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Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $350
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Real Estate License
License Type
116 hours
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$350
Total Initial Fees
Every 2 years (all licenses expire November 30th)
Renewal Period
Yes — South Dakota requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others.
Since South Dakota requires a real estate license, you'll need to complete the state's pre-licensing education and pass the real estate exam before managing property professionally.
South Dakota requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Complete 116 hours of required pre-licensing education. Complete 116 hours of pre-licensing education from approved school.
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and South Dakota-specific portions.
Submit your application to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. Total initial fees: $350.
Boost your credentials with national certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager) — IREM, CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) — NAA, ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) — IREM, RMP (Residential Management Professional) — NARPM, MPM (Master Property Manager) — NARPM. These demonstrate expertise and can increase earning potential.
Renew your license every 2 years (all licenses expire november 30th). Complete 24 hours per renewal of continuing education.
Application Fee
$100
Application fee for real estate license in South Dakota
Exam Fee
$75
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$175
Initial license issuance fee for South Dakota
Renewal Fee
$100
License renewal fee — renews every 2 years
Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance.
South Dakota property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Real Estate License
Separate PM License
No
Standard real estate license covers property management activities
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
Exempt
Most states require a real estate license to manage property for others (collecting rent, leasing, marketing). Managing your own property typically does not require a license. A few states (Oregon, Montana, DC, Nevada, South Carolina) offer specific property management license categories separate from or in addition to the standard real estate license.
Education, Exams & Professional Certifications
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
116 hours
Exam Required
Yes
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and South Dakota-specific portions.
Education Details
Complete 116 hours of pre-licensing education from approved school.
Professional Certifications (Voluntary)
Most states that require a license for property management mandate completion of pre-licensing real estate education courses and passing a state exam. Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager from IREM), ARM (Accredited Residential Manager), and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager from NAA) are voluntary but can significantly enhance career prospects.
Browse Property Manager study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for real estate license in South Dakota | $100 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $75 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for South Dakota | $175 |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 2 years | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $350 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 2 years (all licenses expire November 30th)
Renewal Period
24 hours per renewal
Continuing Education
$100
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
24 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal.
Regulatory Board
Most states require continuing education for license renewal. Topics typically include fair housing law, ethics, property management best practices, agency law, and state-specific regulatory updates. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in license suspension or lapse.
Step-by-step licensing process for South Dakota
Mostly verifiedComplete 116 hours of pre-licensing education from a South Dakota-approved provider
Pass the South Dakota real estate licensing examination (national and state portions)
Submit license application to South Dakota Real Estate Commission
Pass a background check (most states require fingerprinting)
Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance if required by your state
Affiliate with a licensed broker (if obtaining salesperson license) or establish your own brokerage
Begin property management operations
Estimated Timeline
2-8 weeks after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam
South Dakota requires a real estate license for property management with 116 hours of pre-licensing education — higher than many neighboring states.
Property management of others' properties in South Dakota requires a Real Estate License.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
On-site managers employed directly by the property owner may be exempt from licensing requirements.
Activities requiring a license typically include: collecting rent, leasing units, marketing properties, negotiating leases, and managing security deposits on behalf of property owners.
There is no interstate compact for property managers.
Property Manager requirements in nearby states
See how South Dakota compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare property manager requirements across all states →
Property Manager licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure property manager is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does South Dakota compare to other states for property manager? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your property manager license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
Property Manager Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
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Property Manager requirements in South Dakota verified against South Dakota Real Estate Commission, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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South Dakota requires a Real Estate License for property management. 116 hours of pre-licensing education required. Complete 116 hours of pre-licensing education from approved school. Licensing is managed through the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.