How to Become an Appraiser in South Dakota
Are you looking to earn or upgrade your real estate appraiser license in South Dakota? No matter where you’re at in your career—whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in South Dakota or looking to upgrade your current credential—McKissock Learning has the appraisal classes and professional development resources needed to launch and grow a thriving appraisal career.
South Dakota Appraiser License: Registered Trainee
How to become an appraiser in South Dakota
In South Dakota, your path to becoming a real estate appraiser begins as a Registered Trainee Appraiser. As a Trainee, you’ll work under a State-Certified Supervisory Appraiser to complete your required on-the-job training. Your supervisor will oversee your work as you practice evaluating properties, analyzing market data, selecting comparable sales, and developing appraisal reports.
Here’s how to become a State-Registered Trainee Appraiser in South Dakota:
Step 1: Complete the required education.
You’ll need to pass 79 hours of South Dakota appraisal education, including 75 hours of AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses and a 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee course:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours)
- Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers and State-Registered Trainees (4 hours)
Step 2: Connect with a Supervisory Appraiser.
Also, you’ll need to find a State-Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will agree to take you on as a Trainee. To expedite the process, start searching for a supervisor while taking the required pre-licensing courses in Step 1.
Step 3: Apply to be a Registered Trainee.
Lastly, apply for your Registered Trainee Appraiser credential by submitting the following to the South Dakota appraiser board:
- Application for Registered Trainee Credential (with notarized signature)
- Application to Register Supervisory Appraiser/Supervisor Agreement
- Copies of Course Certificates
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program at 605.773.6193 for more information.
After I become a Registered Trainee, then what?
Once your Registered Trainee Appraiser credential has been issued, you can begin to work and earn money under your supervisor. On top of logging your required appraisal work experience, you will also need to complete some additional licensing and certification courses and pass the national exam to become a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser in South Dakota.
South Dakota Registered Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours.
*Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers & Registered Trainee Appraisers – 4 hours.
*The state-registered appraiser must attend and successfully complete the Department of Labor & Regulation, Appraiser Certification Program’s approved course entitled: “Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers and State-Registered Appraisers” before becoming licensed/certified. Please note: This is the only course that satisfies this requirement.
2015 AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course Requirement: Both the Trainee Appraiser and Supervisory Appraiser shall be required to complete a course that, at minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB. The course must be completed by the Trainee Appraiser prior to obtaining a Trainee Appraiser credential, and completed by the Supervisory Appraiser prior to supervising a Trainee Appraiser.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in South Dakota
How long does it take to become an appraiser in South Dakota?
You can become a Registered Trainee Appraiser in as little as a few weeks. The entire process to become a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser can be done in a little over 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months—depending on which license level you decide to pursue.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the requirements for each credential level.
Can I work part-time as an appraiser in South Dakota?
Yes. While most appraisers choose this as their full-time career, you may decide to launch a part-time appraisal career if that schedule works best for you. As a new appraiser, you may choose to keep your existing job while completing your appraisal education and training, then transition to full-time when you’re ready.
Appraisers often cite the opportunity to have a flexible schedule and be their own boss among the top reasons they enjoy their appraiser career.
Helpful resources
South Dakota Appraiser License: State-Licensed
How to become a State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota
In South Dakota, State-Licensed Appraisers (sometimes called home appraisers or Licensed Residential Appraisers) can appraise any non-complex 1–4 family residential property with a transaction value under $1,000,000. They may also appraise any non-complex non-residential property or complex 1–4 family residential property with a transaction value under $400,000.
To become a State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota, you must:
- Complete 154 hours of South Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 6 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
Apply to sit for the exam to become a State-Licensed Appraiser by submitting the following to the South Dakota appraiser board:
- Application for State-Licensed Credential (with notarized signature)
- Copies of Course Certificates
- Appraisal Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program at 605.773.6193 for more information.
South Dakota State-Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
154 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours.
Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers & Registered Trainee Appraisers – 4 hours.
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota
Do I need a degree to become a State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota?
No. You can obtain the State-Licensed Appraiser credential without having any college-level education.
How much do Licensed Appraisers make in South Dakota?
