Do you need a real estate license to be a property manager?

Yes, Montana requires property managers to be licensed. Property managers are licensed under a separate program from real estate salespersons and brokers, administered by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. The property manager application fee is $50 plus a $5 contingent litigation fee, and property managers must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to maintain an active license.

Sources: MT DLI BSD — Property Manager License; Montana DLI — RE Broker Licensing.

South Dakota requires licensure for property management activities. The state offers a Property Manager license, which requires a 40-hour Fundamentals of Property Management course, a 75% exam score, and application approval. South Dakota also offers a Residential Rental Agent license, which has no educational or experience requirements but still requires application approval through the Real Estate Commission.

Sources: SD DLR — RE License Types & Requirements.