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South Dakota Real Estate Licensing Courses

Online real estate courses to help you become a real estate broker associate. Join our partnered South Dakota real estate school and receive a discount on courses.

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How to Get Your 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!

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Live Training Locations

Type in your address or zip code to find the closest live training location to you!
Pick tab below to see online or in-person locations.

OUT OF STATE? Choose a location you're interested in moving to.

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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!

• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
We recommend Real Estate Finance as we’ve seen it be heavily represented on the state exam, and it’s always good to know basic math as a real estate agent!

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 2023!

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:

• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
• Real Estate Finance

Get the videos individually or bundle all three for a $20 discount. Tap the enroll button to get the videos today.

Each course includes 15 chapter videos ∼Approximately 60 hours of video content UPDATED in 2023!

Need to miss a live training session? No problem! Pre-recorded chapter videos are available for purchase directly through your student portal.

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:

• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
• Real Estate Finance

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.

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What to Expect

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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:

We recommend Real Estate Finance as we’ve seen it be heavily represented on the state exam, and it’s always good to know basic math as a real estate agent!
Available Electives
  • South Dakota Real Estate Law
  • Agency Relationships and Contracts
  • Property Ownership and Transfer
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Property Valuation and Appraisal
  • Fair Housing Laws
  • Licensing Laws and Ethics
  • Real Estate Math
  • We recommend Real Estate Finance as we’ve seen it be heavily represented on the state exam, and it’s always good to know basic math as a real estate agent!

    FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in South Dakota

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    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.

    How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?

    Real estate broker associates in South Dakota earn varying incomes based on experience, market conditions, and the volume of transactions they close.

    According to recent data, the median annual salary for real estate broker associates in South Dakota is approximately $77,560, with top earners in the state making over $113,630 per year.

    Broker associates starting their careers typically earn around $38,250, but those in high-demand areas and with more experience can see their income grow significantly.​

    How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost?

    The total cost to get your real estate license in South Dakota will vary, but here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

    • 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.

    Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Worth It?

    Becoming a real estate broker associate in South Dakota offers flexibility, unlimited income potential, and growth opportunities.

    While you set your own schedule, building a client base takes time and may require working evenings or weekends.

    Success comes from networking, strong customer service, and adaptability.

    With dedication and strategic planning, real estate can be a rewarding and lucrative career.

    What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

    Success in real estate takes time, especially for new broker associates building skills and relationships.

    A slow start is common, as reputation and client trust grow with patience and persistence.

    Networking is key—connections with clients and industry professionals drive success.

    Since real estate is commission-based, income varies, requiring smart financial planning.

    Being prepared for these challenges sets realistic expectations for a thriving career.

    Can I Get a Real Estate License if I’m Already an Agent in Another State?

    South Dakota offers reciprocity agreements with the following states, simplifying the licensing process for out-of-state broker associates:

    • Minnesota
    • North Dakota
    • Iowa

    If you hold a valid real estate license in one of these states, you may be eligible for an expedited path to licensure in South Dakota. This often means fewer education requirements and potentially skipping parts of the licensing exam.

    However, you may still need to pass the state-specific portion of the South Dakota real estate exam and meet additional requirements such as securing sponsorship from a licensed South Dakota broker​.

    How Often Do I Renew My Real Estate License?

    Real estate licenses in South Dakota must be renewed every two years, requiring 24 hours of continuing education (CE).

    This includes 12 hours of mandatory topics like real estate contracts, ethics, and fair housing, along with 12 elective hours on approved subjects.

    New licensees may need additional post-licensing education during their first two cycles.

    What Should I Do After Getting My Real Estate License?

    After getting your South Dakota real estate license, join a licensed brokerage to start practicing and gain support.

    Build your network through events, associations, and client connections.

    Specializing in areas like commercial real estate or property management can expand opportunities and boost earnings.

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    License Requirements

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