How Long to Study for the South Dakota Real Estate Exam

South Dakota requires only 40 hours of prelicense education before the exam. Here's how to plan additional study time.

After 40 Hours: How Much More? **No real estate background**: 5-6 weeks, 1-2 hours/day (40 hours is a light foundation — more additional study needed) **Business/law background**: 3-4 weeks **Licensed in another state**: 2-3 weeks on SD-specific content

Week-by-Week Plan **Week 1**: SDREC and license law — 5-member commission, SDCL Chapter 36-21A, the 40+76 hour education structure, 2-year renewal, 12 hours CE per cycle, 5-year record retention. **Week 2**: Agency — written disclosure at first substantive contact, written buyer agency agreement requirement, dual agency written consent. **Week 3**: SD property law — no transfer tax, no state income tax, deed of trust (non-judicial foreclosure), Seller's Property Disclosure, homestead protection. **Week 4**: National content — financing (TRID), valuation (cap rate), fair housing, contracts. **Week 5-6**: Full timed practice exams (120 questions, 3 hours). Target 78%+ before scheduling.

Scheduling Apply to SDREC at dlr.sd.gov/realestate. Schedule through PSI. Testing centers in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and other locations. Exam fee: $65.

[Start South Dakota practice questions at CARealestate.com/states/south-dakota](https://carealestate.com/states/south-dakota)