Choosing a reputable online education provider is pivotal to success in the South Dakota real estate industry. The leading online real estate schools in South Dakota offer diverse course formats tailored to accommodate various learning styles for salespersons and brokers for pre- and post-licensing and continuing education (CE). Their comprehensive curriculum addresses exam content and provides students with valuable study tools, resources, and the opportunity to interact with real estate experts and experienced instructors.
We’ve found the six best online real estate schools in South Dakota based on course features, pricing, ease of use, customer reviews, and our expert opinion:
- Best for money-back guarantee: The CE Shop
- Best for post-licensing education: McKissock Learning
- Best for broker prelicensing courses: Cooke Real Estate School
- Best for on-demand video course format: Carol’s Classes
- Best for 1-on-1 coaching and training: Global Real Estate School
- Best for course refund guarantee: 360training Agent Campus
Best Online Real Estate Schools in South Dakota at a Glance
School | Education Provided & Starting Price | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Post-licensing: $39 CE: $39 Exam prep: $79 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Use promo code: FSB30 for 30% off | ||||
 | Post-licensing: $29.95 CE: $39 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | Prelicensing: $699 Broker licensing: $299 Exam prep: $99 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | Prelicensing: $1,295 Broker licensing: $439 CE: $49 |
| ✕ | Phone & email |
 | Prelicensing: $1,499 CE: $3,497 Exam prep: $197 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | CE: $30 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Things you need to know before enrolling for your South Dakota real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to completing your real estate licensure. Check out our Step-by-step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in South Dakota to help you get started.
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The CE Shop: Best Overall for Money-back Guarantee
Pros
- Instructor assistance available
- Access to course for six months
- Course accessible on all devices
Cons
- No livestream courses provided
- Mobile application not available
- Does not offer prelicensing or broker licensing courses
Our Expert Opinion on The CE Shop
A leader in providing online real estate education across the country is The CE Shop. It offers an array of specialized topics to enhance a student’s skill and knowledge and primarily focuses on offering South Dakota real estate continuing education. The CE Shop’s user-friendly and proprietary learning platform allows you to access materials anytime, anywhere, ensuring a flexible learning experience that fits busy schedules.
The CE Shop shines as one of the best online real estate schools in South Dakota with a money-back guarantee—providing a refund if a student is dissatisfied with their course. This demonstrates the school’s commitment to student satisfaction, firmly standing behind the quality of its content. The CE Shop could improve its offering by providing more flexibility in completion and course access time for students who wish to progress at a slower pace.
LEAP learning platform
- Accreditations: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and South Dakota Real Estate Commission (SREC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds within 30 days
- Interactive course materials: The CE Shop’s CE courses utilize interactive materials, such as videos, practice quizzes, and engaging content, to enhance the learning experience and for retention of the course material.
- Mobile-friendly platform: Students receive a user-friendly and mobile-responsive platform that allows them to access their courses conveniently from their smartphones or tablets.
The CE Shop received high praise for its clear and concise course structure. Students appreciated that the courses provided real-life examples that made the learning relevant. One reviewer said key course concepts were thoughtfully reinforced in various ways to ensure thorough absorption. The simplicity and manageability of the free week trial further impressed one reviewer. The platform received an overall customer review rating of 3.4 out of 5.
Several negative reviews highlighted various concerns about The CE Shop’s course delivery approach, which created some challenges for faster readers or those with time constraints. One reviewer said time restrictions within content sections hindered progress and affected completion time for certain courses. Additionally, one student said repurchasing the course results in losing previously completed work. Students who found the technology aspect of the course to be difficult for their abilities should consider a textbook-based provider like Cooke Real Estate School.
The CE Shop offers competitive pricing for its online real estate courses in South Dakota. The course pricing allows real estate professionals to meet their licensing renewal requirements without breaking the bank.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Post-licensing | $39 to $265 |
|
Continued Education | $39 to $209 |
|
Exam Prep | $79 |
|
McKissock Learning: Best for Post-licensing Education
Pros
- Refund guarantee
- Career assistance provided
- Interactive study groups available
Cons
- Course access for less than six months
- No on-demand video format
- Mobile application not provided
Our Expert Opinion on McKissock Learning
McKissock Learning is a trusted choice for online real estate education in South Dakota. Its courses in South Dakota are specialized for experienced agents looking to renew their licenses. The interactive learning approach is up to date with relevant information, and its expert instructors are available to guide you every step of the way. For those seeking a reliable and reputable school to sharpen their real estate skills, McKissock Learning is an excellent option.
