Midwest · Real Estate License
South Dakota
Broker Associate License Requirements
116
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$464
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
8–20 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
24 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 116-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take SDREC-approved 116-hour course (online or in-person).
Estimated time: 6–14 weeks
Pass the PSI Licensing Exam
Schedule at PSI. Pay $196 exam fee (combined). Pass both National (75%) and State (75%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Background Check
Submit background check ($43 fee).
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Affiliate with a Broker and Apply to SDREC
Secure a sponsoring responsible broker. Submit application with $225 license fee.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified116 hours of SDREC-approved pre-licensing education. One of the highest requirements nationally. Available online or in-person.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles, Practice, and South Dakota Law (116 hrs — property law, ownership, contracts, agency, financing, closings, appraisal, fair housing, SD-specific statutes, SDCL 36-21A)
Provider type: SDREC-approved education providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering South Dakota-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at PSI test centers. Includes national, state, and simulation sections.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (South Dakota) | 40 | 90 min | 75% |
| Total | 120 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: May retake failed section(s). $98 per section per attempt.
75% passing score required on both sections (60/80 national, 30/40 state). SD also includes a simulation exam component for practical skills. Combined exam session: $196. Exam may also be scheduled by calling (855) 557-0623.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the South Dakota real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee (combined session) | $196.00 | PSI Services | |
| License Application Fee | $225.00 | SDREC | |
| Background Check / Fingerprinting | $43.00 | State / Vendor | |
| Estimated Total | $464.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
Not required
Non-residents may obtain a South Dakota license.
Citizenship
US citizen or legally authorized to work
Must have a Social Security number.
Background Check
Required
Criminal background check required. $43 fee.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must affiliate with a South Dakota responsible broker.
Reciprocity
South Dakota has reciprocity agreements
Type: Conditional Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (3)
Minnesota
Active MN license. May qualify for expedited licensing process.
North Dakota
Active ND license. May qualify for expedited licensing process.
Iowa
Active IA license. May qualify for expedited licensing process.
Reciprocal applicants from MN, ND, and IA may qualify for an expedited licensing process. State exam and application requirements still apply.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
24 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$125.00
Deadlines
Biennial renewal cycle.
Find Continuing Education Courses
South Dakota requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Sources
https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/default.aspx
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
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https://www.usrealtytraining.com/blogs/how-to-get-a-real-estate-license-south-dakota
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
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https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/approved_prelicensing_education.aspx
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible