Kentucky Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires 12 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal. Kentucky has a unique annual minimum structure: at least 6 hours must be completed in year one of the biennium, including a minimum of 3 hours of KREC-approved law courses. The remaining hours are due by the end of year two, and excess hours from year one carry over within the same renewal period.
A distinctive Kentucky requirement is the Core Course, mandated once every four years for all active licensees. This state-specific course covers Kentucky real estate law and practice updates and cannot be substituted by any other CE course. It counts toward your total CE hours in the year you take it.
New licensees enjoy a full exemption from CE during their first two calendar years of initial licensure. The practical deadline for completing CE is December 21, allowing time for reporting by December 31. Non-compliance carries severe consequences: a cancelled license and a $1,000 fine under KREC's current regulations. Licensees can monitor their education records through KREC eServices.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Law | 3 | Every renewal | 3 hours of law courses required annually as part of the 6-hour first-year minimum. Must be KREC-approved law courses. |
| Kentucky Core Course | — | Every other renewal | Required once every 4 years for all active licensees. No other CE course will substitute. State-specific course covering Kentucky real estate law and practice updates. |
First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal
Exemptions
- New Licensee — Licensees are not required to attend CE during the first two calendar years of initial license issuance in Kentucky.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Courses must be sponsored or approved by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission. List of approved providers available on KREC website.
Tips for Kentucky Real Estate Agents
- Front-load your CE: complete at least 6 hours (with 3 hours of law) in year one to meet the annual minimum and carry excess hours into year two.
- Track whether the Kentucky Core Course falls in your current cycle — it's required every 4 years and no substitute is accepted.
- Finish by December 21, not December 31. The extra 10 days allow for provider reporting, and KREC enforces a $1,000 fine for non-compliance.
- Check your education records through KREC eServices well before the deadline to confirm all courses have been properly reported.