South Dakota real estate exam: Questions, topics, and passing score

The South Dakota real estate exam consists of 142 total questions across two portions, testing both national real estate principles and state-specific laws. PSI Services LLC administers the computer-based test at centers in Madison, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, and candidates must score at least 75% on each portion to pass. Familiarity with the questions on a real estate exam before test day gives candidates the best chance of passing on the first attempt.

South Dakota real estate exam overview

The South Dakota broker associate licensing exam is the final requirement between completing pre-licensing education and applying for a license. South Dakota is a "broker only" state, meaning entry-level licensees are called broker associates rather than salespersons. Candidates must complete at least 116 hours of pre-licensing education from a commission-approved provider^[1] before registering for the exam.

The exam previously included a simulation section as a third portion, but that component has been removed. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[2] dated October 1, 2023 confirms the exam now consists of only two multiple-choice portions, national and state, with no simulation component. The SD DLR exam information page^[3] likewise states the exam "consists of two total parts."

Exam format, question counts, and time limits

The broker associate exam includes 142 scored questions across two portions. According to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[2], the national portion contains 90 questions worth 100 points, because some questions are scored up to 2 points. The state portion contains 52 questions worth 52 points. PSI may also include unscored experimental questions that do not affect the score or the time limit.

Both portions can be taken in a single sitting. A candidate who passes one portion but not the other carries the passing score and retakes only the failed portion. The total point count (152) exceeds the total question count (142) because some national-portion questions carry 2 points each.

What topics does the exam cover

The national and state portions test different content areas, and the real estate license exam questions on each portion draw from specific topic outlines in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[2].

National portion topics

The national portion tests general real estate knowledge across 11 content areas. Contracts, agency principles, and practice of real estate together account for nearly half the national exam, making them the highest-yield topics for study time.

State portion topics

The state portion covers South Dakota real estate law across three content areas, with 52 total questions. Statutory requirements governing licensee activities dominate the state exam, accounting for 42 of 52 questions.

How to schedule the South Dakota real estate exam

Candidates must register for the exam through PSI after completing at least 116 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. The SD DLR website^[3] directs candidates to schedule appointments through PSI's online portal or by phone.

Registration requires a credit card payment of $105 at the time of booking. The SD DLR fees page^[4] lists $98 per portion ($294 total for 3 portions), but that figure reflects the older exam structure that included a simulation section since removed. The $105 fee aligns with the current two-portion exam.

A late cancellation or no-show forfeits the exam fee.

What to bring on exam day

Candidates must bring two forms of identification to the test center: a primary government-issued photo ID and a secondary ID with a signature. A silent, non-programmable calculator is permitted. Personal items such as phones, notes, and bags are not allowed in the testing room.

Candidates should arrive early for the scheduled appointment. Arriving late may result in forfeiture of the exam seat and fee.

Passing score and retake policy

Candidates must earn a scaled score of at least 75% on each portion to pass. Passing one portion allows the candidate to carry that score and retake only the failed portion. If both portions are not passed on the same day, the score validity clock starts when the candidate passes the final portion.

PSI imposes no cap on the number of retake attempts. A candidate who fails one portion can schedule a retake for the next available testing day, subject to seat availability. Each retake requires a new registration and fee payment.

Does South Dakota publish an exam pass rate?

No official statewide pass rate is published for the South Dakota real estate exam.

Exam score validity and application deadlines

Passed exam scores are valid for 60 days. The SD DLR exam information page^[3] states that applicants have 60 days from the date of the notice of having passed the exam to file a license application. If the application is not filed within that window, the passing score is forfeited and the candidate must retake the exam.

Separately, broker associate license applications must be filed within two years of completing at least 116 hours of pre-licensing education. A candidate who does not pass the exam and apply within two years of course completion must retake the pre-licensing course before testing again.

Study strategies for passing the exam

Completing at least 116 hours of pre-licensing education is the foundation of exam preparation, but focused review of high-weight content areas improves the odds of passing on the first attempt. On the national portion, contracts, agency principles, and practice of real estate are the three highest-weighted topics. On the state portion, statutory requirements governing licensee activities make up the majority of questions, so mastering South Dakota license law is essential.

A real estate exam prep course can reinforce the material covered in pre-licensing education and provide structured review of the most heavily tested topics. Several providers offer exam prep packages that include practice questions, video lessons, and simulated exams aligned with the PSI content outline.

Practice tests and sample questions

Practice tests help candidates identify knowledge gaps and build familiarity with the exam format before sitting for the real test. Real estate license practice questions allow candidates to assess their readiness and focus study time on weak areas.

For paid practice tests, Pearson VUE^[5] offers broker and salesperson practice tests for $19.95 each. These cover national-level content only and do not include South Dakota-specific questions. PSI^[6] also offers test prep and practice materials for real estate licensure candidates. State-specific practice material is typically available through pre-licensing schools and commercial exam prep providers that structure their content around the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

Next steps after passing the exam

After passing both portions, candidates should immediately file a license application with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. The application fee is $225, per the SD DLR fees page^[4]. Scores expire if the application is not filed within 60 days of the passing notice, so beginning the application process on test day is the safest approach.