South Dakota Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
2 years of active experience as a licensed salesperson or broker associate
Alternative Pathways:
- Waiver if refused association by 3 responsible brokers within 60 days (SDCL 36-21A-32)
Required for upgrading to responsible broker license.
Education Requirements
Complete 116 hours for broker associate license plus 24-hour responsible broker course for responsible broker designation.
Required Courses:
- Broker Associate Pre-Licensing Course (116 hours)
- Responsible Broker Course (24 hours)
South Dakota uses 'broker associate' for entry-level and 'responsible broker' for the supervising role.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
National: 90 items (100 points), 150 minutes; State: 52 items, 120 minutes; plus 5-10 unscored items
Passing Score
75% on each portion (National and State)
Exam Fee
$105
Retake Policy
Retake only the failed portion, $105 per portion; cannot rebook the same day.
Fees
| Application Fee | $225 |
| Examination Fee | $105 |
| Background Check | $50 |
| Listed Fees | $380 |
Listed fees for a new broker associate applicant: $225 application + $105 PSI exam + $50 fingerprinting = $380. A broker associate upgrading to responsible broker pays the $225 broker application; no new exam is required. Course costs are excluded.
Fingerprint fee payable to DCI (effective October 1, 2025)
Timeline
Complete Education
Complete the 116-hour broker associate course
4-8 weeks
Pass Exam
Pass the national and state portions at PSI
1-2 weeks
Submit Application
Apply within 60 days of passing the exam, then complete fingerprinting
2-4 weeks
Gain Experience
2 years of active experience before applying as a responsible broker
2+ years
Complete Responsible Broker Course
Complete the 24-hour Responsible Broker course
1-2 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$125
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Online Renewal
Available
24 hours every 2 years (12 in required subjects). Renewal is due November 30.
Reciprocity Agreements
South Dakota uses statutory recognition rather than bilateral agreements: holders of an active license from another state who passed that state's exam take only the South Dakota state portion, and education is waived with a certificate of licensure (SDCL 36-21A-43).
South Dakota Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (605) 773-3600
- dlr.realestate@state.sd.us
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