How to Get Your Real Estate License in Kansas (2026)
Get your Kansas real estate license in 4 steps. 60 education hours, pass the 110-question exam (70%), and apply with KREC. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Kansas requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Kansas real estate exam, and an application to the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC). KREC regulates all real estate licensing activity in the state and enforces education, examination, and conduct standards for salespersons and brokers. The process follows four steps: complete your pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, submit your real estate license application, and activate your license with a sponsoring broker. Most candidates earn their Kansas real estate license within 2-4 months.
Kansas Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Kansas requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | 60 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 110 questions, 70% passing score |
| Exam Fee | ~$70 |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal history check |
| Regulatory Body | KREC (Kansas Real Estate Commission) |
Each requirement must be completed in sequence. Your pre-licensing education must be finished before you can register for the real estate exam, and you must pass the exam before submitting your application to KREC.
Step 1 — Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Kansas requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. KREC maintains a list of approved providers offering both classroom and online courses. Coursework covers real estate principles and Kansas-specific law.
Full-time students typically complete the 60-hour requirement in 4-8 weeks. Part-time students working through the material on evenings and weekends should plan for 2-3 months. Online programs offer self-paced flexibility, while classroom programs provide structured schedules with instructor interaction.
Verify your school appears on the KREC-approved list before enrolling. Courses from non-approved providers will not satisfy the real estate license requirement. Upon completing your education, you receive a certificate of completion that you will need for exam registration.
Step 2 — Pass the Kansas Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Kansas real estate exam through Pearson VUE. Registration is available online at the Pearson VUE website or by phone. Bring two forms of valid identification to the testing center — one must be a government-issued photo ID. The exam is computer-based with results provided immediately upon completion. Note that the Kansas exam includes unscored pretest questions in addition to the scored questions.
Kansas Exam Structure and Topics
The Kansas real estate exam has two sections with 110 scored questions, plus additional unscored pretest questions. The national section contains 80 scored questions plus 5 pretest questions. The state section contains 30 scored questions plus 10 pretest questions. You need a 70% passing score.
National Section (80 Scored + 5 Pretest Questions)
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Real Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions, and Property Use | 11 |
| Forms of Ownership, Transfer, and Recording of Title | 11 |
| Property Value and Appraisal | 9 |
| Real Estate Contracts and Agency | 17 |
| Real Estate Practice | 13 |
| Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues | 7 |
| Financing and Settlement | 7 |
| Real Estate Math Calculations | 5 |
State Section (30 Scored + 10 Pretest Questions)
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Duties and Powers of KREC | 3 |
| Licensing Requirements | 5 |
| Requirements Governing Activities of Licensees | 10 |
| Prohibited Acts | 5 |
| Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate | 7 |
Candidates may use standard conversion data during math questions: 43,560 square feet per acre and 5,280 feet per mile. Round answers to the nearest whole number. On the exam, you will see questions requiring these conversions for area calculations, commission problems, and property tax prorations.
How to Pass the Kansas Real Estate Exam
Passing the Kansas real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
Focus on Real Estate Contracts and Agency — 17 national questions. Contracts and Agency carries the heaviest weight on the national section. Study the elements of a valid contract, buyer and seller representation agreements, and agency relationships including disclosure requirements.
Master Requirements Governing Activities of Licensees — 10 of 30 state questions. This single topic accounts for one-third of the Kansas state section. Study the rules governing licensee conduct, advertising standards, trust account handling, and record-keeping obligations under KREC regulations.
Study Brokerage Relationships — 7 state questions. Kansas tests agency relationships and brokerage disclosure requirements in the state section. Know the types of brokerage relationships permitted in Kansas, disclosure timing, and client vs. customer obligations.
Practice math calculations — 5 dedicated national questions. Commission calculations, property tax prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area computations appear on the exam. Math concepts are also embedded in appraisal and financing topics. Review our guide on real estate exam terms for key formulas.
Take our free Kansas practice exam to identify weak areas. Timed practice tests build exam stamina and reveal which topics need more study time. Aim to score above 80% on practice exams before scheduling your real test.
