How to Get Your South Dakota Real Estate License in 2026
South Dakota calls its entry-level license a Broker Associate — not salesperson. You'll need 116 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam (plus a separate simulation component), obtain E&O insurance, and apply within 60 days of passing.
Regulated by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC)
Course Cost
$629 – $1,195
SDREC-approved schools
Time to License
2 – 4 Months
full-time to part-time
Avg Agent Salary
$77K – $84K
Indeed & BLS 2025
Required Hours
116 Hours
pre-license education
Top 3 SDREC-Approved Real Estate Schools in South Dakota
Prices verified March 2026. All schools are approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission and offer the required 116-hour Broker Associate pre-license course.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Online / Live Online
Kaplan Commitment™ guarantee — up to 18 months coaching after exam. Full-length practice tests simulating the SD PSI exam.
View Course →The CE Shop
Self-paced online
Interactive LEAP™ platform. Pass Guarantee on Standard+ packages. Business-building courses included with all packages.
View Course →Cooke Real Estate School
Self-paced online
SDREC-approved (#4070R11628). Physical textbooks shipped free. Video lessons + vocabulary exercises + quizzes across all packages.
View Course →* Prices shown are base (lowest) package prices. Higher packages include exam prep, pass guarantees, and additional materials.
Compare All SDREC-Approved Schools
Side-by-side comparison of every verified school offering South Dakota's 116-hour Broker Associate pre-license course — including online, blended, and local Sioux Falls options.
Best Real Estate Schools in South Dakota
All 6 schools are South Dakota South Dakota Real Estate Commission-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$629
- Kaplan Commitment™ — up to 18 months coaching after exam
- Full-length practice tests simulating SD exam
- On-demand video lessons
- 6-month complimentary Inman Select subscription (Career Launcher)
- SDREC-approved
Available Packages (3)
SD Real Estate Principles Course
- 116-Hr Pre-License Course
- On-demand video lessons
- Course materials included
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$699
- Interactive LEAP™ platform
- Pass Guarantee (Standard+ packages)
- Business-building courses included
- 116-hr SD Broker Associate Pre-License Course
- SDREC-approved; reports completion to state
Available Packages (4)
Course Only
- 116-Hr SD Broker Associate Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Digital flashcards
Cooke Real Estate School
Starting at
$699
- SDREC-approved (Approval #4070R11628)
- Physical textbooks shipped free with every package
- Companion textbook included in all packages
- Video presentation + vocabulary exercises + quizzes
- Extensions available in 2-month increments (fee applies)
Available Packages (4)
Bronze Package
- 116-Hr Online License Course
- Modern Real Estate Practice Book & Study Guide
- Candidate Handbook
- Essentials of Real Estate Finance
- SD Real Estate License Laws
- Course Support Document
South Dakota School of Real Estate
Starting at
$1000
- Sioux Falls-based school (6300 S. Connie Ave.)
- Partnered with Global Real Estate School for online portion
- 100 hrs online (mobile/tablet/computer) + 16 hrs in-classroom
- One-on-one instruction for classroom sessions
- SDREC-approved
Available Packages (1)
Principles of Real Estate (116 Hours)
- 100-Hr online course via Global Real Estate School
- 16-Hr in-classroom state law & practice sessions
- Accessible from mobile, tablet, or computer
- One-on-one classroom instruction
Prepare Real Estate Academy
Best for Career LaunchStarting at
$1000
- Sioux Falls location (3500 S. Minnesota Ave., #104)
- Emphasis on practical, career-launch skills
- Agent Jumpstart program available post-license
- Pre-license tutoring available separately
- SDREC-approved
Available Packages (1)
SD Pre-License Course (116 Hours)
- 116-Hr SDREC-approved pre-license course
- In-person and/or livestream options
- Focus on business skills and agent preparation
PRO-ED
South Dakota LeaderStarting at
$1195
- SD's leading real estate school since 1971
- Online video pre-study + 1 week live classroom (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
- Zoom option available for live week
- Best study aids, exam programs & study guides included
- SDREC-approved; Sioux Falls, SD location
Available Packages (1)
Principles of Real Estate (116 Hours)
- 116-Hr blended pre-license course
- Online video instruction (pre-study)
- 1-week live classroom OR Zoom sessions
- Textbook and all course materials
- $600 non-refundable deposit required at registration
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
Real Estate Earning Potential in South Dakota
South Dakota's real estate market is anchored by Sioux Falls — the fastest-growing city in the northern plains — along with a strong Rapid City market fueled by Black Hills tourism and relocation. Commission income scales directly with transaction volume and market selection.
Average Agent Income
$77K – $84K
Indeed (May 2025): $84,292 | BLS-based (2024): $77,560
Top Producers Earn
$120K – $180K+
High-volume Sioux Falls & Rapid City agents; team leaders can exceed $200K
Statewide Median Home Price
$250,000
Steadily (Jan 2026); Sioux Falls ~$331K | Rapid City ~$319K
Commission Math: South Dakota
Sioux Falls (Median ~$331,000)
Rapid City (Median ~$319,000)
* Commission splits vary by brokerage. Estimates use a 70/30 split (agent keeps 70%). Many top producers negotiate 80/20 or higher.
South Dakota's Top Real Estate Markets
★ Dominant market — Sioux Falls accounts for the majority of South Dakota's residential real estate transaction volume.
Pros & Cons of Getting Your South Dakota Real Estate License
👍 Pros
- +No Income Tax: South Dakota has no state income tax — every dollar of commission income stays in your pocket.
- +Sioux Falls Is Booming: One of the fastest-growing mid-size cities in the U.S., Sioux Falls offers strong population growth, new construction, and rising home values — ideal conditions for new agents.
- +Relatively Low Cost of Entry: Total licensing costs of $920–$1,445 are reasonable compared to high-cost states. No college degree required.
- +Out-of-State Education Waiver: Active licensees from other states can skip the 116-hour pre-license course and apply directly after passing the SD state exam.
- +Strong Tourism Economy in the Black Hills: Rapid City and Spearfish attract buyers from across the country, creating a unique vacation/second-home market alongside traditional residential sales.
👎 Cons
- -116 Hours Is Above Average: Many states require 60–90 hours. South Dakota's 116-hour requirement is a meaningful time commitment, especially for full-time workers.
- -Simulation Exam Adds Cost & Complexity: South Dakota uniquely requires a separate simulation exam ($98), which must be scheduled and passed in addition to the main PSI exam ($105). First-time exam cost: $203.
- -Strict 60-Day Application Deadline: You must apply within 60 days of passing the PSI exam — miss the deadline and your passing score is forfeited. Careful planning is essential.
- -E&O Insurance Required Before Activation: Unlike some states, South Dakota requires Errors & Omissions insurance before your license is issued — adding to upfront costs.
How to Get Your South Dakota Broker Associate License
Six steps from start to active license. Pay close attention to the 60-day post-exam application window — it's a hard deadline unique to South Dakota.
Confirm You Meet South Dakota's Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a South Dakota resident. No college degree is required. Review SDCL Chapter 36-21A-30 to understand all eligibility criteria. If you have a criminal history, contact SDREC at 605-773-3600 before investing in coursework — the Commission reviews each application individually and may deny licensure based on felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, or prior license revocations within 5 years.
Enroll in a 116-Hour SDREC-Approved Pre-License Course
Complete 116 hours of pre-licensing education from an SDREC-approved provider. Courses are available in online self-paced, virtual classroom, in-person, and blended formats. Online options from The CE Shop, Kaplan Real Estate, and Cooke Real Estate School are popular and allow flexible scheduling. The course covers SD license law, real estate principles, agency, contracts, property management, finance, and federal laws. The course ends with a required provider-administered final exam — you must pass it to receive your completion certificate.
Schedule and Pass the PSI Broker Associate Licensing Exam
After receiving your course completion certificate, schedule your exam at test-takers.psiexams.com/sdre or by calling PSI at 855-557-0623. Pay the $105 registration fee at time of scheduling. The exam has two main sections: 100 national questions + 57 South Dakota state-specific questions. You must score 75% on each section independently. A separate simulation exam ($98) is also required and must be passed for licensure. Testing centers are in Madison, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. PSI provides your score report immediately after the exam.
Complete the Criminal Background Check and Obtain E&O Insurance
Request DCI and FBI fingerprint cards from SDREC (605-773-3600). Get fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency or professional fingerprinting provider. Prepare a check for $43.25 payable to DCI. Simultaneously, arrange your Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — South Dakota requires E&O coverage before your license can be activated. SDREC offers a group policy through RISC (Continental Casualty), or you can obtain private coverage. Have your certificate of E&O coverage ready for submission.
Submit Your License Application Within 60 Days
You have exactly 60 days from the date on your PSI passing score report to submit your broker associate application to SDREC — if you miss this window, your passing score is forfeited and you must retake the exam. Submit your application along with the $225 application fee, completed DCI/FBI fingerprint cards with the $43.25 DCI check, proof of E&O insurance, and your course completion certificate. Applications are available through SDREC's online licensee services portal.
Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Before your broker associate license can be issued and activated, you must affiliate with a licensed South Dakota responsible (sponsoring) broker. Your broker supervises your real estate activities and co-activates your license. Research brokerages in your target market — consider commission splits, training and mentorship, office culture, and support systems. National brands in South Dakota include RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21, alongside strong local firms, especially in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
South Dakota Broker Associate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓Must be at least 18 years old
- ✓U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident
- ✓Reputable character (per SDCL 36-21A-30)
- ✓No real estate application rejected in the past year
- ✓No license revocation within 5 years of application
- ✓Must not have outstanding unpaid judgments related to real estate
- ✓No college degree required
- ✓No prior real estate experience required
Education & Exam Requirements
- ✓116 hours of SDREC-approved pre-license education
- ✓Pass the provider-administered course final exam
- ✓Obtain course completion certificate from school
- ✓Pass PSI national exam section (75% minimum, 100 questions)
- ✓Pass PSI state exam section (75% minimum, 57 questions)
- ✓Pass separate PSI simulation exam ($98)
- ✓Complete DCI + FBI fingerprint background check
- ✓Obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage
- ✓Submit application within 60 days of passing PSI exam
- ✓Affiliate with a licensed South Dakota responsible broker
South Dakota Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
All costs associated with getting your South Dakota Broker Associate license — from pre-license education through your first year of active practice.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (116 hours) | $629 | $1,195 |
| PSI Exam — National + State Portions | $105 | $105 |
| PSI Exam — Simulation Exam | $98 | $98 |
| SDREC Application Fee (Broker Associate) | $225 | $225 |
| DCI/FBI Fingerprint Background Check | $43 | $68 |
| Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance (Year 1) | $200 | $350 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,300 | $2,041 |
💡 Save on your pre-license course: CertLaunch offers exclusive discount codes for SDREC-approved online schools. Compare courses above and apply a discount code at checkout to reduce your upfront costs by up to 20%.
South Dakota PSI Real Estate Exam: What to Expect
South Dakota's broker associate licensing exam is administered by PSI Services LLC. Unlike most states, South Dakota requires a separate simulation exam component in addition to the standard national + state exam session.
Main Exam (National + State)
Simulation Exam
SD-Unique RequirementFirst-time total exam cost: $203 ($105 main exam + $98 simulation). Retakes: $98 per failed portion.
Exam Topics Covered
South Dakota Licensing Timeline
How long will it take? It depends on how fast you study. Here are three realistic scenarios — all include the 60-day post-exam application deadline you must plan around.
⚠️ Critical Deadline: South Dakota requires you to submit your broker associate application within 60 days of your PSI exam passing date. If you miss this window, your passing score is forfeited and you must retake the exam. Factor this into your timeline.
Fast Track
5 – 7 Weeks
Study 40 hrs/week to complete the 116-hr course in ~3 weeks; schedule PSI exam and fingerprints simultaneously; pass national + state exam + simulation; submit application within 60-day window; activate license with sponsoring broker.
Ideal for: Dedicated full-time studiers, recently unemployed candidates, or those who want to start earning commissions ASAP.
Part-Time
10 – 14 Weeks
Study 3–4 hrs/day; complete the 116-hr course in ~6–8 weeks; schedule PSI exam and request fingerprint cards during final weeks of study; pass exam; submit application and E&O insurance documentation; affiliate with broker.
Ideal for: Working professionals balancing a day job, parents, or anyone who needs flexibility.
Casual Pace
3 – 5 Months
Study 8–10 hrs/week; complete the 116-hr course in ~12–14 weeks; request fingerprint cards mid-course; schedule PSI exam after passing course final; submit application and note the 60-day post-exam deadline carefully.
Ideal for: Explorers testing the waters, those with unpredictable schedules, or people transitioning from another career over time.
Ready to Get Your South Dakota Broker Associate License?
Get our free step-by-step checklist, exclusive discount codes for SDREC-approved schools, and study tips tailored to the South Dakota PSI exam — including the simulation component.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We'll also notify you about discount codes for SD-approved schools.
Compare Real Estate License Requirements by State
Considering practicing in neighboring states or curious how South Dakota compares?
Minnesota →
90 hours pre-license
From ~$300
Salesperson license; CompuCram widely used
Nebraska →
66 hours pre-license
From ~$250
Salesperson license; PSI exam provider
Wyoming →
54 hours pre-license
From ~$200
Fewer hours; strong Jackson Hole market
North Dakota →
45 hours pre-license
From ~$199
Fewest hours in the region; PSI exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting your South Dakota Broker Associate real estate license.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in South Dakota?
Total costs typically range from $920 to $1,445. This includes the 116-hour pre-license course ($249–$599), the PSI exam registration fee ($105 for national + state portions), the separate simulation exam ($98), the SDREC broker associate application fee ($225), the DCI/FBI fingerprint background check ($43.25+), and required Errors & Omissions insurance (approximately $200–$350 for the first year). CertLaunch compares SDREC-approved online course providers and offers discount codes to help reduce your upfront costs.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in South Dakota?
Most candidates complete the process in 2–4 months. The 116-hour pre-license course is the main variable — full-time students studying 40 hours/week can finish in about 3 weeks, while part-time students typically take 8–12 weeks. Background check and application processing adds 2–4 weeks. Important: you have only 60 days from passing the PSI exam to submit your application to SDREC — miss that window and your passing score is forfeited.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in South Dakota?
You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident, and of reputable character. Complete 116 hours of SDREC-approved pre-licensing education, pass the PSI broker associate exam (75% on both national and state portions independently), pass the simulation exam, complete a DCI/FBI fingerprint background check, obtain E&O insurance, and affiliate with a licensed South Dakota responsible broker. No college degree required.
Is the South Dakota real estate exam hard?
South Dakota's broker associate exam has an estimated first-attempt pass rate of about 62% — moderate difficulty similar to many other states. The 157-question exam (100 national + 57 state-specific) requires candidates to pass each section at 75% independently. South Dakota's state portion emphasizes SDCL Chapter 36-21A license law, SDREC rules, and SD-specific agency and disclosure requirements. Focused study on state-specific content significantly improves first-attempt pass rates. Note: South Dakota also requires a separate simulation exam that must be passed for licensure.
Can I take the South Dakota real estate pre-license course online?
Yes. SDREC approves fully online and blended pre-license courses. Popular providers include The CE Shop, Kaplan Real Estate, and Cooke Real Estate School. Online options include self-paced and virtual classroom formats. Local Sioux Falls schools like PRO-ED and Prepare Real Estate Academy offer blended and livestream options. CertLaunch compares SDREC-approved providers and offers exclusive discount codes so you can save on your 116-hour pre-license course.
How much do real estate agents make in South Dakota?
South Dakota real estate agents earn an average of $77,000–$84,000 per year. Indeed (May 2025) reports a state average of $84,292; CareerExplorer (BLS-based) shows a $77,560 average with a range of $38,250–$113,630. With Sioux Falls median home values around $330,000 and Rapid City near $319,000, a 3% commission on a typical sale generates approximately $9,600–$9,900. Top producers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City regularly earn $120,000–$180,000+.
Do I need a college degree to get a South Dakota real estate license?
No. South Dakota does not require a college degree to obtain a broker associate license. You only need to be 18 years old, complete the 116-hour pre-license course, pass the PSI licensing exam and simulation, clear the background check, and obtain E&O insurance. The pre-license education is the only formal education requirement.
What is the best real estate school in South Dakota?
SDREC-approved providers popular among South Dakota candidates include The CE Shop, Kaplan Real Estate Education, and Cooke Real Estate School for online learners. For local blended or in-person options, PRO-ED (South Dakota's leading school since 1971), South Dakota School of Real Estate, and Prepare Real Estate Academy are all well-regarded Sioux Falls options. When comparing schools, look for included exam prep materials, pass guarantees, and a course format that fits your schedule. CertLaunch compares top SDREC-approved providers with verified pricing.
Does South Dakota have real estate license reciprocity?
South Dakota does not have formal reciprocal licensing agreements with other states. However, active licensees from other states can apply without completing the 116-hour pre-license course — they still must pass the South Dakota state exam, complete the fingerprint background check, pay the $225 application fee, and provide proof of E&O insurance. Submit a certificate of licensure showing an active, good-standing license from your home state. Contact SDREC at 605-773-3600 for details.
Can I get a South Dakota real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. SDREC does not maintain a list of automatically disqualifying offenses — each application is reviewed individually under SDCL 36-21A-33. The Commission may deny licensure for felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, fraud, unpaid judgments, or deliberate misstatements on the application. Prior license revocations within 5 years of application will disqualify you. If you have a criminal history, contact SDREC at 605-773-3600 or email dlr.realestate@state.sd.us before investing time and money in coursework.
Last Updated: March 2026
Prices Verified: March 2026. School prices subject to change — always verify on the provider's website before enrolling.