Cost) checkmark bullet

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Kansas (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in Kansas & How Much They Earn

Licensed real estate salesperson (salary range: $52,500 to $114,602): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $58,000 to $132,439): Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Kansas Real Estate License

If you’re ready to dive into learning how to become a real estate agent in Kansas, follow these essential steps to get started:

Step 1: Meet Kansas Requirements

To be eligible for a Kansas real estate license, you need to:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Pass a KBI/FBI criminal background check

Step 2: Choose a Kansas Real Estate School

Cost: Starting at $199+
Time commitment: 60 hours
Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in Kansas

To become a real estate agent in Kansas, you need to complete 60 hours of classes at a state-approved real estate school. The amount of time you spend depends on how much class time you allot per week. If you approach it like a 40-hour workweek, you’ll finish in less than two weeks. It’s important to pick a school with good reviews to help you really get the hang of the material. Most people choose a real estate school based on their budget and class format.

The coursework consists of two modules: a 30-hour Principles of Real Estate Course and a 30-hour Kansas Real Estate Practice Course. To pass the class and move on to the licensing exam, you’ll need to receive a score of at least 90% on each section. If your score is not 90%, you’ll get additional attempts to retake the exam. A solid school also often includes extra features like exam prep, instructor support, and career resources.

The dashboard for the prelicensing course showing the table of contents. — Example of Prelicensing Course Dashboard (Source: The CE Shop)

If you’re looking for a more flexible schedule, The CE Shop could be a great option for you. Courses are available online, and you can learn at your own pace. Plus, it includes exam prep in all packages, so you feel confident and ready to ace your test.

Enroll in The CE Shop

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Important Note: Before taking the licensing exam, you must complete two additional courses: a 2-hour Virtual Webinar on Kansas License Law and an 8-hour In-person Exam Prep Seminar. You must complete the online course and attend the virtual webinar before participating in the Exam Prep Seminar.

Step 3: Pass the Kansas Real Estate License Exam

Cost: $82
Time commitment: 4 hours
Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Kansas Candidate Handbook

Once you’ve wrapped up your prelicensing education, it’s time to tackle the licensing exam at a testing site in Kansas. You’ll need to go to Pearson VUE and create an account to make a reservation.

You’ll have four hours to tackle a 120-question multiple-choice exam, and you’ll find out right away if you passed or not. If you don’t pass, no worries—you’ll get a detailed score report to help you prepare for the next try. You can retake the exam as many times as you want within 12 months, but you will have to pay $82 each time you retake it.

Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check

Cost: $60
Time commitment: 1-2 business days
Helpful resource: criminal record FAQs and Fingerprint Information

The Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires that all applicants pass a background check before becoming a licensed real estate agent. To begin this process, have your fingerprints taken from an accredited agency offering print services in Kansas.

The fingerprint/background kit will be available at the live Exam Prep Seminar. You can also request a kit from KREC or grab it at the Pearson VUE testing center when you take your licensure exam. KREC will check anything in your background report to determine eligibility. They might get in touch with you for more info or documents to help clarify anything they find.

Important Note: Your background check is good for six months. You can send the criminal history report to KREC before or at the same time you submit the license application. Because of this and the course test certificate expiration, KREC advises you to time your submission carefully.

Step 5: Apply for a Kansas Real Estate License

Cost: $125
Time commitment: 1 hour
Helpful resource: Applicant Checklist

Once you pass your licensing exam, it’s time to apply for your license. You have six months to do this before your certificate expires. Here’s what you’ll need to submit the completed application:

Education Certificate you are issued when you complete the Principles of Real Estate course online exam
Two score reports Pearson VUE will give you when you pass the two sections of the State Exam
Copy of your Kansas Practice Course certificate
Your KBI/FBI criminal background kit
Pay the required fee

The Kansas Real Estate Commission usually issues a real estate license within two to three business days of receiving a complete application.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

Once you get your license, the next step is to find a real estate brokerage to align with. As a new agent, it’s super important to pick a brokerage that focuses on education, coaching, and mentorship, plus gives you the tools to grow your business. There’s a lot to learn, but with the right support, you’ll be working with clients before you know it. Take some time to chat with different brokerages and see which ones match your career goals best.

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 guide to learn about some of the larger firms.

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Kansas

Cost: $125
Time commitment: 1 hour
Helpful resource: Iowa real estate licensing guidelines

Way to go! You’re licensed and associated with a brokerage. It’s time to start your successful real estate career. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Network with others: Socialize with other agents, clients, 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

No, you do not have to retake the entire exam if you pass one part and not the other. You will only need to retake the section of the exam that you did not get a 70% on. You must pass the other section and complete the application process before the first score report expires. If you don’t complete your application process within this six-month time frame, you need to begin the process again.

The passing rate for the Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70%, meaning more than one-quarter 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 to pay $82 to take the test again.

Kansas is one of the few states that does not have reciprocal agreements with any other states. However, existing real estate agents from other states can use their previous education and experience to speed up the licensing process. Visit the Kansas Real Estate Commission for education and examination requirements tailored to your specific situation.

You’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to take your Kansas real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is that you can complete the required 60 hours of classwork from the comfort of your home.

Back to You

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in Kansas, you can hit the ground running. Remember, with the right education and solid support from your brokerage, you’ll be on the path to success.

We’d love to hear if you’ve already got the process started. Drop a comment and let us know what step you’re on!