How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Kentucky?
From the pre-licensing coursework to exam costs and application fees, it’s not cheap to get your real estate license in Kentucky.
To understand all the fees associated with a real estate license in the Bluegrass State, keep reading. We break it all down for you, so you can set a realistic budget.
Obtaining the License
Pre-Licensing Coursework: $300-$550+
The cost of your required, pre-licensing coursework hours depends on which of the accredited Kentucky real estate schools you complete it at. The hours and prices will vary between institutions.
Format can also impact cost, with a complete online package potentially costing less than availing in-person courses.
Weighing the pros and cons of real estate school online vs classroom courses can help you decide which format is best for you.
The total hours you’ll complete varies based on what type of license you’re getting. For a salesperson license, you must complete 96 classroom hours. Brokers complete 336 hours.
The only way to cut back on hours is to take credits at an accredited college. If you do that, your total number of pre-licensing hours drops dramatically.
For those wanting a salesperson license, you only need to take six hours in college real estate courses. For brokers, it totals 21 hours with three in Brokerage Management specifically.
Fingerprinting/Background Check: $18-$51.25
A criminal background check is required in order to get a Kentucky real estate license once you’ve passed the exam.
The report you receive is only valid for 90 days though, so make sure you time this out close enough to your exam to not have to pay for it more than once.
You have two options to obtain your background check information. You can pay $18 and go through the FBI at www.edo.cjis.gov , or you can contact the Kentucky State Police.
The cost for going through the Kentucky State Police is $51.25, and you must schedule an appointment for your fingerprinting.
Our article on getting a Kentucky real estate license with violations has complete information on the licensing process when convicted with DUI, felony, or misdemeanor.
Exam Fee: $100
The most important real estate license in KY cost is for the exam. This fee is $100.
To schedule an exam appointment, you can create an online account with PSI Services, or call them directly at 855-746-8176.
On the actual day of the test, you’ll need to bring with you two forms of identification. One must be a valid, government-issued ID with your picture and signature.
The second ID needs only your signature and pre-printed legal name.
The real estate license exam itself is broken into two parts. You’ll have 150 minutes to answer 80 questions on the national portion, and 90 minutes to answer 50 state-specific questions.
If you’re going for a broker license, almost everything about the test is the same, but you’ll only have to answer 75 questions in the national section.
To pass the exam, you need a minimum of 75 percent.
Read our article on how to study for the Kentucky real estate exam to get helpful tips on how best to study and what topics are covered in the test.
Exam Retake: $100
Regardless of whether you pass only one section of the real estate license exam, the retake fee is the same. It’s $100 every time you sit for the test.
To schedule your retake, you must contact PSI Services using the same process you went through for the initial test.
You must wait a day before contacting PSI, though. So if you fail on a Wednesday, you can contact them Thursday, and retake as early as Friday.
There is no limit on attempts to pass. However if you’re only retaking one section, you have four months to pass it before having to retake the entire test over again.
Errors & Omissions Insurance: $232
E&O insurance is required in order to be eligible to receive your salesperson license, and you must have it before submitting your license application.
The initial cost to get one is $232, but there are surcharges and taxes that can impact the price. You can get your policy through Rice Insurance Services Center.
The policy is good for two years.
License Application: $130 for Salesperson; $60 for Broker
Once you pass the real estate license exam, you’ll be given a license application form to complete. This happens on site at the PSI Services testing facility.
You have 60 days after passing the exam to apply for your license.
The first-time application fee for a salesperson license is $130, but for a broker, it’s only $60. Your license is good for two years.
Approval of your license will only be completed once you get a licensed broker to sponsor you. You can select one from our database of top real estate brokers in Kentucky.
We have an article to help you choose the right real estate brokerage to work for as a new agent.
Survey of Experts
In your opinion, was the cost of getting your real estate license reasonable?
Approximately how much did it cost you to get your real estate license? Including school fees, study materials, and other related expenses.
Expert Insight
What were your ‘surprise costs’?
Not really a surprise but test preparation tools, joining the local chapter of the NAR, and monthly fees add up quickly.
No surprise costs, really. All expenses/costs had been disclosed to me well in advance.
Keeping the License Active
Continuing Education: $20-$150+
All actively licensed real estate agents in Kentucky must complete six hours of continuing education courses through an approved institution within each calendar year.
Of the six hours, three must be in courses covering real estate law.
Additionally, every four years, agents are required to take a state-specific course called the Kentucky Core Course.
For those who are within the first two years of having a real estate license, no continuing education is required at all.
Price depends on whether you take your continuing education one course at a time or purchase a package.
Individual courses have the most variety in price based on the total hours per course.
License Renewal: $130
After your initial two-year period with an active real estate license, the cost to renew is $130, no matter which type of license you’re getting.
Your renewal fee is due by March 31 every two years. Failure to meet this deadline results in a late fee of $200 being added to your existing total.
Expert Insight
What were your ‘surprise costs’ after getting your license?
I think the most surprising cost was my board dues. They are pretty pricey. One of the startling things that caught me by surprise was how often you pay them.
I received my license in October. In order to have access to the MLS you have to belong to a board.
I joined the board with annual dues close to $800 and wasn’t aware that they are due again before the end of December. It just took me by surprise, I suppose.
The NAR membership costs.
How to Reduce Real Estate License Education Costs
Although most of the real estate license in KY costs are fixed, there are some ways to reduce the overall price tag of getting your license.
To reduce upfront costs toward this lucrative career, consider:
- Buying pre-licensing coursework packages rather than paying per course. You may even find a school that throws in some study materials as well.
- Comparing prices between online courses and those taught in person only. It may be less expensive, and more convenient, to complete your coursework solely online.
- Dedicating enough time to study, so you’re more likely to pass the real estate exam the first time you take it. Avoiding retake fees can save you a lot of money.
Expert Insight
What costs could have been avoided and how?
Keller Williams was excellent because we were able to attend Kaplan prep for free in Kentucky. That was a huge cost that we avoided in test preparation.
Taking the entire process of obtaining a real estate license in Kentucky seriously is the best way to keep an eye on the bottom line.
Putting in this effort can help you achieve your career goals, while spending a little less.
Apart from the cost implication, you may want to keep track of the time you need to dedicate for obtaining your license. Our guide on how long to get a Kentucky real estate license is a good read.
Once you get your license, you can then begin to map out your next steps after passing the real estate exam.
Part of this is touching base with more experienced agents, which you can do by being part of a real estate team. To know how, read our article on joining a real estate team.
Learning from experienced agents can also help you know if being a real estate agent is worth it. Their insight will allow you to navigate the competitive world of real estate more efficiently.
To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.
It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.
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About the Author
Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.