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If you have been working as a real estate sales associate in Kentucky for some time, and wish to bring your business to the next level, then upgrading your license to become a real estate broker could be a sensible choice.
Rather than making income solely based on your sales production, being a broker allows you to build a team of real estate agents. You’ll be recruiting, providing training and support to your underlying agents. In return, you would get a share of their commission.
To become a real estate broker in Kentucky, you need at least two years of sales associate experience, complete the required credit hours of education and a Brokerage Management course. You are also required to pass the Kentucky Real Estate Broker Exam and register with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
In this guide, not only you’ll learn the steps to become a real estate broker, but you will also income updates, career outlook, the content of the broker exam, and other helpful career info.
(By the way, if you are just starting the real estate career, but haven’t obtained the sales associate license yet, you should read over this career starter guide first.)
What are the Types of Real Estate Brokers in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, there are two types of broker licenses, the Associate Broker and the Principal Broker.
As an Associate Broker, instead of operating your own brokerage, you’ll be placing the business with another broker. This license could be a great choice if you want to focus on sales production, build your team of agents but are not ready to take on the duties or provide capital in running your own office.
On the other hand, a Principal Broker is the actual owner of the brokerage. You’ll be providing training, marketing, admin support, office space to the sales associates and brokers in the firms. You also need to make sure all the real estate business conducted through your office is complying with the regulatory requirements.
(Here’s an article that talks about several types of real estate brokers, their duties, and earning potential.)
5 Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Kentucky
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirement
You need to be at least 18 years old, completed high school education, have a valid Social Security Number, Citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien. You are also required to obtain the FBI report.
Step 2: Fulfill the Real Estate Sales Experience Requirement
You need to have at least two years of licensed salesperson experience, working at least 20 hours per week. As part of the application, you must provide an experience verification form that is signed by your principal broker.
You’ll be given the form after you pass the broker exam.
Step 3: Complete the Broker Education
As a Broker candidate, there are different routes you could fulfill the education requirement.
You could complete 21 credit hours from an accredited college/university, which must consist of 12 credits in real estate and 3 credit hours in Brokerage Management. Alternatively, you could also take 336 classroom hours in real estate from an approved proprietary school with 48 hours in Brokerage Management.
When I first read the 336 classroom hours, that seems to be a lot! However, the KREC has a formula such that:
One credit hour from an accredited college/university = 16 classroom hours from an approved real estate school.
Quarter hours are accepted on a 2/3 basis (# of quarter hours received x 2/3 = credit hour value.) For example, if you have completed a course that is four quarter hours, it is worth two credit hours or 32 classroom hours.
Credit cannot be given for the same course twice.
Quote from the KREC website
Note that the continuing education credit you have taken cannot be count toward the broker license education requirement.
Furthermore, before you register for the broker exam, the KREC needs to approve your education first. You’ll fill out and provide them with the Education Review form #603.
Step 4: Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Broker Exam
The exam is to test how familiar you are with the real estate topics that are covered in the broker license education. The test is administered by the PSI. To register, you need to complete their online exam registration and provide them with the required documents. The exam fee is $100.
How many questions are on the Kentucky real estate broker exam?
The Kentucky real estate broker exam has 125 questions, and it is a 4 hours exam. It is divided into two parts, the State portion (50 questions), and the General portion (75 questions).
PrepAgent is an exam prep that I highly recommend. Many students were able to pass the real estate exam after doing their practice questions. Over 97% of users provided a 5 out of 5 stars rating to them on Facebook. Click here to check out their package options. (**)
What will be tested in the General Portion of the Kentucky Real Estate Broker Exam?
| Exam topics | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Property ownership | 10% |
| Land use controls and regulations | 5% |
| Valuation and market analysis | 7% |
| Financing | 8% |
| General principles of agency | 11% |
| Property disclosures | 7% |
| Contracts | 18% |
| Leasing and Property Management | 5% |
| Transfer of Title | 7% |
| Practice of real estate | 14% |
| Real estate calculations | 8% |
What is covered in the State Portion of the KY Broker exam?
| Exam topic | Salesperson (# of items) |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Commission | 5 |
| Requirement for a License | 10 |
| Brokerage Activities and Requirements | 18 |
| License Law Requirements for Contracts | 6 |
| Disclosures and Agency Issues | 8 |
| Property Management | 3 |
What is the required passing score?
The passing score is at least 75%. After you complete writing the exam, you’ll receive the result immediately at the test center.
If you do not pass, you could retake the specific portion that you fail. However, you must pass both portions within four months. Else, you’ll need to retake both the general and state portions again.
Furthermore, to give you a better idea of your strengths and weaknesses on each topic, a diagnostic report will be given to you.
Here are some more tips to pass the KY real estate broker exam!
Cramming for the exam is impractical. Rather, you should study for 45 to 60 minutes, then take a break because concentration tends to wander after that. If possible, study in-depth on only one topic per day, but excel on it.
Rather than studying all random topics in a textbook, here’s a Real Estate Exam Study Hacks to increase your chance in passing the exam on the first attempt. Not only you’ll find tips and tricks about the exam, but I’ll also show you how to cope with the stress.
Step 5: Register with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission
Once you pass the real estate exam, you’ll be given the application to apply for the broker license. Keep in mind that you only have 60 days in doing so.
In addition to the application, you also need to provide the following:
- Education review form
- Experience verification form
- $30 license fee (only if you have been a licensed salesperson in Kentucky)
- If you are not a KY licensed salesperson, then you’ll need to provide $60 license fee, $10 E&O processing fee and a Certificate of Licensure.
