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How to Get a South Dakota Real Estate License
1. Enroll in accredited pre-licensing program
You must enroll in a state-accredited pre-licensing program to fulfill the state’s educational requirement. That’s where US Realty Training comes in. We are partnered with a leading, accredited real estate school that provides pre-licensing courses to earn your course certificates at a discount to you.
2. Earn your course certificates
After completing the pre-licensing program, you will receive your course certificates. Your certificates are proof that you have fulfilled the educational requirement and that you’re ready for the real estate exam.
3. Pass the real estate exam
Passing the real estate exam shows that you have learned and understood the necessary education to be a real estate agent. After passing, you are awarded your real estate license and can start your real estate career!
Program Pricing Options
Kickstart your real estate career with our partner South Dakota real estate courses. Designed to meet state requirements, this course provides the essential knowledge and skills you need to pass the licensing exam and launch your journey in real estate. Learn at your pace and build a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the industry. Join our partnered online real estate broker's courses today! To get started, click the button below. Affiliate has an agreement with Kaplan to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. Affiliate is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by Kaplan and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to Kaplan.
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Hardcopy Book(s)-Optional Upgrade
(135 Hour DRE Requirement)
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Free Career Seminar 2/26 at 11am PT
Want to know what it's like to be a real estate agent? Join Robert Rico on Monday, February 26th at 11am PT for our FREE online Career Seminar.
You will get an insight into what this career is like, how to get started, and learn more about US Realty Training's programs. If you've thought about becoming a real estate agent, this is the best way to see if this career is right for you.
Tap the button below join now:
Live Training Locations
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What's Included
Hard-copy textbooks, course videos, and live training are available as add-ons for Real Estate Practice, Principles, and Finance.
REQUIRED COURSES:
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
The Online Only Program is an affordable, self-paced option offering the required online coursework in order to apply for the state exam and your real estate license. These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you will be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
Our user-friendly student portal is where you'll access your e-Books, review printable flashcards, take chapter quizzes, pass course final exams, utilize our state exam prep and so much more.
Each course includes 15 chapter videos
~Approximately 60 hours of video content UPDATED in 2025!
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
Video add-ons are the perfect way to get the live training experience on your own schedule. Watch recorded lectures of our trainers or our head instructor Robert Rico, whenever you want! These videos provide additional insights into critical concepts and vocabulary, and they cover commonly asked questions from past students. Add videos to your online only program or live training for the ultimate learning experience.
Videos available for:
Get the videos individually or bundle all three for a $20 discount. Tap the enroll button to get the videos today.
Need to miss a live training session? No problem! Pre-recorded chapter videos are available for purchase directly through your student portal.
This is our flagship training that puts you in an in-person or webinar classroom where you learn directly from an expert trainer, meet student peers, and learn from the best training curriculum in the state.
If you prefer a classroom experience, this is the program for you. Ask your questions in real time and get valuable answers.
Here's how the live training program works:
The Live Training + Online Program gives you the state-mandated textbook material plus supplemental* training to prepare you for a successful career in real estate. This 3-month program includes live instruction (Webinar or In-Person) and online coursework for the following REQUIRED COURSES:
These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you'll be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
FREQUENCY OF TRAINING -- (How many classes are included?)
If you choose weekdays - 2 times a week (6 two-hour sessions a month)
If you choose Saturdays - once a week (3 four-hour sessions a month)
Classes are held for the first 3 weeks of each month, and the 4th week you will have off to take the quizzes and complete the course final exam online.
DURATION OF CLASSES -- (How long do I have access to the classes?)
You will receive 3 consecutive months of training. You will cover 1 course a month. Concurrently, you receive 6 months of online access to the courses to read the e-Books, take chapter quizzes, and pass the course final exams. Keep in mind, the chapter quizzes and course exams are OPEN BOOK!
IN-PERSON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Varies depending on the location. Click the link above to check out the current list of in-person locations!
WEBINAR TRAINING SCHEDULE
• Mondays & Wednesdays: 10AM-12PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11AM-1PM, 6PM-8PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
*Supplemental Training is optional to the required online material and does not cover every topic in all 3 textbooks. This training, led by experienced realtors, will help you understand the important vocabulary and concepts from the textbooks, show you how they apply to day-to-day situations as an agent, and get your questions answered while networking with fellow classmates.
What to Expect
In South Dakota, you must complete a 116-hour pre-license course approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission before applying for a real estate license. We've partnered with a company to provide online pre-licensing courses that include chapter quizzes and a final exam, with opportunities for retakes if needed.
Topics included in the course:
FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in South Dakota
To make the process easier, here are the most common questions we get from students becoming agents about what it takes to get licensed and start a career in real estate.
What Are the Requirements for a South Dakota Real Estate License?
To qualify for a South Dakota Broker Associate license, you must complete:
- 116 hours of approved prelicensing education
- A passing score of 75% on the licensing exam
- A completed license application
- A state and federal background check with fingerprinting
After you pass the exam, you must file your application and required documents with the Commission within 60 days, or your passing score becomes void.
How Much Does a South Dakota Real Estate License Cost?
- Pre-licensing education: $500 - $700
- Exam fee: $98 per exam
- License application fee: $225
- Background check and fingerprinting: $43
In total, you can expect to spend between $800 and $1,000 throughout the licensing process.
How Long Does It Take to Get a South Dakota Real Estate License?
The timeline depends mostly on how quickly you finish the 116-hour prelicensing course and pass the exam. After you pass, South Dakota requires you to submit your application within 60 days. The Commission’s current application packet says to allow about 2 to 4 weeks for application processing.
Can I Get a South Dakota Real Estate License If I’m Already Licensed in Another State?
Yes. South Dakota allows an applicant who holds an active real estate license in another state and passed that state’s licensing exam to obtain a similar South Dakota license by passing the South Dakota state portion of the exam. The Commission’s nonresident page also requires a license history from every state where you currently hold or have held a license, proof of errors and omissions insurance, fingerprinting, and the completed application packet.
How Often Do I Renew My South Dakota Real Estate License?
South Dakota real estate licenses renew every two years. Active Broker Associates and Brokers must complete 24 hours of continuing education during the preceding two license years, and at least 12 hours must be in required subject areas. Renewal applications must be received by the Commission by November 30, and late fees increase month by month after that date. If the renewal process is still incomplete by July 1 following the renewal year, the licensee must reapply and complete the required prelicensing education and exams again.
Do I Need Post-License Education in South Dakota?
Yes. New South Dakota Broker Associates must complete a total of 60 hours of postlicensing education during their first two active license cycles. That is split into 30 hours during the initial active licensing period and 30 more hours during the second active licensing period. These hours also count toward renewal continuing education requirements.
What Should I Do After Getting My South Dakota Real Estate License?
After you receive your South Dakota license, the next step is to associate with a broker so you can begin practicing. Early on, focus on learning the transaction process, building your local network, and creating a simple lead-generation plan. South Dakota law specifically notes that after receiving the license and associating with a broker, the licensee may conduct the business authorized by the license.
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Admissions:
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Phone: 888.317.8740
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