How To Become A Realtor: Getting Your Real Estate License In Kansas And Missouri
Making a career change can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to become a realtor, but the process seems too complicated,” you’re not alone. Every week, we meet students who were in your shoes, they’re ready to chase a new dream but unsure how to begin.
At Key Real Estate School, we specialize in guiding aspiring agents through every step of getting licensed in Kansas and Missouri. With more than 20 years of experience, our instructor Linda Woodward has helped hundreds of students pass their exams and launch successful careers, many of them starting from scratch just like you.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what it takes to become a licensed realtor in Kansas and Missouri. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the courses, exams, background checks, and everything in between, plus inside information from Linda to help you pass the exam on your first try.
How To Become A Realtor
To become a realtor, you must complete the licensing education, pass a background check, and take the licensing exams. Once you pass your exam, you’ll need to find a broker in a real estate office to work under. Then, you’ll be able to sell real estate when your application has been accepted and your professional dues are paid.
You must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to get your real estate license in the state of Kansas, but it is not required for Missouri.
Click here to view the full list of applicant requirements for Kansas Salespersons.
Click here to view the full list of applicant requirements for Missouri Salespersons.
Where To Take Your Real Estate License Courses
Key Real Estate School offers small class sizes and in-person instruction for both Kansas and Missouri real estate courses. Our instructor, Linda Woodward, has taught some of the most successful realtors in Kansas City! The success of our school depends on the success of our students, and we work hard to ensure every student has the tools to pass their national and state exams with flying colors.
One former student, Jaydn O, said, “I’m really satisfied with the education from Linda Woodward. She is such a top notch person. She answered every single question I had and was patient in going over the material. I passed the real estate test on the first try!”
If you would like additional assistance before taking your exam, or help further understanding difficult material, we’ll provide you with 100% free tutoring if you’re taking your licensing education with us. Our instructors are uniquely dedicated to your success, going above and beyond to make sure our students pass their real estate exams.
Still don’t believe us? Read more testimonials from past students here.
When asked what prospective students should know before registering for class, Linda noted the difference between learning the material to pass the real estate license exams, and learning how to be a Realtor. “It’s important to know that these classes don’t teach you how to sell real estate. These classes give you the information needed to pass the tests for licensure. The training that you get from your broker, after you are licensed, is what teaches you how to sell real estate.”
We’ll help you find the right brokerage fit for you once you’ve completed your course.
What Real Estate License Courses Do I Need?
To become a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri, you’ll need the Principles and Pre-License Course, Kansas and Missouri Practice Course, Missouri State Law Course, and Kansas State Law Course. Most realtors in the Kansas City area are licensed in both states.
Still not sure what courses you need? Take our FREE licensure quiz here.
Licensing Courses
- Principles and Pre-License Course
- This course will cover everything you need to pass your exam, including Real Estate Ownership, Legal Interest & Ownership in Real Estate, Real Estate Law, Real Estate Brokerage, Real Estate Financing, and Real Estate Valuation.
- Kansas and Missouri Practice Course
- This course will cover a variety of topics to give you a solid background to start your career with, including topics such as Working With Buyers/Agency Issues, Real Estate Contracts, Real Estate Financing, Working With Sellers/Agency Issues, Home Styles & Building Terms, and Comparative Market Analysis.
- Kansas State Law Course, Missouri State Law Course
- You’ll need to take the State Law Course of the state you currently reside in and pass the exam for that state, before you can take the course and corresponding exam for the remaining state.
Ready to get your career in Real Estate started? Join the hundreds of Realtors who got their start with us!
Click here to register for our real estate courses!
I’ve Taken The Real Estate License Courses, Now What?
Once you’ve completed the required education, you’ll need to pass a state and federal background check, as well as submit your fingerprints to both MREC (Missouri Real Estate Commission) and KREC (Kansas Real Estate Commission). Then, you can schedule your exam.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
This process is different for each state, but both require you to submit your fingerprints at a testing center, law enforcement center, or other approved location. For both Kansas and Missouri, you’ll need to submit a background check to the state.
Taking The Real Estate License Exam
When you’ve passed your background check, and submitted your fingerprints, you can take the Real Estate License Exam. If you currently reside in Missouri, you’ll take the Missouri portion first. If you currently reside in Kansas, you’ll take the Kansas portion first.
Register for the Missouri Real Estate Exam Here
Register for the Kansas Real Estate Exam Here
Passing Your Exam: Next Steps
Congratulations! You’ve passed your national and state real estate exams, and you’re well on your way to being a licensed realtor. Before you can sell real estate, you’ll need to find an office to work under a licensed broker. Key Real Estate School can help guide you through this process, and help you find an office that fits you and your needs. You’ll also need to pay your professional dues to the Regional Association of Realtors, the Multiple Listing Service, and any dues to your office is applicable.
Finding an Office & Application
Before you can submit your application, you will need to find a real estate office to work under. The right brokerage can vary based on your goals, business, and personality. Your brokerage will help you with filing your real estate licensing application.
Paying Professional Dues
To sell real estate in Kansas or Missouri, you’ll need to pay your professional dues. For the Kansas City Area, these fees will include the following, as well as any dues your office requires:
- KCAR (Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors)
- Up to $900 (Prorated), subject to change annually
- Heartland MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
- Application fee $25, Quarterly $95
- Supra E-Key
- Activation fee $50, Monthly $25
You’re A Licensed Realtor!
Once your application has been accepted and your professional dues have been paid, you’re ready to start selling real estate! With your real estate license approved, you can legally advertise yourself as a realtor and practice real estate under the guidance of your broker.
FAQs
We know getting your Real Estate License can feel overwhelming, scary, or confusing. We’re here to breakdown your most frequently asked questions about the exam, choosing a brokerage, and more.
How long does it take to get your Real Estate License?
On average, it takes about 6 weeks from start to finish.
I work during the day, do you offer evening or online classes?
While we don’t currently offer evening or online classes for Real Estate, we can help you with finding the right classes—even if it’s not with us. Evening or online classes might be a good option if traditional in-person classes don’t work for you or your schedule.
How often do you offer classes?
We hold classes once a month, beginning the first Monday of the month.
Click here to view our full class schedule.
How much does it cost to become a licensed Realtor?
In total, it costs about $2200 to become a licensed realtor in Kansas and Missouri.
What’s Next? Your New Career Starts Here
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a realtor, consider this your sign. The path might feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure it out alone—and you don’t have to settle for boring, impersonal online courses.
At Key Real Estate School, we specialize in helping people like you start strong. With real instructors, real stories, and real support, we guide you every step of the way—from your first class to your first closing.
So take that next step. A new career, new opportunities, and a fresh start are all waiting for you.
👉 [Click here to register now] and let’s get you licensed.