Kentucky Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Kentucky requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Kentucky as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Kentucky Real estate broker license required. Kentucky business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 96 hours of approved coursework
Broker upgrade: 21 hrs broker pre-license course
Experience Required 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + Kentucky state exam
Application fee: $130
License fee: $60
Exam note: Kentucky requires 96 hrs for sales associate — one of the higher requirements
Continuing Education 6 hours per 2 years required to maintain active Kentucky broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Kentucky Kentucky's economy spans bourbon, automotive, logistics, and healthcare. Standard real estate broker license covers business brokerage. Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions oversees securities. FINRA Series 79 is appropriate for mid-market M&A advisory in Kentucky.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Kentucky 1. Complete 96 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + Kentucky state exam 3. Obtain your Kentucky salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 21 hrs broker pre-license course and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility