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South Dakota has the shortest amount of time to complete coursework and licensing requirements for real estate professionals.
You’ll learn about South Dakota’s fundamental real estate license standards, as well as facts on the exam, such as pass rates and test prep, reciprocity laws, and county-by-county breakdowns of the state’s most costly real estate.
Basic Real Estate Requirements for Licensing in South Dakota
In comparison to other states, obtaining a real estate license in South Dakota is a bit more difficult. A total of 116 hours of commission-approved pre-licensing training are required. In contrast, candidates for a real estate license in Florida must finish just 63 hours of coursework. Here’s a basic rundown of South Dakota’s real estate license requirements.
Pre-licensing courses are required.
To get a real estate license in South Dakota, you must finish 116 hours of real estate pre-licensing courses that include the following topics:
- Contracts and Agency Relationships
- Ownership/Interest in Real Estate
- Finance
- Property Investments
- Regulations on Marketing (purchase and rental)
- Management of Real Estate
- Calculations for Real Estate
- The Real Estate Commission’s Responsibilities and Powers
- Requirements for Licensing
- Statutory Requirements Governing Licensee Activities
- Out-of-State or Subdivided Sales
- Securities
- Fund for Reconstruction
- Act on Condominiums
- Property Representation and Agency Relationships
- Government Regulations on Fair Housing and Other Issues
- Managing Finances
- Licensee training and supervision
South Dakota Real Estate Exam
You should have no trouble passing the test if you study hard and take the courses properly. Even better, if you don’t pass the first time, they will refund your money.
South Dakota Pre-Licensing Exam
- There are 157 multiple-choice questions in all, plus nine scored simulation exercises (7 hours total)
- In the national section, there are 100 questions (2.5 hours)
- In the state-specific section, there are 57 questions (1.5 hours)
- There are 11 simulations (9 scored) tasks in total (3 hours)
What Should You Bring to Your Exam?
- 2 pieces of legal identification with signatures A government-issued photo ID is required for one of the IDs; a basic calculator is required for the other ID.
- When the test reservation was made, a confirmation number was assigned.
Passing Grade
The South Dakota Real Estate Exam must be passed with a score of 75.
Pass Rate
N/A
Fee for a real estate license in South Dakota
$225
Requirements for Education
In order to apply for a license in South Dakota, you must have a high school certificate or a GED.
Age
Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
Residency
Anyone who is a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted immigrant is eligible to apply.
Exemptions
The real estate sales associate prerequisite course is waived for any current member of the South Dakota Bar who is in good standing and qualifies under the real estate licensing legislation.
Previous Offenses
Even if you have a criminal past, you may still apply for a real estate license. It is preferable if candidates mention their criminal background on their application, along with any essential documentation linked to the conviction if any. Your application will be sent to the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems and the Federal Bureau of Investigation when you submit your fingerprints. Each application will be evaluated on its own merits after an inquiry.
Reciprocity and portability of South Dakota real estate licenses
If you want to operate in states other than South Dakota, you should be aware of the state’s real estate license reciprocity and portability rules.
- South Dakota has no mutual recognition agreements with any other state.
- Cooperation: Portability
Counties in South Dakota with the Highest Average Listing Price and Median Sales
Let’s face it, greater listing prices translate to bigger commission checks. Check out this sales data from Trulia’s South Dakota property pricing page (week ending June 21) to get a feel of which counties in South Dakota provide the most prospects for big bucks:
South Dakota is the perfect place to get a real estate license. The state has been ranked as one of the top states in the country for its affordable housing market and low unemployment rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a realtor in South Dakota?
The cost to become a realtor in South Dakota is $7,000.
How do I get my real estate license in South Dakota?
To get your real estate license in South Dakota, you would need to attend an accredited school and graduate with a degree. After that, you’d have to pass the state licensing exams before being able to take on clients of your own.
How much does a realtor make in South Dakota?
The average realtor in South Dakota makes $47,000 a year.
