Kentucky Real Estate Exam: Everything You Need to Know

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Kentucky real estate exam and provide effective tips on how to study for the exam. Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:  

• How to schedule the Kentucky Real Estate Licensing exam 
• The requirements to register for the exam
• The cost of the exam
• Where you can take the exam 
• What is covered on the exam 
• The difficulty level of the exam  

How to Schedule the Kentucky Real Estate Licensing Exam

To schedule the Kentucky real estate licensing exam, you can visit the PSI website. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll be required to create an account to create a candidate ID and be assigned a password. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the website to book your exam reservation. You can also make a reservation over the phone by calling 855-746-8176. Another option is to submit a standard mail or a fax registration.

You’ll be required to pay an examination fee of $100 at the time of reservation. This fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and can be paid via credit card, debit card, or voucher.

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You’ll also need your pre-license school code to schedule the exam. You can access the code from your school or the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. 

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To qualify for the Kentucky real estate exam, candidates must meet certain requirements set by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission. Here are the key qualifications you need to meet:

• Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you should be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted alien.

• Complete 96 hours of pre-licensing education from a Kentucky-approved real estate school.

• Alternatively, you can take six (6) semester credit hours in real estate from an accredited college or university

• Undergo a criminal background check. This involves having your fingerprints taken by the local law enforcement agency and requesting a criminal history report from the FBI or Kentucky State Police.  
• Schedule and take the Kentucky real estate licensing exam.

It's important to stay updated with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission's requirements as they may change over time. Always refer to their official website for the most current information and guidance.

Where Do You Take the Kentucky Real Estate License Exam?

The Kentucky real estate license exam can be taken at various testing centers managed by PSI, a professional testing service. The specific locations in Kentucky include:

• Bowling Green
• Lexington
• Louisville
• Maysville
• Owensboro
• Paducah
• Somerset

Additionally, there are testing centers available in nearby states, which can be convenient for those living close to state borders. These include locations in:

• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Johnson City, Tennessee
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Evansville, Indiana
• Anderson, Indiana 
• Muncie, Indiana

Can You Take the Exam Online?

No, you cannot take the Kentucky Real Estate Exam online. The exam must be taken in person at an authorized testing center. The Kentucky real estate licensing exam is administered by PSI at various locations throughout Kentucky and in some neighboring states.

What to Bring on the Day of Your Exam?

On the day of your Kentucky real estate exam, it's important to come prepared with everything you need. Here’s a list of items you should bring to the testing center:

• Two Forms of Identification: You must present two forms of valid, non-expired identification. At least one of these should be a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The IDs must bear your signature and match the name under which you registered for the exam.
• Authorization to Test: If you received an Authorization to Test notice (either in print or electronically), bring it with you. This document confirms your eligibility to take the exam.
• Basic Supplies: While most testing centers provide pencils and scrap paper, it’s a good idea to bring your own. 
• Calculator: A simple, non-scientific calculator is usually allowed for use during the exam, especially for the math portion. 
• Confirmation of Exam Appointment: Bring your confirmation notice showing your exam date, time, and location. This could be a printout or an electronic confirmation.
• No Personal Items: Personal items like bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are typically not allowed in the testing area. There may be a designated area to store these items during the exam, but it’s safer to leave them in your car or at home.

Remember to arrive at the testing center well before your scheduled exam time. Late arrivals might not be permitted to take the exam. Also, get a good night’s sleep before the exam day and eat a healthy meal or snack beforehand to ensure you're alert and focused.

What is on the Kentucky Real Estate Exam?

The Kentucky real estate sales associate exam is divided into two main sections: the national portion and the state-specific portion. Here's a summary of what each section covers:

National Portion: 

This part of the exam focuses on general real estate principles and practices applicable throughout the United States. Topics typically include:

• Property Ownership: 7 questions 
• Land Use Controls and Regulations: 5 questions
• Valuation and Market Analysis: 8 questions
• Financing: 6 questions 
• General Principles of Agency: 10 questions 
• Property Condition and Disclosures: 8 questions 
• Contracts: 11 questions 
• Transfer of Title: 5 questions
• Practice of Real Estate: 12 questions
• Real Estate Calculations: 6 questions 
• Specialty Areas: 2 questions 

State-Specific Portion: 

This section covers laws, regulations, and practices unique to Kentucky. Topics generally include:

• Real Estate Commission: 7 questions 
• Requirements for a License: 7 questions
• Brokerage Activities and Requirements: The largest section with 12 questions 
• License Law Requirements for Contracts: 4 questions 
• Disclosures and Agency Issues: 5 questions 
• Property Management: 5 questions 

Is the Kentucky Real Estate Exam Hard?

