South Dakota Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for South Dakota
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete a minimum of 116 hours of pre-licensing education approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission per SDCL 36-21A-30.1.
Required Courses (116 hours total):
- • 116-hour SDREC-approved pre-licensing course
Licensing courses typically cost around $700-$1,250 depending on the provider.
State Examination
Exam Name
South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
142 multiple-choice questions (90 national in 150 min, 52 state in 120 min), 4.5 hours total
Passing Score
Scaled score of 75 on each section
Exam Fee
$98
Retake Policy: Can retake upon failure; $98 exam fee per session
Background Check
Type: Fingerprint cards submitted to DCI
Cost: $43
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed South Dakota broker
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $98 |
| Application Fee | $225 |
| Fingerprinting | $43 |
| Total Fees | $553 |
Application $225 + exam $98 + background check $43.25 + E&O insurance $187. Must submit application within 60 days of passing exam.
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$150
CE Required
24 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
For the first two licensing periods after initial licensure, new Broker Associates must complete 60 hours total (30 hours each period). Regular CE is 24 hours per 2-year cycle.
License Reciprocity
South Dakota does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state licensees must meet all South Dakota requirements.
South Dakota Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (605) 773-3600
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Upgrade to Broker
Requires 2 years active experience as broker associate plus additional broker education and exam
- • 2 years experience required
- • 60 additional education hours
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-01-12