For study techniques, read our guide on how to pass the real estate exam and review our real estate exam tips.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to KREC
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Kansas Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.
- Gather your documents. Collect your Pearson VUE exam score report and your pre-licensing education completion certificate.
- Complete the background check. Submit fingerprints for the required fingerprint-based criminal history check. KREC uses background check results to evaluate applicant eligibility. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may affect your application.
- Submit your application. File through the KREC online portal or by mail. Include the application fee ($100-$175) and all supporting documents.
- Wait for processing. KREC typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. You will receive notification of your real estate license status through the online portal.
Your real estate license is issued in an inactive status until you affiliate with a sponsoring broker.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Kansas real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Kansas law requires every salesperson to work under the supervision of a licensed broker. The broker holds your real estate license and is responsible for your real estate activities.
Interview at least three brokers before making your decision. Ask about commission split structures (50/50 to 80/20 is typical in Kansas), training programs, marketing support, office culture, and transaction volume. Some brokerages charge desk fees or technology fees in addition to the commission split. Once you select a broker, they submit the affiliation paperwork to KREC, and your real estate license activates within a few business days. Learn more about what to do after passing the exam for a detailed breakdown of the broker selection process.
How Much Does a Kansas Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Kansas ranges from approximately $700 to $1,400, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $200 - $500 |
| Exam fee | ~$70 |
| License application | $100 - $175 |
| Background check | $30 - $75 |
| E&O insurance | $200 - $500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500 - $1,000/year |
| Total first year | $700 - $1,400+ |
Pre-licensing education costs vary by provider and delivery method. Online courses tend to be less expensive than classroom programs. E&O insurance and MLS/association dues are recurring annual costs that your sponsoring broker may partially cover. Check passing scores by state to compare Kansas’s requirements with other states.
Kansas-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Kansas has several state-specific real estate laws that appear on the licensing exam.
Duties and Powers of KREC. The Kansas Real Estate Commission has authority to issue, suspend, and revoke real estate licenses. KREC also sets education standards, investigates complaints, and enforces disciplinary actions against licensees who violate Kansas real estate law.
Licensing requirements and prohibited acts. Kansas law defines specific acts that are prohibited for real estate licensees, including misrepresentation, commingling of funds, and undisclosed dual agency. The state section tests 5 questions on prohibited acts.
Brokerage relationship disclosure requirements. Kansas requires licensees to disclose their brokerage relationship status to all parties in a transaction. Know the timing of disclosure, the types of permitted brokerage relationships, and the written disclosure forms required by KREC.
Requirements governing activities of licensees. This is the most heavily tested state topic with 10 questions. Kansas regulates advertising standards, trust account management, record-keeping obligations, and supervision responsibilities for brokers and their agents.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — verify with KREC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Kansas?
Getting a real estate license in Kansas takes 2-4 months for most candidates. The 60-hour education requirement takes 4-8 weeks full-time or 2-3 months part-time. Add 1-2 weeks for exam scheduling and application processing through KREC.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Kansas?
The total cost ranges from $700 to $1,400. Pre-licensing education costs $200-$500, the Pearson VUE exam fee is approximately $70, and the KREC application fee runs $100-$175. First-year costs include E&O insurance and MLS dues.
Can I get a Kansas real estate license online?
Kansas allows online completion of the 60-hour pre-licensing education through KREC-approved schools. The Kansas real estate exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. The real estate license application can be submitted online through the KREC portal.
Does Kansas have real estate license reciprocity?
Kansas has reciprocity agreements with some states that allow experienced agents to obtain a Kansas real estate license through a streamlined process. Contact KREC directly for the most current list of reciprocal states and specific requirements.
How many times can you take the Kansas real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You must repay the approximately $70 exam fee for each attempt and reschedule through Pearson VUE. If you fail, review your score report to identify weak topic areas before retaking the exam. Use our free national practice exam to strengthen your national section knowledge.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Kansas Practice Exam
Prepare for the Kansas real estate exam with our free Kansas practice exam covering national and state-specific topics including brokerage relationships, licensee activities, and KREC regulations. Our practice questions mirror the format and difficulty of the actual Pearson VUE exam, with detailed explanations for every answer.