The difficulty of the Kentucky real estate exam can vary depending on the individual's background, study habits, and familiarity with the material. Generally, like most professional licensing exams, it is considered challenging due to the scope of knowledge required.

To increase your chances of passing the Kentucky Real Estate Exam, it's important to:

• Understand the format and structure of the exam.
• Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked.
• Study regularly and systematically, rather than cramming.
• Seek help in areas where you have less confidence, such as joining study groups.

Remember, while the exam is challenging, it is certainly passable with diligent preparation and a good understanding of the required material.

How Many Questions Are on the Kentucky Real Estate Exam?

The number of questions in each part can vary, but generally, the structure is as follows:

National Portion: This section usually contains around 80 to 100 questions that cover general real estate principles and practices applicable across the United States.

State-Specific Portion: This section typically includes about 30 to 50 questions focused on real estate laws, regulations, and practices specific to Kentucky.

Overall, you can expect the total number of questions on the Kentucky real estate exam to range between 110 to 150 questions.

How Many Times Can You Take the Real Estate Exam?

In Kentucky, if you do not pass the real estate exam, you are allowed to retake it. But there are specific rules regarding the number of attempts and the timeframe:

• Retake Policy: If you fail either the national or the state-specific portion of the exam, you can retake the failed portion. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam, but each attempt requires paying the exam fee again.
• Waiting Period: This waiting period after failing the exam is typically 24 hours. If you fail the exam on a Monday, you can schedule another one the next day, and retest as soon as Wednesday.
• Application Validity: You only have 4 months to retake the portions of the exam that you failed.  If you have not passed both portions of the exam within this period, you will need to retake the pre-licensing education and the entire exam.

How to Pass the Kentucky Real Estate Exam?

While the Kentucky real estate exam presents a challenge, it is certainly surmountable with proper preparation and strategy. To pass the exam, especially on the first try, it's crucial to thoroughly study and understand the extensive range of topics it covers. 

Here are some strategies to consider:

Create a Study Schedule 

Organizing your study time with a schedule is critical. A well-structured study plan not only improves time management but also ensures effective learning. 

Incorporate regular breaks to avoid burnout and choose study times when you are least likely to be distracted, such as early mornings or late evenings. A consistent study routine, like studying a bit each night, can be particularly effective.

Use Acronyms and Mnemonic Devices 

These memory aids simplify complex information, making it easier to remember. For instance, an acronym in real estate might be 'FARM' (Finance, Appraisal, Real Estate Law, Marketing). 

Similarly, a mnemonic device detailing a property's four essential characteristics to have value would be “Don’t Utter Silly Things.”

• Don’t for Demand
• Utter for Utility
• Silly for Scarcity
• Things for Transferability

Join a Study Group 

Participating in a study group can greatly enhance your learning experience. It offers accountability, increases motivation, and fosters a competitive spirit that can drive you to study harder. 

To form a study group, identify other individuals preparing for the exam. You can do this by putting out a message on a social media platform – this is the easiest way. Next, outline the goals of the group as well as meeting times that work for all members. 

Get Guided Help

As we mentioned earlier, you must put in effort if you want to pass the Kentucky real estate exam. Assembling the notes you took from your pre-licensing course for review, making vocabulary flashcards from scratch, and searching for free exam prep videos online is time-consuming and exhausting.

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That’s why we created our exam prep package. Our exam prep package compiles study resources into one online place that you can access whenever you want. It has unlimited mock real estate exams, digital vocabulary flashcards, video explanations that breakdown concepts and terminology, and an eBook study guide that shows you everything you need to know for the real estate exam.

Purchasing our Kentucky exam prep package is the fast and easy way to study and prepare for the exam. Now you can spend less time stressing and more time studying.

Final Thoughts on the Real Estate Exam in Kentucky

Passing the Kentucky real estate exam is a mandatory step for anyone aspiring to become a licensed real estate salesperson in the state. This exam demands careful preparation and a thorough understanding of both general real estate principles and Kentucky-specific laws and practices. 

By following the above tips and enrolling in a reputable real estate school, you can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam and starting a successful career in real estate.