Kansas Real Estate License Overview
Kansas offers excellent opportunities for real estate professionals, with growing markets in Kansas City, Wichita, and thriving suburban areas like Johnson County. The Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) oversees all licensing requirements and ensures that real estate professionals meet state standards.
The Kansas real estate market features affordable housing, a central geographic location making it a logistics hub, and steady population growth in metropolitan areas. With a 70% first-attempt pass rate, Kansas has one of the more accessible licensing exams in the nation.
Kansas Real Estate Exam Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Administrator | Pearson VUE for KREC |
| Total Questions | 110 (80 national + 30 state) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total (2.5 hours national, 1.5 hours state) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Fee | $82 first attempt, $75 retakes |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail on screen) |
| Score Validity | 6 months after passing |
Requirements Before Taking the Exam
Basic Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Pre-License Education | 60 hours of KREC-approved coursework |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting and criminal background check required |
| Sponsoring Broker | Required before license issuance |
Pre-License Course Structure (60 Hours)
Kansas requires two separate 30-hour courses:
| Course | Hours | Content | Certificate Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Real Estate | 30 hours | General real estate fundamentals | 12 months |
| Kansas Practice | 30 hours | State-specific practices and laws | 6 months |
Both courses can be completed online or in a classroom setting from KREC-approved schools.
Application Process
- Complete 60-hour pre-license education (both courses)
- Submit fingerprints via electronic fingerprinting
- Complete Waiver Agreement (Form REL-150)
- Pay background check fee ($70)
- Create account on KREC Citizen Access portal
- Receive authorization to test
- Schedule exam with Pearson VUE
- Find a sponsoring broker before applying for license
Important: As of April 24, 2025, KREC uses a new online system (Citizen Access) for all pre-licensure applications.
Kansas Exam Format
The Kansas real estate exam consists of two separately-timed portions that must each be passed with a minimum 70% score.
Content Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 + 5 pretest | 2.5 hours | 56/80 (70%) |
| State Portion | 30 + 10 pretest | 1.5 hours | 21/30 (70%) |
| Total | 110 scored | 4 hours | 70% each section |
Note: Pretest questions are not scored but are used to evaluate potential future exam questions.
National Portion Topics (80 Questions)
| Topic | Percentage | ~Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Practice | 16% | 13 |
| Contracts | 15% | 12 |
| Agency | 13% | 10 |
| Property Ownership | 12% | 10 |
| Financing | 11% | 9 |
| Property Valuation | 11% | 9 |
| Transfer of Title | 8% | 6 |
| Land Use Controls | 7% | 6 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 7% | 5 |
State Portion Topics (30 Questions)
| Topic | Key Content |
|---|---|
| KREC Duties and Powers | Commission authority, disciplinary actions, regulations |
| Licensing Requirements | Education, application process, renewal, fees |
| Brokerage Relationships | BRRETA requirements, agency types, disclosures |
| Prohibited Acts | License law violations, penalties |
| Recovery Fund | Kansas Real Estate Recovery Revolving Fund |
| Activities of Licensees | Advertising, trust accounts, supervision |
Kansas-Specific Topics to Master
Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act (BRRETA)
BRRETA governs all brokerage relationships in Kansas and is heavily tested:
| Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller's Agent | Represents seller exclusively |
| Buyer's Agent | Represents buyer exclusively |
| Transaction Broker | Facilitates transaction without representing either party |
| Dual Agent | Represents both parties with informed consent |
| Designated Agent | Broker designates agents for each party |
Key Disclosure Requirements:
- Written disclosure must be provided before substantive discussions
- Agency relationships must be confirmed in writing
- All parties must acknowledge the agency disclosure
Kansas Real Estate Recovery Revolving Fund
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Compensate victims of licensee fraud or misrepresentation |
| Maximum Recovery | $50,000 per transaction |
| Aggregate Limit | $100,000 per licensee |
| Funding | Fees from licensees |
KREC Disciplinary Authority
The Kansas Real Estate Commission can impose:
- License suspension or revocation
- Fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Required additional education
- Probationary license conditions
- Civil penalties
Trust Account Requirements
| Requirement | Kansas Rule |
|---|---|
| Deposit Timeline | Within 5 business days of receipt |
| Account Type | Federally insured bank in Kansas |
| Record Keeping | 5 years minimum |
| Interest | Belongs to party specified in contract |
Kansas Real Estate Exam Pass Rate
The Kansas real estate exam has an approximate 70-73% first-time pass rate, making it one of the more passable exams nationally.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Two-part exam | Must pass both sections separately |
| Reasonable passing score | 70% (lower than some states) |
| Adequate time | 4 hours total provides sufficient time |
| State-specific focus | BRRETA heavily tested |
Study Strategy
Recommended Study Timeline
| Approach | Study Hours | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive | 30-40 hours | 2 weeks |
| Standard | 40-60 hours | 3-4 weeks |
| Part-time | 60-80 hours | 5-6 weeks |
Study time is in addition to the 60-hour pre-license education.