For post-licensing education in South Dakota, McKissock Learning emerges as the ideal option—being one of the few online schools to offer this course. The school caters to real estate professionals who have recently obtained their South Dakota real estate licenses and want to deepen their knowledge and expertise. McKissock Learning could improve by incorporating prelicensing courses into its course catalog.
Course dashboard
- Accreditations: ARELLO, International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), and SDREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: 30 days to request a refund from the date of purchase.
- Annual subscription plan: An annual subscription plan grants students unlimited access to all CE courses, allowing them to complete their required credits conveniently without individual course fees.
- Interactive learning tools: McKissock Learning incorporates interactive tools like case studies, practice exams, and real-world scenarios to make the learning process engaging for students.
McKissock Learning garners positive reviews for providing a seamless and user-friendly experience in its online real estate courses. Reviewers said the staff was extremely helpful to those licensed in multiple states. Students said the content was highly relevant to business practices and felt like they were consistently updated. McKissock Learning received an overall customer review rating of 2.75 out of 5, and students emphasize that it outperforms other courses they have taken in the past.
Negative reviews of McKissock Learning criticized the course format as overly basic and reliant on vocabulary definitions and quizzes. The student’s main issue arises with McKissock’s customer service team. One student described it as terrible and disorganized. The visually appealing website was also criticized for its difficulty in navigating. For students looking for a school that provides individualized attention, consider the highly rated Carol’s Classes.
McKissock offers students the option of a cost-effective subscription plan to access multiple CE courses throughout the year for a single fee. Students are also able to individually select their courses to receive a more tailored experience aligned with their interests.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Post-licensing | $29.95 to $239 |
|
Continued Education | $39 to $279 |
|
Cooke Real Estate School: Best for Broker Prelicensing Courses
Pros
- Exam prep materials
- Instructor assistance
- Career assistance
Cons
- No pass guarantee
- Coaching and training not provided
- Course access for less than six months
Our Expert Opinion on Cooke Real Estate School
An established real estate institution with a strong presence in South Dakota is Cooke Real Estate School. The school offers a diverse selection of online licensing courses for aspiring real estate agents and brokers. Its interactive classes feature engaging materials and practical scenarios to help ensure students receive hands-on experience in the real estate industry. Cooke Real Estate School emphasizes personalized support by providing one-on-one guidance to students.
Cooke Real Estate School stands out as the best choice for agents upgrading to a broker license in South Dakota. Its online courses provide in-depth coverage of the necessary topics, and the school’s expert guidance helps agents confidently take the next step in their real estate careers. Cooke Real Estate School could enhance by expanding course offerings to include continuing education for real estate agents seeking to keep their real estate licenses valid.
Course demo
- Accreditation: SDREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: There is no refund once the course is purchased.
- Experienced instructors: A team of experienced and knowledgeable instructors who bring real-world expertise to the courses.
- Flexible learning options: Students can choose between online self-paced courses and in-person classes to suit their schedules and preferences.
Cooke Real Estate School receives glowing reviews for its approach to real estate instruction. Its website showcases the many positive reviews provided by students. The well-designed course structure offers students the flexibility to study at their own pace. Many have found the course highly effective in preparing them for the state exams and helping instill confidence in their real estate career.
Although Cooke Real Estate School has not listed any negative reviews on its site, there are a few areas of improvement to enhance the overall learning experience. Introducing more interactive elements, such as case studies or practical exercises, could help reinforce key concepts and increase engagement. Additionally, providing live instructor support or virtual classroom sessions could offer students the opportunity to ask questions in real time and foster a sense of community. For more interactive learning, students could choose Carol’s Classes instead.
