Get SD License
WE HELP YOU GET LICENSED
If you have an active real estate license in another state and want to get a South Dakota license click here.
Getting your SD license
SD requires 116 hours before taking state tests to get a real estate license. We have options allowing students to choose which package best suits their needs.
We offer packages with high student-to-instructor interaction combining self-paced learning for the first half of the course followed by our live-instruction classes for the second half of the course.
STEP One: Decide which package is the best choice for you
| Description | 1/2 online; | 1/2 live instruction | All online |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOTE: You do not have to purchase a textbook - your online course package is complete as written by Dearborn. You may purchase a textbook if you like in the Real Estate Textbooks area. | Package 1 | Package 2 | Package 3 |
| $1,295 | $1,394 | $750 | |
| Payment Schedule | 2 payments - $600 & $695 | 2 payments - $699 & $695 | 1 payment $750 |
| Dearborn/ Kaplan 116-hours self-paced online course | |||
| Carol's BONUS videos: SD Law to pass state test ($104 value) | |||
| Carol's BONUS videos answering student questions | |||
| By-appointment access to Carol for answering questions | |||
| Dearborn/Kaplan Online Module Tests-pass each with 80% | |||
| Dearborn/ KaplanOnline Final Test-passwith 80% | |||
| 62-hours liive instruction from Carol. [MUST have passed online final before attending. Must be present on Zoom camera or in-person during scheduled sessions.] | |||
| Additional time during live instruction to answer real- world application & student questions. | |||
| Live Instruction final last day of class, 75% pass rate | |||
| Dearborn/ Kaplan National Real Estate Exam Prep Online Videos ($99 value) | |||
| Dearborn/ Kaplan National Real Estate Drill and Practice Qbank ($99 value) |
| OPTIONAL Add-on items which can be purchased any time | Price |
|---|---|
| Dearborn/Kaplan Real Estate Exam Prep Area | |
| National Real Estate Exam Prep Online Videos (included in package 2 at no additional cost) | $99 |
| National Real Estate Drill and Practice Qbank and state (national portion included in package 2 at no additional cost) | $99 |
| Real Estate Math Prep Video Library | $25.75 |
| Dearborn/Kaplan Real Estate Textbooks and eBooks Area OPTIONAL items (search by name) | |
| Modern Real Estate Practice 21st Edition print or ebook | $63 |
| Modern Real Estate Practice 21st Edition textbook and study guide set | $88.35 |
| Modern Real Estate Practice Flashcard Review 21st Edition | $60 |
| Mastering Real Estate Math 9th edition book | $42 |
Class Process:
-Access the online portal, ONLINE PORTION SIGNUP LINK, create your own account, purchase the course using a credit card. The $600 or $699 payment is the first part of the entire course payment. We split the payment in half to make it easier on students rather than having to come up with the entire payment at once. The remaining $695 is not due until the materials are picked up for the classroom instructor-led portion. Additional charges apply if we need to ship materials. Please ask if you are interested in those options.
- All online sections, and a final overall, must be passed with 80%. The course is not completed until you receive a certificate of completion after completing all modules, the final test, and an affidavit. The final test is accessed from the main sign-in screen rather than the screen with all the units.
- The online portion (including final) MUST be complete before attending the in class portion.
- When taking your online course, please note areas you would like us to discuss more fully in the classroom portion.
- You have six months to complete the online portion without any other fees. If you decide you need to purchase a 30-day or 90-day extension you may purchase it from your online dashboard. You can only purchase extensions taking you 180 days from original purchase date.
Step Two: If choosing package 1 or 2 register for your preferred dates for the live-instructor led half of the class.
No payment is required until getting your books. Dates may be changed without penalty. Students do have to attend all sessions either in person or on camera on zoom.
Why do we ask you to register now?
- This is not your final commitment - that comes when you complete online or pick up books.
- We use the registration information to keep in touch.
- If you are interested in receiving messages about class please supply your mobile number.
- After signing up online, please register immediately for the instructor-led class dates you think you will attend.
- Dates can be changed if needed.
- If your online units, final test, feedback form, and affidavit are not complete before the start of class we will need to change your registration to a future class.
- You have one year (from the date you pass the online) to complete your in class portion.
- If you are attending on zoom you will need to pay for the second part when you pick up books.
- All instructor led classes are available on zoom. Day classes also have an in-person option. If you are attending in-person and need to choose a zoom option for a day just let us know.
Step Three: Let us know any questions about real estate topics. We have bonus video answers for our students!
Overview of the process:
Sign up for an online class with a credit card. You have six months to complete this at your own pace.
Finish the online portion. This includes the final test and affidavit of completion. Student receives an email of completion when they have met all of the requirements. If a student has not received an email, they have not completed it online.
IF you choose to take the first half online and the second half live:
- Register for the second portion of the class, which is instructor-led. It can be taken on ZOOM or in-person. Students must be present either on ZOOM or in the classroom on the stated dates during the stated times. No payment due at the time of registration, and dates can be easily changed if needed.
- Make an appointment to pick up materials for the instructor-led portion if attending via ZOOM. Typically will have appointment slots during the week before class—final $695 payment due when receiving materials.
- If attending the instructor-led portion in person, it is not necessary to pick up materials in advance.
- Attend all sessions of the instructor-led portion and pass the final test.