Study Priority by Weight
-
National Content (73% of exam)
- Real estate practice and contracts
- Agency relationships
- Property ownership and transfer
- Financing and valuation
-
Kansas State Content (27% of exam)
- BRRETA and agency disclosures
- KREC rules and regulations
- Trust account requirements
- Recovery Fund provisions
Key Math Formulas to Master
Commission Calculations:
Prorations (Kansas uses 365-day year for most calculations):
Property Tax:
Loan-to-Value:
Capitalization Rate:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Underestimating BRRETA Content
BRRETA is Kansas-specific and heavily tested. Know all agency types and disclosure requirements thoroughly.
2. Neglecting Math Practice
Math questions appear on both portions. Practice daily:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Area and square footage
- Loan calculations
3. Rushing Through Questions
With 4 hours total, you have adequate time. Read questions carefully, especially those with "EXCEPT" or "NOT."
4. Ignoring Pretest Questions
While pretest questions don't count, treat every question seriously as you cannot identify which are pretest.
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Get adequate rest the night before
- Eat a balanced meal
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued with photo)
During the Exam
- Read every question completely
- Watch for negative phrasing ("EXCEPT," "NOT," "LEAST")
- Show math work on provided scratch paper
- Flag difficult questions and return later
- Use all available time to review answers
What to Bring
- Two forms of ID (one with photo, one with signature)
- Confirmation from Pearson VUE
- Nothing else (personal items stored in locker)
After Passing the Exam
Immediate Steps
- Receive results on screen at testing center
- Obtain score reports (valid for 6 months)
- Find a sponsoring broker if not already done
- Submit license application through Citizen Access
- Pay license fee ($125)
- Receive active license and begin practicing
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $15 |
| Background Check | $70 |
| License Fee | $125 |
| Total | $210 |
Continuing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 12 hours every 2 years |
| Core Topics | KREC-mandated subjects |
| Deadline | By license expiration date |
| Carry-Over | Excess hours do not carry over |
Kansas Real Estate Career Outlook
Salary Expectations
| Experience Level | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| First Year | $25,000-$45,000 |
| 2-5 Years | $45,000-$70,000 |
| 5+ Years | $70,000-$120,000+ |
| Top Producers | $150,000+ |
Top Kansas Markets (2026)
| Market | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Kansas City Metro | Urban core, diverse housing, corporate relocations |
| Johnson County | Affluent suburbs, top schools, steady appreciation |
| Wichita | Affordable housing, aerospace industry, growing |
| Lawrence | University town, rental market, young professionals |
| Manhattan | College town (K-State), military (Fort Riley) |
| Topeka | State capital, government jobs, affordable |
Resources
- Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) - Official licensing information
- Pearson VUE - Exam scheduling and candidate handbook
- Kansas Association of REALTORS - Industry resources and forms
- OpenExamPrep - Free practice questions and study materials
