The Path to Becoming a South Dakota Appraiser
To become an appraiser in South Dakota, you must complete a sequence of education, testing, and work experience that takes between two and five years depending on the credential level you pursue. South Dakota recognizes four tiers: Trainee Appraiser, Licensed Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, and Certified General Appraiser. Each tier requires more classroom hours, a passing exam score, and supervised work experience before you can sit for the next level.
The South Dakota Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board oversees all credentials and maintains the registry of active appraisers. You cannot skip levels — you must start as a Trainee, move to Licensed, then pursue either Certified Residential or Certified General depending on the property types you want to appraise.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota requires 120 hours of classroom instruction for a Trainee Appraiser license, followed by 2,000 hours of supervised work experience before you can test for Licensed status.
- Licensed Appraisers need 180 additional classroom hours and 2,500 more hours of supervised experience to sit for the Certified Residential exam.
- The Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board approves all education providers and exam sites, and you must register as a Trainee before beginning any work.
- Your supervising appraiser must sign off on your work hours and submit verification to the Board before you become may be able to access to test.
- Exam fees, education costs, and background check fees total roughly $1,500 to $3,000 across all credential levels, though this varies by provider.
Step 1: Register as a Trainee Appraiser
Before you take any classroom hours or work a single property, you must register with the South Dakota Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board as a Trainee Appraiser. This registration is free and requires a completed process form, proof of high school graduation or GED, and a background check. The Board processes applications within two to three weeks.
Once registered, you receive a Trainee Appraiser number. You cannot legally perform appraisals or log work hours without this number. Your registration is valid for two years, and you must renew it annually if you have not yet moved to Licensed status. If you do not complete the education and testing requirements within two years, you must reapply and may need to repeat some coursework depending on how long you have been inactive.
Step 2: Complete 120 Hours of Classroom Instruction
The South Dakota Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board maintains a list of approved education providers on its website. These providers offer the 120-hour Trainee course either in person or online. The course covers property valuation methods, market analysis, property inspection, report writing, and South Dakota appraisal law. Most providers break the 120 hours into modules you can complete over four to eight weeks.
You do not need to finish all 120 hours before you start working as a Trainee — you can begin logging supervised hours while still in class. However, you cannot sit for the Licensed Appraiser exam until you have completed all 120 hours and received a certificate of completion from your education provider. Keep this certificate; you will need to submit it when you register for the exam.
Step 3: Work 2,000 Supervised Hours as a Trainee
After registering as a Trainee, you must find a Licensed or Certified Appraiser willing to supervise your work. This supervisor reviews your appraisals, signs off on your work, and submits hour verification to the Board. You cannot log hours without a supervisor, and the Board will not count hours worked without proper documentation.
The 2,000 hours must be spread over at least 12 months — you cannot compress them into a shorter period. Most Trainees work part-time while completing education, logging 15 to 25 hours per week. Your supervisor must document each appraisal you complete, the property type, and the date. When you have reached 2,000 hours, your supervisor submits a Trainee Work Experience Verification form to the Board. This process takes two to four weeks.
Step 4: Pass the Licensed Appraiser Exam
Once you have completed 120 classroom hours and 2,000 supervised hours, you are may be able to access to sit for the Licensed Appraiser exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across South Dakota. You register through the Board's website and pay the exam fee, which is currently $150. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering valuation methods, appraisal standards, and South Dakota law. You have three hours to complete it.
A passing score is 75 percent. If you fail, you can retake the exam after 30 days. Most candidates pass on the first attempt if they have completed the education and worked through the supervised hours. After you pass, the Board issues your Licensed Appraiser credential, which is valid for two years and must be renewed annually.
Step 5: Pursue Certified Residential or Certified General Status
As a Licensed Appraiser, you can appraise residential properties up to four units and non-residential properties with no dollar limit. If you want to appraise residential properties with no limit or move into commercial and industrial work, you must pursue Certified status. Certified Residential requires 180 additional classroom hours and 2,500 more supervised hours. Certified General requires 300 classroom hours and 3,000 supervised hours.
The classroom hours for Certified credentials cover advanced valuation, income approach methods, commercial property analysis, and report writing. You work under a Certified supervisor during the additional supervised hours. After completing both requirements, you sit for the Certified exam — the same format as the Licensed exam but with more complex scenarios. Certified credentials are valid for two years and require annual renewal.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
South Dakota requires all appraisers to complete 28 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license. At least 7 of those hours must cover the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The remaining 21 hours can be any appraisal-related topics approved by the Board. Approved providers include the Appraisal Institute, the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, and other organizations listed on the Board's website.
Renewal happens biennially on your license anniversary date. You must submit proof of continuing education hours, pay the renewal fee (currently $100 for Licensed and $125 for Certified), and confirm you have no disciplinary actions. If you let your license lapse, you must reapply and may need to repeat education depending on how long you have been inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an appraiser while I am still a Trainee?
Yes. You can begin logging supervised work hours as soon as you register as a Trainee, even if you are still completing your 120 classroom hours. However, you cannot sit for the Licensed exam until you have finished all classroom instruction and accumulated 2,000 supervised hours.
What if I cannot find a supervising appraiser?
Contact the South Dakota Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board directly — they maintain a list of appraisers willing to supervise Trainees. You can also reach out to local appraisal firms, real estate offices, and mortgage companies, as many employ supervisors who take on Trainees.
How much do appraisers earn in South Dakota?
Income varies widely based on location, property types, and whether you work independently or for a firm. Rural areas typically pay less than urban centers. Most appraisers charge per appraisal rather than hourly, with fees ranging from $300 to $600 for residential properties depending on complexity and market conditions.
Do I need a college degree to become an appraiser?
No. South Dakota requires only a high school diploma or GED. However, some appraisers pursue college degrees in real estate, finance, or business to strengthen their knowledge and marketability.
How long does the entire process take?
Most people reach Licensed status in two to three years, assuming they work full-time hours as a Trainee and pass exams on the first attempt. Reaching Certified Residential takes an additional two to three years. The timeline depends on how quickly you accumulate supervised hours and how many exam attempts you need.