South Dakota real estate exam
Format, passing score, fees and what to study — compiled from the official candidate handbook and state sources, with a link and a confidence level for every fact. Last verified 2026-10-31.
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South Dakota exam format and requirements
| Fact | Value | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation) Entry-level license is 'broker associate' (salesperson-equivalent). | Official source | Link |
| Exam provider | PSI Services LLC Computer testing in Madison, Rapid City, Sioux Falls; test-takers.psiexams.com/sdre. | Official source | Link |
| National-portion questions | 90 PSI bulletin (copyright 10/1/2023, may be outdated) lists 'Broker' national = 90 items worth 100 points (scenario-based items score up to 2 points). This exam title is used for broker associate candidates. | Secondary source | Link |
| State-portion questions | 52 52 items per same (2023) bulletin: Commission duties/powers 4 + Licensing requirements 6 + Statutory requirements governing licensee activities 42. | Secondary source | Link |
| Exam time (minutes) | 270 National 150 min + State 120 min per 2023 bulletin. | Secondary source | Link |
| Passing score | 75% on each portion Also on DLR license table: exam score of 75% for broker associate. | Official source | Link |
| Exam fee (USD) | $105 DLR page: $105 credit card at registration. (Older 10/2023 PSI bulletin shows $98.) | Official source | Link |
| Pre-licensing hours | 116 116 classroom hours in a Commission-approved course (also on DLR license types page). | Official source | Link |
| Languages | English No other language mentioned. | Secondary source | Link |
| New licensees / year | 477 Commission newsletter: 'In FY23, we had 477 new licensees' - all license types combined, not broker-associate only. | Secondary source | Link |
“Official source” = read in a state agency page or the exam provider’s candidate handbook on 2026-10-31. Anything marked “Vendor claim” or “Not verified” should be confirmed before you rely on it. Fees and formats change.
What this means for your study plan
- Time per question: about 1.9 minutes each (270 minutes ÷ 142 questions). Practice at that pace.
- Both portions count: you must reach the pass mark on each portion — a strong national score does not make up for a weak South Dakota score.
- Where people lose points: math word problems, wording traps (NOT/EXCEPT), and state rules that differ from the national rule. Our formula sheet covers the math.
- Good to know: Apply for license within 60 days of passing the last portion or passing-score rights are forfeited; applications also due within 2 years of finishing prelicensing. Post-licensing education 30 hrs in each of first two renewal cycles per secondary sources. Current-edition bulletin couldn't be fetched (JS site); figures from 10/1/2023 bulletin.
State-portion topics published for South Dakota
- Duties and Powers of the Real Estate Commission (4 items)
- Licensing Requirements (6 items)
- Statutory Requirements Governing the Activities of Licensees (42 items)
Sample South Dakota practice questions
Original questions written from the law, each with an explanation and a citation. South Dakota-specific questions are coming soon; these samples come from the national portion.
Which federal law sets design and construction accessibility requirements for covered multifamily dwellings first occupied after March 13, 1991?
- The Fair Housing Act
- ADA Title I
- The Clean Water Act
- RESPA
Answer: A. The Fair Housing Act's accessibility provisions require covered multifamily housing to have accessible entrances, usable common areas, accessible routes, and reinforced bathroom walls, among other features. ADA Title I concerns employment.
Topic: Land Use Controls & Regulations · Source: 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(C)
A buyer sues a seller who refused to close, seeking specific performance. To warn anyone who might buy or lend on the property while the suit is pending, the buyer's attorney most likely records a
- mechanic's lien
- quitclaim deed
- lis pendens
- satisfaction of mortgage
Answer: C. A lis pendens is a recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting title to or possession of the property is pending. A buyer suing for specific performance commonly records one so that later purchasers and lenders take subject to the outcome of the case. A mechanic's lien secures payment for work or materials, which is not the buyer's claim.
Topic: Contracts & Leasing · Source: Black's Law Dictionary (12th ed. 2024), "lis pendens"; Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 360 (factors affecting adequacy of damages)
How does a mortgage banker differ from a mortgage broker?
- A mortgage banker never sells loans to investors after closing
- A mortgage banker funds loans itself and usually sells them
- A mortgage banker is limited to making commercial loans only
- A mortgage banker only insures the loans made by others
Answer: B. Mortgage bankers originate and fund loans, often with a warehouse line of credit, and then sell the loans to investors in the secondary market. Brokers only bring the parties together.
Topic: Real Estate Finance · Source: 12 C.F.R. § 1026.2(a)(17) (creditor) and § 1026.36(a)(1) (loan originator, including brokers)
Try the full 20-question South Dakota quiz
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the South Dakota real estate exam?
The South Dakota exam format we found is 90 national questions plus 52 South Dakota questions (142 in total) in 270 minutes. Confirm in the official handbook before exam day.
What is the passing score for the South Dakota real estate exam?
75% on each portion (Official source).
How much does the South Dakota real estate exam cost?
The exam fee we found is $105, paid to PSI Services LLC. Fees change, so check the current handbook.
How many pre-licensing hours does South Dakota require?
116 hours for the entry-level license, according to the sources below. Pre-licensing education must come from a state-approved school; GablePrep is exam prep and is not an approved course.
Official sources for South Dakota
- Regulator: South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation)
- Exam provider: PSI Services LLC
- Official candidate handbook / content outline
Independent exam prep. Not affiliated with any state real estate commission or testing provider. Not an approved pre-licensing course. Not legal advice.