- For non KY resident, you are required to fill out the “Consent to Service of Jurisdiction” form #407
- FBI report (cannot be more than 90 days)
Here are the checklists to apply for the broker associate license and the principal broker license.
Real Estate Broker Career Outlook in Kentucky
How much do real estate broker make in Kentucky?
Real estate brokers in Kentucky earn an average yearly income of $61,120 typically range between $17,420 and $101,370. (*)
But it depends on many factors. For example, how many hours per week you are dedicated to run the business and the number of agents in your sales team. Having the skills and vision to delegate tasks to others rather than DIY is another major determining factor.
Do real estate brokers make more than agents in Kentucky?
Yes, real estate brokers do make more than agents in Kentucky. Real estate broker earns an average of $61,120 in Kentucky, but only $48,680 as a sales associate.
Here’s another post you could be interested. “Do Brokers Make More than Real Estate Agents? (Facts Revealed)“
In there, you’ll find the income difference between agents and brokers in different states, the type of brokers that are making the most money. You will also learn the reasons why being a broker could earn more income and other aspects which influence the profitability of these professions.
Is there a demand for real estate brokers in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a population of nearly 4.5 million and has modest growth over the years. Currently, there are only 50 real estate brokers in Kentucky, but 2030 real estate agents. This works to an average of 40.6 agents per office.
Kentucky has a population of nearly 4.5 million and has modest growth over the years. Currently, there are only 50 real estate brokers in Kentucky, but 2030 real estate agents. This works to an average of 40.6 agents per office.
So whenever there are sales associates who need support and training to grow their business, there is always a demand for real estate brokers in Kentucky.
FAQ about being a Kentucky Real Estate Broker
1) How much does it cost to become a real estate broker in Kentucky?
Here’s the breakdown of the costs to get the real estate broker license:
- 48 hours of Broker Management courses typically range from $400 to $450.
- Exam fee is $100
- Exam prep is $50 to $90
- License fee is $60
At the time I’m writing this post, I’m unable to find out the cost to obtain the required credit hours from an accredited college. To find out more, you could check with an approved education provider.
However, if you were setting up a real estate brokerage, the cost of getting a broker license could be minimal when comparing to the other office expenses. (i.e.: Salary of administrative staff, office lease, equipment, software subscriptions)
2) How long does it take to become a real estate broker in Kentucky?
Since you’ll need to obtain 24 months work experience as a sales associate, it would take at least 2 years to get the real estate broker license in Kentucky.
Although you could be taking the Broker courses while you’re still working as a sales agent, make sure the completion date is not too early that it would expire by the time you write the exam.
Assume that you submit the application right after you pass the exam, then it could take the KREC another few weeks of processing time.
3) How hard is the Kentucky real estate broker exam?
The KY real estate broker exam contains 125 questions, and you must answer 75% of them correctly to pass it. There will be 4 hours of writing it. In other words, you’ll only have 1 to 2 minutes for each question.
Doing multiple sets of practice questions is an excellent way to prepare for the exam and also boost your confidence. Don’t forget to check out our education resource page.
4) What is real estate broker license renewal requirements in Kentucky?
You are required to renew your license every year and the renewal fee is $60. To my understanding, a broker is subjected to the same continuing education requirement as the sales associate. This includes completing 6 hours of CE every year, of which must consist of 3 hours of legal topics.
Furthermore, you’ll need to take 6 hours of Kentucky Core courses once every four years.
5) What states have real estate license reciprocity with Kentucky?
The Kentucky Real Estate Commission will no longer have any reciprocal license agreement with any states. However, your out-of-state work hours as a licensed salesperson may be counted toward the work experience requirement. You should submit a Certificate of Licensure so the KREC could review it for you.
6) Can you get a real estate broker license with a felony in Kentucky?
Yes, it is possible to get a real estate broker license with a felony in Kentucky. However, KREC will put into consideration the applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, character, and integrity. They will also check your FBI report. Whether a felon can be a real estate broker is subjected to how the licensing commission evaluates the case.
But don’t get discouraged yet. The most important is that you can demonstrate that you have learned from the mistake and will serve the public in a fair, honest, and open manner.
Here’s an article that covers how to apply for a real estate license with a felony record. In there, you’ll find practical tips which could help your application.
7) I have more questions about the KY real estate broker license, whom should I contact?
You could contact the Kentucky Real Estate Commission:
- 500 Mero Street 2NE09, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Office: (502) 564-7760
- Toll Free: (888) 373-3300
- Fax: (502) 564-1538
- Email: ppc.krec@ky.gov
The Bottom Line in Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Kentucky
If you want to make your real estate business more scalable, then becoming a real estate broker could be your next step. Rather than relying on your sales production, your agents could replicate your success in conducting business.
If you decide to upgrade your real estate license, then your first step is to complete the qualifying courses. However, don’t select just from any school that comes along the way.
You should find one that has an excellent reputation and long-term track record of satisfying students. I prefer schools that provide online-courses so that you could take them anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you. Feel free to check out our education resources page for more info.
(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. For full and exact details, please contact your real estate broker/ the regulatory commission in your state/ or the associated company and organization.
Reference:
- Kentucky Real Estate Commission (Source)
- Kentucky Real Estate Examination Licensing Information Bulletin (Source)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Brokers (Source)
- Real Trends: Ranking (Source)
- Zillow.com – Kentucky Home Prices & Values (Source)
- World Population Review- Population of Cities in Kentucky (Source)
