Kentucky
Kentucky Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Kentucky's real estate sales associate exam covers national content plus KY-specific topics under the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). The first-time pass rate is around 60%. Kentucky requires 96 hours of pre-licensing education.
Kentucky Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 96 hours
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 130 questions — 80 national + 50 Kentucky state-specific
Time limit: 4 hours
Passing score: 75% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $100
License title: sales associate (under sponsoring broker)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current rules with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
What Makes Kentucky Different
Kentucky's 96-hour pre-licensing requirement is one of the longer ones in the country. Kentucky uses 'sales associate' as the entry-level title. The state has a heavy state portion (50 of 130 questions = 38%) and is a non-judicial foreclosure state under deed of trust.
Kentucky-Specific Topics You Must Know
These appear on the state portion and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) — structure, powers, and disciplinary authority.
Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 324 — real estate licensing law.
KY Property Condition Disclosure — required for residential sales (with exemptions).
Trust account rules — strict KREC requirements for earnest money handling.
Foreclosure — Kentucky is a non-judicial foreclosure state under deed of trust.
Brokerage agency relationships — KY recognizes single agency, dual agency, and disclosed dual agency.
Lead-based paint disclosure — federal requirement applies to pre-1978 properties.
Continuing education — 6 hours per year (12 hours per 2-year cycle).
Study Plan for the Kentucky Exam
Week 1: Diagnostic + national content. Strong on contracts, finance, agency.
Week 2: National continued — property ownership, fair housing, valuation, math. Target 75%+.
Week 3: KY law — KREC rules, KRS Chapter 324, Property Condition Disclosure, deeds of trust. 50+ KY practice questions.
Week 4: Full-length timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Target 78%+.
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Kentucky Resources
Kentucky Exam FAQ
Is Kentucky a non-judicial foreclosure state?
Yes. Kentucky uses deeds of trust and allows non-judicial foreclosure through trustee's sale.
What is KRS Chapter 324?
Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 324 — the state's real estate licensing law. Covers licensure, broker supervision, and disciplinary actions.
What is a sales associate in KY?
Kentucky's entry-level real estate license title. Sales associates work under a sponsoring broker.
Does Kentucky require Property Condition Disclosure?
Yes. The KY Property Condition Disclosure is required for most residential sales (with exemptions for new construction, transfers between family members, and certain other situations).
Does Kentucky require fingerprinting?
Yes. Kentucky requires fingerprinting and a state/FBI background check before licensure.