Key Takeaways
- South Dakota broker associate applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident
- Pre-license education requirement is 116 hours of approved coursework
- The exam has 142 questions total: 90 national and 52 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 75% on each portion (68/90 national, 39/52 state)
- Total exam time is 4.5 hours; exam fee is approximately \$98
South Dakota License Requirements
South Dakota has specific requirements for broker associate and responsible broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Broker Associate License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident
- Meet statutory requirements per SDCL Chapter 36-21A
- Pass a criminal background check
- Submit fingerprints to the state
2. Education Requirements
Complete 116 hours of pre-license education from an SDREC-approved school:
| Course Content | Hours |
|---|---|
| National portion preparation | 100 hours |
| South Dakota state-specific content | 16 hours (live classroom) |
| Total | 116 hours |
Note: Education is valid for 2 years from the completion date of the pre-licensing course.
3. Examination
| Detail | Broker Associate Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 142 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 90 questions (150 minutes) |
| State Portion | 52 questions (120 minutes) |
| Time Limit | 4.5 hours total |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $98 |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Fingerprints submitted to state
- Fee of approximately $50 (payable to DCI)
- SDREC reviews results for suitability
5. Exam Passing Requirements
| Portion | Questions | Passing Score | Minimum Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 90 | 75% | 68 questions |
| State | 52 | 75% | 39 questions |
Responsible Broker License Requirements
To become a South Dakota responsible broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed broker associate.
Education Requirements
Complete 24 additional hours of responsible broker education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original broker associate education | 116 hours |
| Responsible broker course | 24 hours |
| Total | 140 hours |
Responsible Broker Examination
Must pass both the national and state portions of the licensing exam with a 75% score on each section.
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $225 (non-refundable) |
| Exam fee | $98 |
| Background check fee | $50 (effective Oct. 1, 2025) |
Application Process
- Complete education at SDREC-approved school (116 hours)
- Pass course final exam with 75% or higher
- Submit fingerprints for background check
- Register for state exam through PSI
- Pass both exam portions (75% each)
- Submit application within 60 days of passing exam
- Pay application fee ($225)
- Find responsible broker to affiliate with
- Activate license through responsible broker
Critical Deadline: You must file your broker associate license application within 60 days of passing the exam. Applications received after 60 days void the exam score.
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