South Dakota Insurance Prelicensing Exam Requirements

Updated April 25, 2025

SOUTH DAKOTA INSURANCE PRELICENSING INFORMATION

South Dakota does not require licensing candidates to complete prelicensing education; however, ExamFX highly recommends that you complete an educational course before attempting to take your state’s licensing exam.

WHAT’S IN MY COURSE?

Navigate to ExamFX’s home page and select the line of authority you’re interested in to learn more about our comprehensive insurance training packages.

DON'T FORGET YOUR READINESS EXAM!

ExamFX is so confident in the quality of its material that we offer our customers a first-time pass guarantee. If you don’t pass the first time around, we will refund your money. To qualify for this offer, you must pass our Readiness Exam with a score of 80% to determine maximum exam readiness. While completing this portion of your online course is not required, we highly recommend taking this extra step.

HOW DO I GET MY LICENSE?

Step 1: (optional) Complete an optional prelicensing course that helps prepare you to take and pass your licensing exam.

Step 2: Schedule your exam online with your state’s testing provider, Pearson VUE or call (888) 873-6205. There will be an examination fee and must be paid at the time of reservation. Fees will not be accepted at the test center.

If you need to reschedule your exam, you must do so at least 24 hours prior to your testing appointment or you will forfeit your examination fee. If you are cancelling your appointment, you must do so at least three (3) calendar days prior to your appointment.

Step 3: Take and pass your state licensing exam. On the day of your appointment, you must bring with you one valid form of government issued identification (driver’s license, passport, military I.D., etc.), which must contain a photograph and a signature. You will not be able to take your exam if these requirements are not met.

When candidates complete the examination, they will receive a score report marked “pass” or “fail.” Candidates who pass the examination will receive a score report that includes information on how to apply for a license.

Step 4: Apply for your license at Sircon or NIPR within 12 months of passing the examination.

Step 5: Maintain your license by being aware of your continuing education requirements. Most insurance licenses must be maintained by completing a certain number of credit hours of continuing education each licensing period. ExamFX offers CE courses that will help you comply with your state’s requirements. Click here to view your state’s education rules and stay on top of your license.

WHAT WILL MY EXAM BE LIKE?

Your exam experience is dependent on the line of authority you are testing for, but all licensing exams will be multiple choice and take place on a computer. Review the exam summaries below. The exam content outlines can be found on the testing provider's website.

The breakdown of testing topics can be found here.

The number of questions on your exam
The time limit
The score that you must achieve to pass the exam

South Dakota Life Insurance Agent Examination

85 Total Questions (75 scored, 10 pretest)
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

Train for your test with our South Dakota Life exam prep course.

South Dakota Accident and Health or Sickness Insurance Examination

85 Total Questions (75 scored, 10 pretest)
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

Train for your test with our South Dakota Health exam prep course.

South Dakota Life and Accident & Health Insurance Examination

145 Total Questions (130 scored, 15 pretest)
Time Limit: 2.5 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

Train for your test with our South Dakota Life and Health exam prep course.

South Dakota Property Insurance Examination

85 Total Questions (75 scored; 10 pretest)
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

South Dakota Casualty Insurance Examination

85 Total Questions (75 scored; 10 pretest)
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

South Dakota Property and Casualty Insurance Examination

145 Total Questions (130 scored; 15 pretest)
Time Limit: 2.5 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

Train for your test with our South Dakota Property and Casualty exam prep course.

South Dakota Personal Lines Insurance Examination

110 Total Questions (100 scored; 10 pretest)
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Passing Score: 70%

Train for your test with our South Dakota Personal Lines exam prep course.

South Dakota Insurance Prelicensing Requirements