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How to become a home inspector in South Dakota

South Dakota home inspectors are licensed by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed home inspector in South Dakota, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.

Who can become a home inspector in South Dakota?

South Dakota home inspector license requirements

State licenseYes. South Dakota registers and licenses home inspectors through the Real Estate Commission.
Licensed bySouth Dakota Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation)
License nameRegistered Home Inspector / Licensed Home Inspector
Education or trainingMinimum 40-hour pre-licensing course.
ExamSouth Dakota home inspector exam scheduled through PSI.
License termTwo years; renewal due November 30 of the expiration year.
Continuing education24 hours of approved CE by December 31 of the year the license expires.

How much does it cost?

Application fee$200
DCI fingerprint background check$50
Renewal fee$100.00

Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.

Steps to become a home inspector in South Dakota

  1. Complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course
  2. Pass the PSI home inspector exam
  3. Submit fingerprint cards with the $50 DCI fee
  4. Apply as a Registered Home Inspector with the $200 fee
  5. After one year and 100 paid inspections, upgrade to Licensed Home Inspector
  6. Renew every two years with 24 CE hours

Apply on the official South Dakota site

How do you check a home inspector's license in South Dakota?

Questions people ask

Do you need a license to be a home inspector in South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota requires a Registered Home Inspector / Licensed Home Inspector from the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor & Regulation).

How much does a home inspector license cost in South Dakota?

The fees the state lists include application fee $200, dci fingerprint background check $50, renewal fee $100.00. Schools, courses, exam prep and insurance cost extra and vary by provider.

How long does a home inspector license last in South Dakota?

Two years; renewal due November 30 of the expiration year.

How to become a home inspector in other states

Sources: https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/home_inspector_how_to_become.aspx · https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/home_inspection_renewal_information.aspx · https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/forms/Home_Inspector_Application.pdf. Expert Helper is not a government agency; rules change, so confirm with the state before you apply.