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Kentucky · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Kentucky Real Estate Agent License

Kentucky real estate agents must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
12 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
March 31, 2028
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Kentucky real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Standard Annual CE — Sales Associates & Brokers, Real Estate Sales Associate and Broker, Kentucky Core Course (every 4 years — satisfies annual CE for year taken). Requirements are set by Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). Hours differ by class — 12 hours for Standard Annual CE — Sales Associates & Brokers; 6 hours for Real Estate Sales Associate and Broker, Kentucky Core Course (every 4 years — satisfies annual CE for year taken).

When to renew

Kentucky real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is March 31, 2028. Continuing education must be complete 91 days before that date. (KRS 324.090(1); 201 KAR 11:210 — all licensees renew by March 31 of each even-numbered year; CE due December 31 each calendar year)

The continuing education Kentucky requires

Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Law credit — at least 6 hours
  • Elective real estate-related courses — at least 6 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Kentucky sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Standard Annual CE — Sales Associates & Brokers, Real Estate Sales Associate and Broker, Kentucky Core Course (every 4 years — satisfies annual CE for year taken)). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is March 31, 2028.

  2. 2

    Complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires 12 hours every 2 years, including Law credit, Elective real estate-related courses. Finish at least 91 days before your deadline so the completion is on file in time.

    See the Kentucky real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records; Kentucky audits can reach back several years.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Kentucky, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal, within 10 days of completion. You can confirm your hours are on file in the reporting system linked below.

    Check your hours on file
  5. 5

    Renew with Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC)

Kentucky real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Kentucky real estate agents need?
Kentucky real estate agents must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
Which license types have different CE requirements in Kentucky?
Requirements differ by license class in Kentucky: 12 hours for Standard Annual CE — Sales Associates & Brokers; 6 hours for Real Estate Sales Associate and Broker, Kentucky Core Course (every 4 years — satisfies annual CE for year taken).
What topics are required for Kentucky real estate agents continuing education?
Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires coverage of: Law credit (6 hours); Elective real estate-related courses (6 hours).
Is an exam required to renew a Kentucky real estate agents license?
Yes — Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
How are completed CE hours reported to Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC)?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal within 10 days of completion. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Kentucky real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Kentucky requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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