Article Summary: This article will help anyone looking for information pertaining to a real estate license in the state of South Dakota or anyone looking to become a real estate agent or realtor in South Dakota. Contents of this article may include information on real estate education, schools, training courses, continuing education, tests and exams, laws, license requirements, renewal information, forms and more..

The South Dakota Real Estate Commission, of the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation, administers all aspects of the real estate licensing act within the state. The main mission of the Commission is to protect the interest of the public when engaged in a real estate transaction.

The term real estate salesperson is not used in South Dakota. Rather, the beginning level for a real estate agent is as a real estate broker associate. The requirements for a real estate broker associate license in South Dakota include being at last 18 years of age and having successfully completed at least 116 hours of approved real estate education. All broker associate applicants need to pass the real estate exams with at least a 75% score and be approved by the Commission.>No previous experience is required.

The requirements for a real estate broker license in South Dakota include being at least 18 years of age and having two years of active licensed real estate experience, plus successfully completing the education requirement of 116 hours. Applicants must pass the real estate exams with at least a 75% score and be approved by the Commission.

The real estate exams may be taken by computer in Rapid City or Sioux Falls. The exams are handled by Applied Measurement Professionals' (AMP), and you can apply by phone or by mail. The examination fee for a broker or broker associate is $190.00. This fee is payable to the testing company. All applicants have 60 days from notice of passing the exam to apply for their license. If the license is not applied for within that time, the passing score is forfeited.

The license fee (fee schedule) for both the associate broker and broker applications is $225.00, and a reciprocal salesperson application fee is also $225.00. The real estate agent licenses are valid for a two year period, and the renewal fee is $125.00 every two years. The late renewal penalty is $20.00 per month.

You can obtain almost all of the South Dakota real estate forms online.

Real estate careers are strengthened by membership in the many organizations that provide services for the professional agent. Organizations like the South Dakota Association of Realtors and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) assist many in locating real estate jobs within the industry. The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and The National Association of Realtors (NAR), the world's largest professional association, are excellent resources for real estate education and professional enrichment.