Real Estate Exams15 min read

FREE Kansas Real Estate Exam Guide 2026: Complete KREC License Prep

Complete guide to passing the Kansas real estate exam in 2026. Learn about KREC requirements, exam format, 60-hour education, study strategies, and tips to pass on your first attempt.

Ran Chen, EA, CFP®January 12, 2026

Key Facts

  • Kansas requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education split into two 30-hour courses
  • The exam has 110 questions (80 national, 30 state) with a 4-hour time limit
  • Passing score is 70% on each portion separately
  • First-time pass rate is approximately 70-73%
  • Exam fee is $82 for first attempt, $75 for retakes
  • You must find a sponsoring broker before your license can be issued
  • The Principles course certificate is valid for 12 months; Kansas Practice is valid for 6 months
  • Continuing education requires 12 hours every 2 years
Kansas Real Estate Exam 2026: 60 hours education, 70% passing score, 110 questions, KREC license prep

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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

FeatureDetails
Exam AdministratorPearson VUE for KREC
Total Questions110 (80 national + 30 state)
Time Limit4 hours total (2.5 hours national, 1.5 hours state)
Passing Score70% on each portion
Exam Fee$82 first attempt, $75 retakes
ResultsImmediate (pass/fail on screen)
Score Validity6 months after passing

Requirements Before Taking the Exam

Basic Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age18 years or older
EducationHigh school diploma or GED
Pre-License Education60 hours of KREC-approved coursework
Background CheckFingerprinting and criminal background check required
Sponsoring BrokerRequired before license issuance

Pre-License Course Structure (60 Hours)

Kansas requires two separate 30-hour courses:

CourseHoursContentCertificate Validity
Principles of Real Estate30 hoursGeneral real estate fundamentals12 months
Kansas Practice30 hoursState-specific practices and laws6 months

Both courses can be completed online or in a classroom setting from KREC-approved schools.

Application Process

  1. Complete 60-hour pre-license education (both courses)
  2. Submit fingerprints via electronic fingerprinting
  3. Complete Waiver Agreement (Form REL-150)
  4. Pay background check fee ($70)
  5. Create account on KREC Citizen Access portal
  6. Receive authorization to test
  7. Schedule exam with Pearson VUE
  8. 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

SectionQuestionsTimePassing Score
National Portion80 + 5 pretest2.5 hours56/80 (70%)
State Portion30 + 10 pretest1.5 hours21/30 (70%)
Total110 scored4 hours70% each section

Note: Pretest questions are not scored but are used to evaluate potential future exam questions.

National Portion Topics (80 Questions)

TopicPercentage~Questions
Real Estate Practice16%13
Contracts15%12
Agency13%10
Property Ownership12%10
Financing11%9
Property Valuation11%9
Transfer of Title8%6
Land Use Controls7%6
Real Estate Calculations7%5

State Portion Topics (30 Questions)

TopicKey Content
KREC Duties and PowersCommission authority, disciplinary actions, regulations
Licensing RequirementsEducation, application process, renewal, fees
Brokerage RelationshipsBRRETA requirements, agency types, disclosures
Prohibited ActsLicense law violations, penalties
Recovery FundKansas Real Estate Recovery Revolving Fund
Activities of LicenseesAdvertising, 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 TypeDescription
Seller's AgentRepresents seller exclusively
Buyer's AgentRepresents buyer exclusively
Transaction BrokerFacilitates transaction without representing either party
Dual AgentRepresents both parties with informed consent
Designated AgentBroker 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

FeatureDetails
PurposeCompensate victims of licensee fraud or misrepresentation
Maximum Recovery$50,000 per transaction
Aggregate Limit$100,000 per licensee
FundingFees 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

RequirementKansas Rule
Deposit TimelineWithin 5 business days of receipt
Account TypeFederally insured bank in Kansas
Record Keeping5 years minimum
InterestBelongs 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.

FactorImpact
Two-part examMust pass both sections separately
Reasonable passing score70% (lower than some states)
Adequate time4 hours total provides sufficient time
State-specific focusBRRETA heavily tested

Study Strategy

Recommended Study Timeline

ApproachStudy HoursTimeline
Intensive30-40 hours2 weeks
Standard40-60 hours3-4 weeks
Part-time60-80 hours5-6 weeks

Study time is in addition to the 60-hour pre-license education.

Study Priority by Weight

  1. National Content (73% of exam)

    • Real estate practice and contracts
    • Agency relationships
    • Property ownership and transfer
    • Financing and valuation
  2. 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:

Commission=Sales Price×Rate\text{Commission} = \text{Sales Price} \times \text{Rate}

Agent Share=Commission×Split %\text{Agent Share} = \text{Commission} \times \text{Split \%}

Prorations (Kansas uses 365-day year for most calculations):

Daily Rate=Annual Amount365\text{Daily Rate} = \frac{\text{Annual Amount}}{365}

Property Tax:

Tax=Assessed Value×Mill Rate÷1000\text{Tax} = \text{Assessed Value} \times \text{Mill Rate} \div 1000

Loan-to-Value:

LTV=Loan AmountProperty Value×100\text{LTV} = \frac{\text{Loan Amount}}{\text{Property Value}} \times 100

Capitalization Rate:

Cap Rate=Net Operating IncomeProperty Value\text{Cap Rate} = \frac{\text{Net Operating Income}}{\text{Property Value}}

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

  1. Receive results on screen at testing center
  2. Obtain score reports (valid for 6 months)
  3. Find a sponsoring broker if not already done
  4. Submit license application through Citizen Access
  5. Pay license fee ($125)
  6. Receive active license and begin practicing

License Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Application Fee$15
Background Check$70
License Fee$125
Total$210

Continuing Education Requirements

RequirementDetails
CE Hours12 hours every 2 years
Core TopicsKREC-mandated subjects
DeadlineBy license expiration date
Carry-OverExcess hours do not carry over

Kansas Real Estate Career Outlook

Salary Expectations

Experience LevelAnnual 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)

MarketCharacteristics
Kansas City MetroUrban core, diverse housing, corporate relocations
Johnson CountyAffluent suburbs, top schools, steady appreciation
WichitaAffordable housing, aerospace industry, growing
LawrenceUniversity town, rental market, young professionals
ManhattanCollege town (K-State), military (Fort Riley)
TopekaState capital, government jobs, affordable

Resources


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