South Dakota Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)
The South Dakota real estate exam is administered by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC) and requires 116 hours of pre-license education. South Dakota's state exam covers water rights and mineral rights extensively — mineral interest severance is common in South Dakota, and questions on how severed interests affect title and value appear regularly. The state portion also tests South Dakota's designated agency requirements and the specific provisions of the South Dakota petroleum release disclosure law.
Administered by: South Dakota Real Estate Commission · 142 questions · Passing score: 75%
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Updated May 2026 · South Dakota Real Estate Commission exam outline
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Free South Dakota Real Estate Practice Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these South Dakota real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the South Dakota Real Estate Commission exam and includes detailed explanations.
Q1. Which agency regulates real estate licenses in South Dakota?
Explanation
The South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SDREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate brokers and salespersons in South Dakota.
Q2. In South Dakota, when must an agency disclosure be provided to a potential client?
Explanation
South Dakota law requires that agency disclosure be made at the first substantive contact with a potential client so they understand who the licensee represents.
Q3. Which element is NOT required for a valid real estate contract in South Dakota?
Explanation
Notarization is not required for a valid real estate sales contract. The required elements are offer and acceptance (mutual assent), consideration, competent parties, legal purpose, and in writing (Statute of Frauds).
Q4. Which type of mortgage loan is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Explanation
The VA loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans often require no down payment.
Q5. Which form of co-ownership includes the right of survivorship?
Explanation
Joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship, meaning that when one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant(s) rather than through the deceased's estate.
Q6. In the sales comparison approach to value, an appraiser makes adjustments to comparable sales for differences between the comparable and the subject property. If a comparable sale has a feature the subject property lacks, the appraiser should:
Explanation
When a comparable has a feature the subject lacks (making it superior), the appraiser subtracts the value of that feature from the comparable's price. The goal is to adjust the comparable to match the subject property.
Q7. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on which protected classes?
Explanation
The federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended) prohibits discrimination based on seven protected classes: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability (handicap).
Q8. A title search is conducted primarily to:
Explanation
A title search reviews public records to identify any outstanding liens, encumbrances, easements, covenants, or other defects in the chain of title that could affect the buyer's ownership rights.
Q9. A property sells for $285,000. The total commission rate is 6%. The listing agent and selling agent split the commission equally. How much does each agent's brokerage receive?
Explanation
Total commission = $285,000 × 0.06 = $17,100. Each brokerage receives half: $17,100 ÷ 2 = $8,550. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $285,000 at 6%.. The correct answer is $8,550.. This is a common calculation on the South Dakota real estate exam.
Q10. In South Dakota, the agency responsible for environmental regulation of real property is:
Explanation
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) oversees environmental programs including water quality, air quality, waste management, and contaminated site cleanup.
Q11. South Dakota municipalities adopt zoning ordinances under authority granted by:
Explanation
South Dakota cities and counties adopt zoning ordinances under authority granted by state enabling legislation. Home rule cities have broader authority to enact local ordinances.
Q12. A South Dakota property manager who collects rent on behalf of property owners is performing which activity?
Explanation
Property management activities performed on behalf of others for compensation, including collecting rents, constitute real estate activities requiring a broker's license under SDCL 36-21A.
Q13. How many hours of pre-license education are required to obtain a South Dakota real estate salesperson license?
Explanation
South Dakota requires 116 hours of pre-license education before a candidate may sit for the salesperson licensing exam.
Q14. A licensee who represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction is practicing:
Explanation
Dual agency occurs when a single licensee or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. In South Dakota, this requires informed written consent from both parties.
Q15. Under the Statute of Frauds, real estate contracts in South Dakota must be:
Explanation
The Statute of Frauds requires real estate contracts to be in writing and signed by the parties to be legally enforceable. Oral real estate agreements are generally unenforceable.
Q16. In a fully amortized loan, the monthly payment:
Explanation
In a fully amortized loan, the monthly payment amount remains constant throughout the loan term. However, the portion allocated to interest decreases over time while the portion applied to principal increases.
Q17. Fee simple absolute ownership is best described as:
Explanation
Fee simple absolute is the highest and most complete form of property ownership. The owner has unrestricted rights to use, sell, mortgage, or transfer the property, subject only to government powers and private restrictions.
Q18. The cost approach to value is most useful for appraising:
Explanation
The cost approach is most useful for unique or special-use properties (schools, churches, government buildings) where there are few comparable sales and no income stream. It estimates value as land value plus depreciated cost of improvements.
