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Questions, Answered
We're here to help with any questions about getting started in real estate. Getting licensed in South Dakota is a big step, so we've gathered and answered the most common ones below.
Requirements to obtain a South Dakota Broker Associate real estate license license include:
Completing 116 hours of required Pre-Licensing education either online or in person
Passing a final course exam
Registering and passing your South Dakota state licensing exam
Submitting your fingerprints for a background check
Being sponsored by a South Dakota real estate broker
Applying for the South Dakota real estate broker associate license and paying all applicable fees
There are two main parts to getting your license: completing your pre-licensing education and passing your licensing exam. The time it takes to get your South Dakota real estate license can vary depending on how quickly you move through each. Most people take a few months to complete the education portion, but students who study 40 hours a week can finish their education in around three weeks. You’ll also want to give yourself enough time to study for the exam, which will vary from person to person.
The South Dakota real estate exam is administered by a third-party testing company called PSI. You can schedule your exam online through their website, and there are testing centers located throughout South Dakota. Be sure to schedule the exam ahead of time, as desirable test dates may fill up fast. Locations include: Madison, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.
The cost of getting a South Dakota real estate license will vary depending on the school where you complete your pre-licensing education. Compared to most college courses, licensing courses are budget-friendly, typically running around $700. There are also a few fixed costs you’ll want to factor in, including a $96 fee to take the exam, a $43.25 fee for your background check, and a $225.00 fee to apply for your license.
No, you do not need to have a diploma or GED to get your South Dakota real estate license. However, you must be at least 18 years old and meet a few other eligibility requirements which can be found under the License Information tab here.
For the first two licensing periods after initial licensure, new Broker Associates need to complete a total of 60 hours of post-licensing education; 30 hours in each of the first two licensing periods. Learn more about your post-licensing requirements here.
South Dakota Real Estate Licensees are required to take 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. All licenses expire November 30th. You must complete CE to keep it active. Learn more about your CE requirements here.
The average salary for a South Dakota real estate agent can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and sales volume. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a South Dakota real estate agent is around $94,807 per year.*
*August 2024 Salary Data
It depends on the nature of your prior conviction. Your license application can be denied for writing bounced checks, felony or misdemeanor convictions for moral turpitude, or being disciplined by a regulatory agency in relation to real estate activities.
Your broker associate license application will ask about your prior criminal activity. You'll need to disclose any previous convictions at this point in the process. You'll also have to submit fingerprints for a background check.
More Questions?
Answers to the most common licensing questions.
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Real Estate Products
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Partners & Programs
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Support