South Dakota real estate license and CE requirements
What the South Dakota Real Estate Commission asks of licensees, with a link to the official source for every figure.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Next review due October 2027.
South Dakota's entry license is the broker associate. Every licensee renews every two years with 24 hours, at least half of them in required subject areas the South Dakota Real Estate Commission lists, from contracts and license law to antitrust, the Americans with Disabilities Act and property management.
New broker associates complete 60 postlicense hours split across their first two license periods, 30 in each, and those hours count toward renewal. Renewals are due by November 30. An inactive license needs no CE, but reactivating one takes 24 hours that cannot be reused.
South Dakota at a glance
| Licensing body | South Dakota Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License levels | Broker associate (entry level) and broker |
| Broker associate CE | 24 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: At least 12 hours in Required subject areas (Real Estate Contracts, Real Estate License Law, Fair Housing, Ethics, Environmental Issues, Antitrust, Americans with Disabilities Act, Brokerage Services, Property Management) |
| Broker CE | 24 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: At least 12 hours in Required subject areas (same list as broker associates) |
| Post-license education | New broker associates must complete 60 postlicense hours: 30 Required hours in the first active license period and 30 in the second; these hours count toward renewal CE. |
| Renewal | Licenses renew every two years; renewals must be received by November 30, with late fees after that, and a license not renewed by July 1 following the renewal year requires reapplication. |
| Source | SDREC official page, checked October 15, 2026 |
Rules change. The South Dakota Real Estate Commission is the only authority on what you need to renew; where this page and the official source disagree, the official source is right. Blank figures say "Check with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission" because we could not confirm them from an official source.
Optional professional development
Once your CE is done, these ACI designations go deeper on the same ground as parts of the South Dakota requirements. They are voluntary, they are not CE, and you never need them to keep your license.
Certified Transaction Coordination Specialist
Carry every deal from signed contract to closing without a missed deadline.
South Dakota's required topics touch contracts, financing or closing. The CTCS covers contract terms, deadlines and coordinating a deal from signed contract to closing.
Certified Home Listing Specialist
Win the listing, market it well and keep the seller with you to closing.
South Dakota requires CE on disclosure. The CHLS covers the listing appointment, pricing and seller expectations.
Advanced Real Estate Negotiator
The negotiation playbook that protects your clients and your commission.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the AREN is a practical playbook for negotiating offers and counters.
Questions about South Dakota
How many CE hours does a South Dakota broker associate need?
24 hours every 2 years, according to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: At least 12 hours in Required subject areas (Real Estate Contracts, Real Estate License Law, Fair Housing, Ethics, Environmental Issues, Antitrust, Americans with Disabilities Act, Brokerage Services, Property Management).
How many CE hours does a South Dakota broker need?
24 hours every 2 years, according to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: At least 12 hours in Required subject areas (same list as broker associates).
Is there post-license education in South Dakota?
New broker associates must complete 60 postlicense hours: 30 Required hours in the first active license period and 30 in the second; these hours count toward renewal CE. Confirm the details with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Do ACI designations count toward South Dakota CE?
No. Agent Certification Institute designations are voluntary professional credentials, not continuing-education credit. They are not approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission and do not satisfy any part of South Dakota's CE, post-license or renewal requirements.