Kentucky Real Estate License Requirements (2026)

Kentucky's real estate licensing process is administered by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 324. Here's a complete guide to what you need to do to get your Sales Associate license.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply for a Kentucky Sales Associate license:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a criminal background check (KREC reviews on a case-by-case basis)
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien

Step 2: Complete Prelicense Education

Kentucky requires 96 hours of approved prelicense coursework from a KREC-approved school. The curriculum covers:

• National real estate principles (property, finance, agency, contracts)
• Kentucky law under KRS Chapter 324
• Kentucky-specific agency, disclosure, and licensing rules

Courses are available in-person and online. After completing the 96 hours, you'll receive a certificate of completion to register for the PSI exam.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Sales Associate Exam

• 80 national questions — 70% passing (56 correct)
• 40 state questions — 70% passing (28 correct)
• Time limit: 4 hours

Both sections must be passed independently. You can retake failed sections within your PSI eligibility window.

Step 4: Submit License Application

After passing the exam, apply to KREC for your Sales Associate license. You'll need:

• Completed application and fee
• PSI exam results
• Background check disclosures
• Sponsoring principal broker information

A licensed Kentucky Principal Broker must sponsor your license application. Your license is inactive until you affiliate with a sponsoring broker.

Step 5: License Activation

Your Sales Associate license is active only when affiliated with a licensed principal broker. Kentucky Sales Associates work under broker supervision and cannot independently conduct real estate transactions.

License Renewal

Kentucky Sales Associate licenses renew every 2 years in odd-numbered years. Renewal requirements:

• 12 hours of CE per 2-year cycle (6 hours per year)
• CE from KREC-approved providers
• Online renewal through the KREC portal

Note: Kentucky renews in odd years. If your license expires in 2025, your next renewal is 2027.

Upgrading to Broker or Associate Broker

After gaining experience as a Sales Associate, you can upgrade to an Associate Broker (works under a principal broker) or eventually a Principal Broker (can operate independently or manage a brokerage). Each level requires additional education and experience requirements.

KREC Disciplinary Authority

KREC can suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for:

• Misrepresentation or fraud in transactions
• Commingling client funds
• Violating agency or disclosure requirements
• Failure to complete CE

Summary

Start your Kentucky Sales Associate exam prep at [CARealestate.com/states/kentucky](https://carealestate.com/states/kentucky).