Real estate license requirements in Kansas
Kansas keeps its costs unusually low for a combined-sitting exam — one $70 fee covers both the national and state portions, not two separate charges — and waives licensing fees entirely for military spouses and veterans.
Education
The Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) requires 60 hours split across two courses. If you’re already licensed in another state, you may be able to skip the Principles course, but you’ll still need the Kansas-specific Practice course.
| Course | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Real Estate | 30 | Out-of-state licensees may be able to skip this |
| Kansas Practice Course | 30 | Required for everyone, including out-of-state licensees |
What Kansas calls your first license
Kansas’s entry-level license is simply a “Salesperson” license. It’s a standard broker-sponsored license with no unusual naming quirks — the notable differences in Kansas show up in the exam fee structure and the fee waivers, not the license title.
The licensing exam
Kansas contracts with Pearson VUE. Unlike many states that charge separately for the national and state portions, Kansas charges one combined fee.
| Portion | Items | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| National | 80 scored items, 2.5 hours | 70% |
| Kansas state law | 30 scored items, 1.5 hours | 70% |
The combined sitting is a single $70 fee — not $140 as you might expect from doubling a typical per-portion price. An optional $16 add-on is available if you use Pearson VUE’s digital fingerprinting at check-in, available only at the Overland Park, Topeka, and Wichita test centers.
Under 2025 HB 2280, Kansas waives licensing fees for military spouses and veterans. If that applies to you, confirm the current waiver process with KREC before you pay the standard application and license fees.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensure application fee | $15 (non-refundable) | KREC, submitted with your background check |
| License fee | $125 | KREC, due within 6 months of passing the exam |
| Exam fee | $70 | Pearson VUE (combined national + state sitting) |
| Background check | $70 (traditional card) or $16 (Pearson VUE digital) | KBI/FBI, valid 365 days (report valid 6 months) |
Military spouses and veterans should confirm fee-waiver eligibility with KREC before paying — 2025’s HB 2280 waives these fees for qualifying applicants.
How to apply, step by step
Kansas’s process is straightforward, and out-of-state licensees can shorten the education step.
Unless you're already licensed elsewhere and qualify to skip it.
Required for every applicant, including out-of-state licensees.
Traditional card ($70) or Pearson VUE digital fingerprinting ($16, select cities only).
Along with your background check results.
Combined national and state sitting, $70.
Within 6 months of passing the exam.
Needed to activate your Salesperson license.
After you’re licensed: staying current
Kansas doesn’t have a distinct post-licensing tier. Every licensee, including first-time renewals, completes the same 12-hour continuing education cycle (3 mandatory core hours plus 9 elective hours).
Reciprocity
Kansas doesn’t maintain a formal list of reciprocal states. Instead, it applies one uniform rule to out-of-state licensees: skip the 30-hour Principles course and the national exam portion, but still complete the 30-hour Kansas Practice course, pass the state exam portion, and submit a License History Certification.
Common questions
Why is Kansas's exam fee only $70 instead of $140?
Kansas charges a single combined fee for sitting the national and state portions together, rather than pricing them as two separate exams like some states do.
Do military spouses and veterans get a fee break in Kansas?
Yes — under 2025 HB 2280, licensing fees are waived for qualifying military spouses and veterans. Confirm the current process with KREC.
Can I skip Kansas's pre-licensing courses if I'm licensed elsewhere?
You may be able to skip the 30-hour Principles course, but everyone — including out-of-state licensees — still needs the 30-hour Kansas Practice course and must pass the state exam portion.
Is there a distinct post-licensing course in Kansas?
No. All licensees, including first-time renewals, complete the same 12-hour continuing education cycle.
How long is my Kansas background check valid?
The check itself is valid for 365 days, but the report is only valid for 6 months for licensing purposes.
Next step
Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) — https://www.krec.ks.gov
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