How to get your Kentucky real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Kentucky real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Note: Kentucky gives you two paths: complete the 96-hour Commission-approved pre-license course, OR show six (6) academic credit hours in real estate courses from an accredited college or university. Either way, plan on 48 hours of post-license education within your first two years of active licensure.

• Confirm you meet the basics: at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED before you start.
• Complete the 96-hour sales associate pre-license course from a KREC-approved provider (typically $400-$800), or use six college credit hours in real estate from an accredited college or university instead.
• Pass your course final exam and get your completion certificate — you'll need it to register for the PSI licensing exam.
• After licensure, complete 48 hours of post-license education within your first two years as an active licensee (required for everyone licensed after January 1, 2016).

Kentucky uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75% on each portion, scored separately — 60 of 80 correct on the national portion and 30 of 40 on the state portion (a strong national score can't rescue a weak state score). The exam fee is $100. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Computer-based at PSI test centers: 120 scored questions (80 national + 40 Kentucky state) plus 5-10 unscored experimental questions; 150 minutes for the national portion and 90 minutes for the state portion. $100 per attempt, paid to PSI..

• Get your national criminal history check FIRST — Kentucky invalidates exam scores if the background check isn't completed before you test. Two options: order your FBI Identity History Summary yourself at edo.cjis.gov ($18, mailed to you in about a week) or get fingerprinted through Kentucky State Police via IdentoGO with KREC service code 27GJR5 ($51.25, sent directly to KREC). Reports expire after 90 days, so time it carefully.
• Register with PSI, pay the $100 exam fee, and pass both the national and state portions (75% each).
• Apply for your license within 60 days of passing the exam — miss that window and your scores expire.
• Pay the initial license fee: $130 if you're activating with a sponsoring principal broker, or $120 if you're going straight into inactive status (yes, Kentucky lets you park the license inactive with no broker).
• To go active, you'll need an actively licensed Kentucky principal broker to accept your license and current errors & omissions insurance coverage.
• Keep your E&O current and complete your 48 post-license hours within two years — KREC can cancel licenses for missing either.

Your Kentucky license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.