Course pricing for Cooke Real Estate School ranges based on the amount of supplemental materials received for each course.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $699 to $949 |
|
Broker Prelicensing | $299 to $399 |
|
Exam Prep | $99 to $139 |
|
Visit Cooke Real Estate School
Carol’s Classes: Best for On-demand Video Course Format
Pros
- Accessible on all devices
- Career assistance
- Course extension available for a fee
Cons
- No exam prep courses offered
- Livestream format not provided
- Course access for less than 6 months
Our Expert Opinion on Carol's Classes
Students seeking a more intimate and personalized online real estate education experience should consider enrolling in Carol’s Classes. This boutique-style school takes pride in its small class sizes and individualized attention. This allows students to receive personalized feedback and support from experienced instructors. Whether pursuing prelicensing or continuing education, Carol’s Classes offers a nurturing environment for growth and success in South Dakota real estate classes.
Carol’s Classes excel with its on-demand video course format that provides a flexible approach to real estate education. This format allows students to access course materials at their own pace, which makes it an ideal option for individuals with busy schedules. Carol’s Classes could benefit from offering a separate exam prep option for students who need some extra practice before their state exams.
Licensing process (Source: Carol’s Classes)
- Accreditation: SDREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: No cash refunds after the class begins.
- Streamlined user interface: A user-friendly interface lets students navigate through course materials, track their progress, and access additional resources.
- Personalized learning path: Students receive personalized learning paths and individualized attention from instructors, so learning needs are addressed and supported throughout the course.
Carol’s Classes garners an abundance of positive reviews giving it a customer review rating of 5 out of 5. Students expressed immense appreciation for Carol’s teaching abilities and dedication to her student’s success. Her prelicensing classes are highly recommended, and she is credited with helping many individuals pass their tests with flying colors. Carol’s impressive educational background and creative teaching style make learning enjoyable and memorable.
Although Carol’s Classes received a perfect 5-star rating with no negative reviews, there is room for improvement. Carol’s Classes could consider expanding their course offerings to cater to a broader range of real estate topics like professional development or appraisal courses. By addressing these aspects, Carol’s Classes can help meet the evolving needs of their students. Students interested in professional development work should consider Cooke Real Estate School instead.
Carol’s Classes offer accessible options for students seeking flexible real estate training. Students can choose the course format and time frame that best fits their schedules.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $1,295 |
|
Broker Prelicensing | $439 |
|
Continued Education | $49 to $449 |
|
Global Real Estate School: Best for 1-on-1 Coaching & Training
Pros
- Instructor assistance
- Study groups
- Accessible on all devices
Cons
- No mobile application
- Course access for less than six months
- No pass guarantee
Our Expert Opinion on Global Real Estate School
Global Real Estate School partners with the South Dakota School of Real Estate to deliver comprehensive online courses. The school offers online and live courses to help students meet state requirements and pass the final exams. There are interactive and self-paced learning modules to cover essential topics in prelicensing and continuing education courses.
South Dakota School of Real Estate was named one of the top online real estate classes in South Dakota for its direct coaching and training course. Students can complete The Principles of Real Estate session in a one-to-one session with instructors. Through individualized coaching sessions, aspiring real estate professionals in South Dakota receive dedicated support from experienced mentors. Global Real Estate School could improve by offering students a pass guarantee to help ease the minds of enrolled students.
Introduction video of the school’s owner and instructor, John Mayfield (Source: YouTube)
- Accreditation: SDREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: You have two days after the enrollment date to cancel and receive a full refund. However, you cannot download any of the course materials to receive a refund.
- Dedicated coaching: Exam prep includes dedicated coaching through videos, audio, exam questions, etc.
- Live classes: Students will complete 16 hours of live in-class training to cover the state-specific information to supplement online learning.
Global Real Estate School receives rave reviews for its excellent study materials. The program received an overall customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5. Many students found the book incredibly helpful, especially for those retaking the exam. Students praised the program for helping them pass the test on the first try. They found the vocabulary section in the back of the books to help them remember real estate terminology.
Although there were few negative reviews on Global Real Estate School, we believe the school could increase its offerings. Its continuing education does not offer the required hours for license renewal. It is more of a professional development course. Additionally, offering extended customer support hours could further improve student satisfaction. Students who would prefer more access to support should consider Cooke Real Estate School instead.