Q19. Steering is a Fair Housing violation that involves:
Explanation
Steering is the illegal practice of guiding prospective buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
Q20. An owner's title insurance policy protects:
Explanation
An owner's title insurance policy protects the buyer (and their heirs) against financial loss from title defects, liens, or encumbrances that existed before the closing but were not discovered in the title search.
Q21. A buyer purchases a home for $320,000 and makes a 10% down payment. What is the loan amount?
Explanation
Down payment = $320,000 × 0.10 = $32,000. Loan amount = $320,000 − $32,000 = $288,000. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $320,000 at 10%.. The correct answer is $288,000.. This is a common calculation on the South Dakota real estate exam.
Q22. A home built before 1978 in South Dakota requires disclosure of which potential hazard under federal law?
Explanation
Federal law (TSCA/Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) requires sellers and landlords of pre-1978 homes to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide an EPA pamphlet.
Q23. A South Dakota property owner wants to use their property in a way not permitted under current zoning. They should apply for a:
Explanation
A variance allows a property owner to deviate from strict zoning requirements due to hardship. A conditional use permit allows certain uses that are not permitted outright but may be allowed with conditions.
Q24. A South Dakota property management agreement should include all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
While a management agreement needs financial and authority provisions, including an owner's social security number in the agreement itself is not a required element and raises privacy concerns.
Q25. The South Dakota real estate salesperson licensing exam consists of how many questions?
Explanation
The South Dakota real estate salesperson exam contains 140 questions. Candidates must achieve a passing score to obtain their license.
1,500+ questions · Timed mock exams · Detailed explanations
South Dakota Real Estate Exam — What to Expect
What Is On The South Dakota Real Estate Exam?
The South Dakota real estate salesperson exam is administered by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission and tests both national real estate principles and South Dakota-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 142 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75% to pass.
The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to South Dakota — including regulations set by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission, South Dakota agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.
Topics covered on the South Dakota exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, South Dakota License Law. Candidates who struggle on the SD exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but South Dakota law questions require targeted preparation.
Official South Dakota Exam Content Areas
Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission · Updated June 2026
| Content Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| National Section (11 PSI topic areas — South Dakota uses 90 national questions, more than most PSI states) | 90 |
| South Dakota State Section (SD Real Estate Commission rules, licensing law, agency, brokerage) | 52 |
- ▸South Dakota calls its entry-level license 'Broker Associate' — the exam terminology reflects this
- ▸South Dakota's national section is 90 questions (not 80 like most PSI states) — plan additional study time
- ▸Must score 75% on each section — 68/90 national, 39/52 state; sections scored independently
- ▸Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission (dlr.sd.gov/realestate) and PSI Candidate Bulletin (proctor2.psionline.com/programs/Instructions/SDRE.pdf)
Practice South Dakota questions by topic — start with South Dakota License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.
How Many Questions Are On The South Dakota Exam?
The South Dakota real estate salesperson exam has 142 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering South Dakota-specific laws administered by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. You have 4.5 hours to complete the exam.
South Dakota Real Estate Exam Passing Score
You need a 75% to pass the South Dakota real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in South Dakota is approximately 55%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the SD-specific portion. Our South Dakota practice exam is built specifically around the South Dakota Real Estate Commission exam outline.
Read our complete South Dakota exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.
Most Difficult Topics On The South Dakota Exam
These are the areas where South Dakota candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.
South Dakota's 116-hour pre-license requirement is higher than most states. The SDREC's licensing categories, supervision rules, and renewal requirements are tested on the state portion.
South Dakota's water rights and mineral interest severance are major real estate issues. Questions on how severed mineral interests affect title and value, and how water rights transfer with property, appear regularly on the state exam.
South Dakota's petroleum release disclosure law requires specific disclosures when property has been affected by underground storage tank leaks. This state-specific requirement is tested on the SD state exam.
South Dakota's specific rules on designated agency — when a broker can designate different agents to represent buyer and seller within the same firm — are tested on the state portion.
South Dakota Real Estate Math
The South Dakota real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the SD exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.
🧮 See all exam math formulas →How To Get Your South Dakota Real Estate License
- 1Complete 116 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- 2Submit your application to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission and pay the required fees (exam fee: $105).
- 3Pass the South Dakota real estate salesperson exam (142 questions, 75% to pass).
- 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by South Dakota law.
- 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
- 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Best Study Strategy For The South Dakota Exam
Start with South Dakota license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission make up a significant portion of the SD exam and are not covered in most national study materials.
Master the math early. The South Dakota real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.
Take timed practice exams. The South Dakota exam has 142 questions within a 4.5 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.
Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the SD exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of South Dakota law.
Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but South Dakota may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and South Dakota-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.
Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.
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