Schedule and pass SD required tests to qualify to apply for a license.
Apply for a license and include proof of passing this course and all SD required tests. The application includes an authorization for a background check—affiliate with a real estate company.
MORE DETAILS IF YOU CHOOSE OUR LICENSING PROCESS COMPLETED IN TWO SEGMENTS:
The first segment is a self-paced online class. It counts as 54 hours. It may take longer.
To qualify to attend the instructor-led segment, the student must have fully completed the online segment.
A student has six months to complete the online segment
30-day and 90-day extensions are available to purchase
The second segment is 62-hours instructor-led segment that needs to be attended to during the scheduled hours.
All sessions may be attended using ZOOM (with camera and microphone and reliable high-speed internet). ZOOM fees are waived. Daytime offerings also allow a maximum of 6 people to attend in person.
A student has one year after completing the online portion to attend the in-class portion. You register for the in-class without paying for class until the week before class begins (or when you want materials for the in-class portion shipped).
Register for dates you think will work, change if needed. (Online needs to be finished before attending but not before registering.)
Contact us for more information
Receive short video emails:
General overview of real estate as a business
Costs overview
Process and Dates
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
116-hour course to get your broker associate license.
We have students do 54-hours online first. It MUST be completed before attending the final 62-hours in a classroom setting.
A student has six months to complete the online portion. This can be intensive, so please allow extra time to complete.
Publisher allows extensions for up to 90 days, and charges apply for extensions
Licensing Course Extensions:
30-day—$49
90-day—$89
Classroom attendance can be in class or attended remotely using the Zoom app on any mobile device. The student needs reliable high-speed internet and a device with a microphone and camera to attend the classroom portion after completing the online portion.
2025 Pre-License Register link for instructor-led, real-time 2025 classes
2025 Nights – only night class in 2024 (zoom only)
M T TH F, each week, must attend all sessions all four weeks
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM mountain time
Feb 17, 18, 20, 21
Feb 24, 25, 27, 28
Mar 3, 4, 6, 7
Mar 10, 11, 13, 14
2024 Days (zoom or in-person)
M T TH F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM mountain time
Lunches are noon-1:00 PM
Must attend all sessions both weeks
December 9, 10, 12, 13
December 16, 17, 19, 20
2025 Days (zoom or in-person)
M T TH F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM mountain time
Lunches are noon-1:00 PM
Must attend all sessions both weeks
April 21, 22, 24, 25
April 28, 29, May 1, 2
July 21, 22, 24, 25
July 28, 29, 31, Aug 1
September 29, 30, Oct 2, 3
October 6, 7, 9, 10
December 8, 9, 11, 12
December 15, 16, 18, 19
FAQS
The general rule of thumb for everything is $3000-$6000. To get the schooling, the state-required testing, license application, Errors, and Omissions Insurance, background check, fingerprinting, joint a board of REALTORS, and get any equipment you decide you need.
You need to actively work for a real estate company with a broker in charge (Responsible Broker) for two years before starting your own company.
You agree to your company's policies when you work for them.
Most real estate agents are independent contractors. Independent contractors need to pay their own business expenses and all of their taxes.
If you would like more information, request our video emails (above)
Follow these steps:
Go to Home | PSI | Testing Excellence (psiexams.com) and choose Begin Scheduling option
Choose categories
- Real Estate
- South Dakota Real Estate Examination Program
- Select the exam you wish to schedule (either the Broker Multiple Choice exam for both national and state law tests or the Broker Simulation Examination
Choose the register for this Exam link at the bottom of the page
Create your username and password. Follow the instructions to choose a location and date.
Follow these steps:
Make appointment with law to be fingerprinted using ONLY fingerprint cards from SDREC (one light blue and one dark blue). Ideas for where you can be fingerprint include law enforcement, and shops issuing concealed weapons permits, or Fingerprints 4u by Deanna Forman, 605.391.5420.
Fill out your license application as instructed on the application. Application may be downloaded from South Dakota Real Estate Commission - Applications for Licensing (sd.gov)
As shown on front page, send completed license application, original Form 101 from your pre-license school, original passing certificates from all three of your AMP/PSI tests, both fingerprint cards, check to SDREC for license application and check to DCI for background check. This needs to be RECEIVED by SDREC within 60 days of passing your last test at PSI/AMP. On day 61 you must retest.
Wait until you have an active license before engaging in real estate activities requiring a license.
No. The background check takes time. You can choose your company and send that information in while the background check is being completed.
REASONS YOUR LICENSE COULD BE DENIED (FROM SD CODIFIED LAW 36-21A-33):
An applicant has written insufficient funds checks within the calendar year before application or has written insufficient funds check for the application;
The applicant has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. If the applicant is a firm, a license may be denied if any partner, associate, director, stockholder, officer, or responsible broker has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
The applicant has been disciplined by a regulatory agency in relation to activities as a real estate salesperson or broker, broker associate, firm, appraiser, mortgage broker, auctioneer, or any other regulated licensee, including insurance, securities, law, and commodities trading;
The applicant has failed to satisfy the requirements as provided by this chapter;
The applicant has failed the pre-license school examination;
The applicant has not met education requirements;
The applicant made deliberate misstatements, deliberate omissions, misrepresentations, or untruths in the application; or
The applicant has a current and unpaid judgment file against the applicant.