Global Real Estate School offers fixed flat rate pricing for each course.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $1,499 |
|
Continued Education | $3,497 |
|
Exam Prep | $197 |
|
Visit Global Real Estate School
360training Agent Campus: Best for Course Refund Guarantee
Pros
- Livestream courses
- Career assistance
- Accessible on all devices
Cons
- No licensing courses offered
- Instructor access not provided
- Student interaction not available
Our Expert Opinion on 360training Agent Campus
360training Agent Campus offers a robust online learning platform designed to empower South Dakota real estate agents and experienced brokers through its continuing education courses. The South Dakota online real estate classes are set up to help agents meet their 24-hour learning requirement for license renewal. The school offers two packages to meet this requirement, but students are also encouraged to select the elective courses that meet their interests.
As a testament to its commitment to student success, 360training Agent Campus offers a course refund guarantee. In the unlikely event that a student is dissatisfied, 360training Agent Campus ensures that their investment is protected by providing a hassle-free refund process if requested within the required time frame. 360training Agent Campus could improve its South Dakota course by providing prelicensing courses for students who like their platform learning style.
Course catalog (Source: 360training Agent Campus)
- Accreditations: SDREC, IDECC, and ARELLO
- Refund/cancellation policy: Must be requested within 72 hours of purchase and have completed less than 50% of the course.
- A la carte: Customize your CE experience by building a curriculum based on your interests and preferences.
- Up-to-date credits: Upon successfully completing each CE course, students will receive a certificate of completion. The school will also report your earned credits to SDREC promptly within 10 days of course completion.
360training Agent Campus receives positive reviews for its online self-paced program, giving it an overall customer review rating of 4.1 out of 5. Students appreciate the convenience of the self-paced format that allows them to study at their own pace. One student enjoyed the embedded videos within the course. It made learning engaging and more interactive.
The school did receive negative reviews concerning its customer service. In particular, one student was not satisfied with the issuance of Department of Licensing (DOL) cards. Some students have reported not receiving their DOL cards after completing courses several months ago. The customer service team was unresponsive and refused to provide updates or assistance. For a program with better customer service response, students should consider McKissock Learning.
Continuing education courses are available at affordable rates. Students can select from individual courses or packages.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Continued Education | $30 to $150 |
|
Visit 360training Agent Campus
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in South Dakota
We evaluated the best six online real estate schools in South Dakota based on the school’s reputation, quality of course offerings, and instructor qualifications. These six schools provide learning opportunities whether you are an aspiring real estate agent or a seasoned agent seeking to meet your license requirements. The quality of your real estate education will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining your future success at Mount Rushmore State.
The CE Shop ranked highest among the best real estate schools in South Dakota due to its exceptional features. The school impressed us with its flexible learning experience, continuing education, and exam prep self-paced courses. The money-back guarantee offered by The CE Shop demonstrated its commitment to student satisfaction and the quality of its classes. Overall, The CE Shop emerged as the top choice by providing a well-rounded and reputable education option for South Dakota real estate agents.
How we determined the best online real estate classes in South Dakota.
25% of Overall Score
Consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of each level of education for different stages of licensure. This would include pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
15% of Overall Score
Extending services past licensure such as coaching and training and career assistance. Also, whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The difficulty of the South Dakota real estate exam can vary depending on individual preparation, knowledge, and experience. It is generally considered challenging due to the extensive coverage of real estate laws, regulations, and practices. To increase their chances of passing the exam, aspiring real estate agents are encouraged to enroll in reputable prelicensing courses that will provide a thorough review of these topics prior to taking final exams.
To become a licensed real estate agent in South Dakota, candidates must fulfill several requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete 116 hours of prelicensing education from an approved real estate school.
- Applicants must undergo a criminal background check to ensure they meet the state’s eligibility criteria.
- Candidates must pass the South Dakota real estate license exam.
- New agents must affiliate with a licensed real estate broker to practice legally as a real estate agent in South Dakota.
- Candidates must submit a license application to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission and pay the required fees.
The cost of online South Dakota real estate license classes can vary depending on the school and the type of courses selected. Prelicensing courses tend to be more expensive compared to continuing education courses. For prelicensing education, the cost can range from approximately $600 to $1,300 or more. The school’s reputation, course materials, and additional resources offered can play an important part in their pricing.
