Real Estate License Requirements in South Dakota: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to launching a career in real estate, knowing the licensing requirements in your state is essential. Since every state has its own process, many aspiring professionals search for the specific prerequisites in their desired location. If you’re considering starting your real estate journey in South Dakota, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do to become a licensed real estate agent.
Why Start a Real Estate Career in South Dakota?
South Dakota offers a steady housing market, low cost of living, and a supportive business environment—making it a great place to start a real estate career. Whether you're in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or a smaller community, there's a growing demand for real estate professionals who can help people buy, sell, and invest in property. And with a flexible schedule and strong earning potential, real estate offers the freedom many career-changers are looking for.
South Dakota Real Estate License Requirements
To become a licensed real estate broker associate (South Dakota’s version of a salesperson), you must complete a series of steps regulated by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC).
1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning the licensing process, you must meet the basic qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
2. Complete 116 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
South Dakota requires 116 hours of approved real estate education before you can apply for a license. These courses must be taken from a South Dakota-approved real estate school and cover topics like:
- Real estate law and regulations
- Agency relationships
- Contracts and disclosures
- Ethics and fair housing
- Property management and financing
Many students opt for online real estate schools to complete this requirement at their own pace.
3. Pass the South Dakota Real Estate Exam
After finishing your pre-licensing education, you’ll need to pass the South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Exam, administered by PSI.
- The exam includes both national and state-specific questions
- You must score at least 75% to pass
- You’ll receive your results immediately after the test
You can schedule your exam online and take it at an approved testing center or via remote proctoring.
4. Submit Your Fingerprints and Background Check
South Dakota requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
- Fingerprints must be submitted via an approved vendor like IdentoGO
- The background check is conducted through both state and federal databases
- This step must be completed before submitting your final license application
5. Apply for Your Real Estate License
Once you’ve passed the exam and completed your background check, you’ll be ready to submit your real estate license application.
- The application is submitted to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission
- You must apply within 60 days of passing the exam
- You'll include your exam score report, fingerprint results, course completion certificate, and a licensing fee
6. Affiliate with a Responsible Broker
To activate your license, you must associate with a licensed South Dakota real estate broker. This broker will oversee your early transactions and ensure you comply with state laws and ethical standards.
Quick Recap: How to Get Your Real Estate License in South Dakota
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Be 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent
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Complete 116 hours of approved pre-licensing education
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Pass the South Dakota real estate exam
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Submit fingerprints and complete a background check
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Apply for your broker associate license
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Affiliate with a licensed South Dakota broker
Start Your Real Estate Journey with Confidence
Getting your real estate license in South Dakota is a step-by-step process—but with the right education, it’s absolutely achievable. Global Real Estate School offers state-approved, online courses to help you complete your education and prepare for the exam on your schedule. With expert instruction and flexible learning, it’s never been easier to start your journey.
Enroll today and take the first step toward a rewarding real estate career in South Dakota!
Please note that Global Real Estate School is NOT an approved school in the state of South Dakota - Global Real Estate School powers the online course in South Dakota for South Dakota School of Real Estate, the approved South Dakota Real Estate School.