| Requirement | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 96 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 1,120 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $58,610 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Kentucky
To get a Kentucky real estate salesperson license you complete 96 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Kentucky real estate license?
Kentucky requires 96 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Kentucky?
Getting licensed in Kentucky takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 96 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 96 hours of pre-license education
Kentucky requires 96 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Kentucky salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Kentucky law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Kentucky salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Kentucky real estate license cost?
Kentucky's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Kentucky?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Kentucky earned a median of $58,610 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $34,320. See the full Kentucky agent salary breakdown.
What are Kentucky’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 21 Kentucky housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $288,700 as of September 2026, from $179,975 in Middlesborough to $399,000 in Lexington; 10 of 21 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | $312,000 | -1.6% | 45 | 4,412 |
| Lexington, KY | $399,000 | +0.1% | 50 | 1,324 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $331,667 | +0.5% | 61 | 901 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $319,000 | -0.3% | 60 | 532 |
| Richmond, KY | $336,900 | +5.3% | 53 | 420 |
All tracked markets: Kentucky housing market hub.
Kentucky real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires 96 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requirements.
How much does a Kentucky real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Kentucky real estate exam?
PSI administers the Kentucky salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) licenses and regulates Kentucky real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) before enrolling.