Key Takeaways
- Kentucky salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
- Pre-license education requirement is 96 hours of approved coursework (higher than most states)
- The exam has 130 questions total: 80 national and 50 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 75% on each portion (higher than most states)
- Total exam time is approximately 4 hours
Kentucky License Requirements
Kentucky has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Show proof of good moral character
- Have no felony convictions (subject to review)
2. Education Requirements
Complete 96 hours of pre-license education from a KREC-approved school:
| Course Content | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles | 40 hours |
| Real Estate Law | 20 hours |
| Real Estate Practice | 20 hours |
| Real Estate Electives | 16 hours |
| Total | 96 hours |
Note: Kentucky's 96-hour requirement is significantly higher than many states (most require 60-75 hours).
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 130 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 50 questions |
| Time Limit | Approximately 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI (Pearson VUE) |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100 |
Important: Kentucky's 75% passing score is higher than most states, which typically require 70%.
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Fingerprints submitted through approved vendor
- FBI and state criminal history review
- KREC reviews results for suitability
Convictions that may affect licensure:
- Felonies involving fraud or dishonesty
- Crimes related to real estate activities
- Recent criminal activity
Broker License Requirements
To become a Kentucky real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years, with documented transactions.
Education Requirements
Complete 384 total hours of education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 96 hours |
| Additional broker courses | 288 hours |
| Total | 384 hours |
Note: Kentucky's broker education requirement is among the highest in the nation.
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 130 |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 50 questions |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $40 |
| Exam fee | $100 |
| License fee | $50 (annual) |
| Fingerprint fee | Varies |
Application Process
- Complete education at KREC-approved school
- Submit application through KREC online portal
- Pay application fee ($40)
- Submit fingerprints for background check
- Receive examination eligibility
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Find sponsoring broker (salespersons must affiliate with principal broker)
- Activate license through sponsoring broker
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Kentucky salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the Kentucky real estate salesperson exam?
How many questions are on the Kentucky real estate salesperson exam?