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Real Estate Broker
Total cost: $815
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
116 hrs
Pre-License Hours
2 yrs
Experience Required
Yes
Exam Required
24 hrs
CE Hours
$815
Total Fees
Permitted
Dual Agency
Broker Pre-License Education
Mostly verifiedPre-License Hours
116 hours
College Degree Required
No
Approved Providers
South Dakota-approved real estate schools, colleges, and online providers
Additional Broker Courses
Additional broker-specific courses in management, supervision, and advanced real estate topics required beyond salesperson education
Course Topics
Real estate broker education requirements include pre-license coursework covering topics such as real estate law, brokerage management, contracts, finance, and ethics. Some states require a college degree in addition to pre-license hours, while others accept equivalent experience.
Browse Real Estate Broker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Start with the salesperson license
Broker licensing in South Dakota typically requires completing your salesperson (real estate agent) license first and practicing for 2 years before you can sit for the broker exam. The pre-licensing courses below are the recommended starting point on the path to a broker license.
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Agent Experience & Transaction History
Mostly verifiedAgent Experience Required
Prior real estate sales agent experience
2 yrs
Min Years as Agent
Most states require a period of active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent before qualifying for a broker license. Some states use a points-based system or require a minimum number of closed transactions as an alternative or additional requirement.
State Broker Exam
Mostly verifiedState Broker Exam Required
Real estate broker licensing examination
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Format
PSI
Provider
Scaled score 75 on each portion (National, State Law, and Broker Simulation)
Passing Score
$98
Exam Fee
Exam Sections
The real estate broker exam typically includes both a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations. Exams are usually administered by third-party providers such as PSI or Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers.
Overall licensing difficulty: 9/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Broker Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Real Estate Broker Exam
Passing Score
Scaled score 75 on each portion (National, State Law, and Broker Simulation)
Format
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Administered By
PSI
Key Topics Covered
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $98Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Real Estate Broker Exam.
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
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Broker Practice Capabilities
VerifiedYes
Independent Practice
Yes
Supervise Agents
Yes
Operate Brokerage
Yes
Property Management
Yes
Escrow Handling
Yes
Dual Agency
Yes
Designated Agency
Restricted Activities
Real estate brokers have a broader scope of practice than sales agents, including the ability to operate their own brokerage, supervise agents, and handle escrow funds. Dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) and designated agency rules vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
Exam Fee Paid to PSI | $98 |
License Fee VERIFY against current SDREC fee schedule. Per PrepAgent: $225 for Broker. Kept at $325 pending human verification. | $325 |
E&O Insurance E&O Insurance is REQUIRED for all SD active licensees via Rice Insurance Service group policy (risceo.com/states/south-dakota/). Cost varies by provider. | $200 |
MLS Fees MLS membership varies by local association | $350 |
Renewal Fee | $175 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, license, E&O insurance, and MLS fees | $815 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years (biennial, expires November 30 of renewal year; renewal application due by November 30 per SDCL 36-21A-62)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
60 hours post-license education for newly licensed Broker Associates (in place of standard CE for first 2 renewal cycles). Postlicense Period 1: 30 hours within current license year + following license year. Postlicense Period 2: 30 hours during the next 2 license renewal cycles in specified subject areas. Per The CE Shop and SD ARSD.
Post-License Education
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$175
Regulatory Board
Broker licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state real estate commission. Continuing education typically covers topics such as ethics, fair housing, agency law, and state-specific legal updates. Some states also require post-license education within the first renewal period.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
ARELLO Certification
Accepted
Reciprocity Requirements
Real estate broker reciprocity agreements allow brokers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state with reduced requirements. ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) certification may be accepted in some states. Requirements typically include passing the state-specific portion of the broker exam.
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Compare South Dakota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
South Dakota uses 'Responsible Broker' terminology and has 2-tier structure: Broker Associate (entry, 116 hrs) → Responsible Broker (upgrade, additional 15 or 24-hr course). Broker exam includes unique Broker Simulation portion (9 scored problems). Passing score 75 (NOT 70%) on each portion. SD allows reciprocity for any state where applicant passed real estate exam at same level. E&O Insurance required via Rice Insurance group policy. SD resident requirement. Newly licensed Broker Associates complete 60 hrs post-license education over first 2 renewal cycles in place of standard CE.
SD has 2-tier structure: Broker Associate (entry, 116-hr pre-license per SDCL 36-21A-30.1) → Responsible Broker (upgrade, 116-hr prerequisite + additional 15 OR 24-hr Responsible Broker course — verify current).
Schema's 'Responsible Broker' credential targets the upgrade tier; pre_license_hours kept at 116 (cumulative) pending schema convention decision.
Experience: 2 years active full-time under a Principal Broker.
SD broker exam includes Broker Simulation portion (9 scored problems, 3 hours) in addition to National (100 questions, 2.5 hrs) and State Law (57 questions, 1.5 hrs) — passing score 75 on each.
E&O Insurance REQUIRED via Rice Insurance Service group policy (risceo.com).
Background check $43.25 to DCI.
Resident requirement: Must be SD resident.
Application due within 60 days of passing exam.
Newly licensed Broker Associates must complete 60 hrs post-license education (30 hrs Period 1 + 30 hrs Period 2) in place of standard CE for first 2 renewal cycles.
Reciprocity: SD allows reciprocity for any state where applicant passed real estate exam at same level (per SDCL 36-21A) — pass only SD state portion of exam.
Renewal: 2 years biennial, expires November 30 of renewal year.
24 CE hours required per 2-year renewal cycle.
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in South Dakota.
Real Estate Broker Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
South Dakota requires 116 hours of pre-license education and 2 years of agent experience for broker licensure. A state broker exam is required. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state real estate commission.