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How to become a licensed real estate broker in South Dakota. 116 pre-license hours required. 2 years agent experience required. State broker exam required. Total initial fees: $815. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Broker
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
74% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
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.
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
70%
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.
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 | $325 |
E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance; 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 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
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.
South Dakota requires 116 hours of pre-license education, an unusually specific number among states.
South Dakota requires 116 hours of pre-license education for broker licensure.
2 years of active agent experience required.
24 CE hours required per 2 years renewal cycle.
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in South Dakota.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#3 of 51
Cost
#4 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Real Estate Career Ladder+6% salary growth potential
You are here
Real Estate Broker
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
$54,410
You are here
Real Estate Broker
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)
$57,440
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 120–136 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
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Cross-referenced: RealEstateU
Accessed 2026-03-20
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.