Free South Dakota Real Estate Practice Exam
South Dakota real estate broker associate practice exam. 142 questions covering national content and South Dakota state law.
South Dakota Real Estate Exam
Practice by South Dakota Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal. Core national content.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
South Dakota State Law
SDREC rules, broker associate license, Responsible Broker, Limited Agency, methamphetamine disclosure, trust accounts, and SD-specific regulations.
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Full SD Real Estate Practice Exam
National and South Dakota-specific questions combined to match the real South Dakota broker associate exam structure.
About the South Dakota Real Estate Exam
The South Dakota real estate broker associate licensing exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC). South Dakota uses unique licensing terminology: the entry-level license is called "Broker Associate" (not salesperson), and the supervising licensee is called "Responsible Broker". Before sitting for the exam, candidates must complete 116 hours of SDREC-approved pre-license education (100 national hours + 16 SD live classroom hours — the SD hours must be in-person, not online). South Dakota requires mandatory E&O insurance. After passing, candidates have only 60 days to submit the license application — one of the shortest windows in the country.
The exam has 142 scored questions: 90 national (150 minutes, 75% = 68/90) and 52 South Dakota-specific (120 minutes, 75% = 39/52), totaling 4.5 hours. South Dakota's agency framework uses "Limited Agency" as its term for dual agency (requiring prior written consent from both parties). The methamphetamine disclosure requirement (requiring disclosure if the property was used for meth manufacturing) is uniquely tested. Education is valid for 2 years; application must be filed within 60 days of the passing notice.
South Dakota Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Agency & Contracts (National) | 25 | Agency relationships, fiduciary duties, purchase agreements |
| Property Ownership (National) | 12 | Real vs. personal property, ownership types, legal descriptions, PLSS |
| Finance (National) | 14 | Mortgages, FHA/VA/conventional, RESPA, TILA, closing costs |
| Regulations (National) | 20 | Fair housing, zoning, environmental law, property management |
| Calculations (National) | 19 | Math, CMA, appraisal, prorations |
| SD — SDREC & License Law | 13 | SDCL 36-21A, Broker Associate & Responsible Broker, 116-hr pre-ed (16 SD live), 60-day app window, 24-hr CE/2 yrs |
| SD — Agency Relationships | 15 | Single Agency, Limited Agency (= dual agency), Appointed Agency, Real Estate Relationships Disclosure form timing |
| SD — Property Disclosures | 12 | Property Condition Disclosure (before offer), methamphetamine disclosure, sex offender disclosure |
| SD — Transactions & Property Law | 12 | Trust accounts, adverse possession (20-yr/10-yr with color of title), SD fair housing, contracts |
Study Tips for the South Dakota Real Estate Exam
South Dakota's most tested exam topics: the Broker Associate/Responsible Broker terminology (always tested — never say "salesperson" in SD); the Limited Agency term for dual agency; the methamphetamine disclosure; the 60-day application window; the 16-hour live classroom SD requirement (cannot be done online); and South Dakota's adverse possession statute (20 years open/continuous/hostile OR 10 years with color of title plus tax payments). The 52-question state section with a 75% threshold means you must get 39 correct — leave no points behind.
Licensing nearby? See the North Dakota practice exam or the Nebraska practice exam. National content is in our national real estate practice exam.
How to Get Your South Dakota Real Estate License
There are four steps to get your South Dakota real estate salesperson license. Most people finish in two to five months.
Steps to Get Your South Dakota Real Estate License
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-License Education | Complete 116 hours at a state-approved school. Topics include principles, contracts, finance, and South Dakota law. |
| 2. Licensing Exam | Take the 140-question exam through PSI. It covers national concepts and South Dakota state law. You need 70% to pass. |
| 3. Submit Application | Send your results, background check, and fees to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. |
| 4. Activate with a Broker | Attach your license to a sponsoring broker. You cannot work with clients or earn commissions until you do. |
What to Focus On for the South Dakota State Exam
The South Dakota state exam pays close attention to South Dakota agency relationships and the Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Know these rules well. They appear on the exam and come up in daily practice.
Our free South Dakota real estate practice exam covers both national and state content. You can also try the national real estate practice exam or the real estate exam study guide.
Interested in where this license leads? See our guide to real estate careers — including salary ranges, how to break in, and what the career looks like day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota Real Estate Exam
How many questions are on the South Dakota real estate exam?
The SD broker associate exam has 142 scored questions: 90 national (150 min, 75% = 68/90) and 52 SD-specific (120 min, 75% = 39/52), totaling 4.5 hours. PSI administers. No online proctoring.
What is a Broker Associate in South Dakota?
South Dakota calls its entry-level real estate license a "Broker Associate" — not a salesperson. The supervising licensee is called a "Responsible Broker." This terminology is unique to South Dakota and is consistently tested on the state exam. The Broker Associate must affiliate with a Responsible Broker to practice.
What is Limited Agency in South Dakota?
South Dakota uses the term "Limited Agency" for what most states call dual agency — where one agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. Limited Agency requires prior written consent from both parties (SDCL 36-21A-138). South Dakota also recognizes Single Agency (exclusive representation) and Appointed Agency (where different agents within the same brokerage represent each party).
What is South Dakota's methamphetamine disclosure requirement?
South Dakota requires sellers to disclose if a property was ever used as a site for manufacturing methamphetamine (meth). This is a South Dakota-specific disclosure requirement separate from the standard property condition disclosure. Properties with prior meth manufacturing history present health hazards requiring specialized remediation, making this disclosure important for buyer protection.
South Dakota Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | 116 hours (South Dakota-approved school) |
| Exam Questions | 140 questions (national + state sections) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| License Type | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Licensing Authority | South Dakota Real Estate Commission |
Key South Dakota-Specific Topic to Know
Beyond national real estate principles, the South Dakota exam places particular emphasis on South Dakota agency relationships and the Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Understanding your state's specific requirements in this area is essential for both passing the exam and practicing real estate effectively in South Dakota.
Our free South Dakota real estate practice exam covers both the national and state-specific content you need to pass. For a broader review of general principles, see the national real estate practice exam and the real estate exam study guide.
Track Your South Dakota Real Estate Progress
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