| Requirement | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 116 hours |
| Exam administrator | Pearson VUE |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | South Dakota Real Estate Commission |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 640 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $65,170 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in South Dakota
To get a South Dakota real estate salesperson license you complete 116 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The South Dakota Real Estate Commission sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a South Dakota real estate license?
South Dakota requires 116 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in South Dakota?
Getting licensed in South Dakota takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 116 hours of pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the South Dakota Real Estate Commission lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 116 hours of pre-license education
South Dakota requires 116 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the South Dakota salesperson exam
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers national real estate principles plus South Dakota law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new South Dakota salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker.
How much does a South Dakota real estate license cost?
South Dakota's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in South Dakota?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in South Dakota earned a median of $65,170 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $45,970. See the full South Dakota agent salary breakdown.
What are South Dakota’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 11 South Dakota housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $339,225 as of September 2026, from $227,450 in Huron to $776,225 in Spearfish; 7 of 11 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD | $362,200 | -2.1% | 48 | 1,469 |
| Rapid City, SD | $417,450 | -4.9% | 64 | 724 |
| Spearfish, SD | $776,225 | +7.1% | 82 | 259 |
| Watertown, SD | $357,675 | +5.4% | 55 | 99 |
| Aberdeen, SD | $339,225 | +5.2% | 49 | 88 |
All tracked markets: South Dakota housing market hub.
South Dakota real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires 116 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of South Dakota Real Estate Commission requirements.
How much does a South Dakota real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The South Dakota Real Estate Commission publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the South Dakota real estate exam?
Pearson VUE administers the South Dakota salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Real Estate Commission licenses and regulates South Dakota real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission before enrolling.