According to Salary.com, the average residential real estate appraiser in South Dakota earns somewhere between $46,155 and $93,021, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of South Dakota property appraisers and assessors as $57,240.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that South Dakota residential appraisers earn an average salary of $119,623 per year.4
An appraiser’s annual earnings can vary widely due to factors like license level, years of experience, location, and advanced skills or certifications.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in South Dakota?
According to South Dakota continuing education (CE) requirements, appraisers must take 28 hours of CE courses every 2 years, including the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course (or equivalent). All CE courses may be completed online.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in South Dakota (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in South Dakota (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in South Dakota (Glassdoor)
South Dakota Appraiser License: State-Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in South Dakota
In South Dakota, Certified Residential Appraisers (sometimes called home appraisers) can appraise any 1–4 family residential property, regardless of transaction value or complexity. They are also permitted to appraise any non-complex non-residential property with a transaction value of less than $400,000.
To become a State-Certified Residential Appraiser in South Dakota, you must:
- Complete 204 hours of South Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months, including at least 750 hours of residential experience
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
- Meet one of the following college education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Associate degree in a focused field of study, such as Business, Economics, or Real Estate
- 30 semester hours of college credit in specified topics
- 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit that includes all the specified topics
- Exception: No college education is required for State-Licensed Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Apply to sit for the exam to become a State-Certified Residential Appraiser by submitting the following to the South Dakota appraiser board:
- Application for State-Certified Appraiser Credential (with notarized signature)
- Copies of Course Certificates
- Appraisal Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program at 605.773.6193 for more information.
South Dakota State-Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
204 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours.
Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers & Registered Trainee Appraisers – 4 hours.
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 20 hours.
Experience: 1,500 hours in no fewer than 12 months.
College Education:
1) Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study;
2) Associate’s Degree in a focused field of study, such as business, economics, or real estate;
3) Successful completion of 30 college semester credit hours in specified topics;
4) Successful completion of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)1 exams equivalent to a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in specified subject matter areas; or
5) Any combination of #3 and #4 above that includes all of the topics identified.
6) A LICENSED RESIDENTIAL appraiser who has been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and in good standing for at least 5 years with no disciplinary actions that would affect the individual’s ability to appraise may upgrade to CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL without completing any college coursework.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in South Dakota
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in South Dakota?
No, not necessarily. If you don’t hold a college degree, you’ll need 30 hours of college credits or CLEP exams in specified topics or 5 years of experience as a State-Licensed Appraiser. See above for more information on how to meet the college-level education requirement for the State-Certified Residential Appraiser credential.
How much do Certified Residential appraisers make in South Dakota?
The average yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in South Dakota typically falls between $63,981 and $93,021, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that South Dakota residential appraisers make an average yearly salary of $119,623.2
The main factors that influence appraisal income are license level, location, years of experience, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
How can I earn more money as a real estate appraiser in South Dakota?
As a State-Certified Residential Appraiser, one way to increase your salary potential is to gain specialized professional certifications (e.g., luxury or green home appraiser certification). To further increase your earning potential, consider upgrading your appraisal credential to the highest level: State-Certified General.
Helpful resources
- South Dakota Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
South Dakota Appraiser License: State-Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in South Dakota
In South Dakota, a Certified General Appraiser (also called a commercial appraiser) can appraise any type of property, without regard to transaction value or complexity. This includes both residential and commercial properties. Examples include airports, strip malls, restaurants, hotels, nursing homes, and farmland, to name a few.
To become a State-Certified General Appraiser in South Dakota, you must:
- Complete 304 hours of South Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours of non-residential experience
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
Apply to sit for the exam to become a State-Certified General Appraiser by submitting the following to the South Dakota appraiser board:
- Application for State-Certified Appraiser Credential (with notarized signature)
- Copies of Course Certificates
- Appraisal Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program at 605.773.6193 for more information.
South Dakota State-Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours.
Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers & Registered Trainee Appraisers – 4 hours.
General Appraiser Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours.
Experience: 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months. A minimum of 1,500 hours of the required experience must be in non-residential appraisal work.
College Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a commercial appraiser in South Dakota
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in South Dakota?
Yes. To upgrade your credential to Certified General Appraiser, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher (in any field) from an accredited college or university.
How much do commercial appraisers make in South Dakota?
The average commercial real estate appraiser salary in South Dakota ranges from $40,513 to $123,086, according to Salary.com.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that South Dakota commercial appraisers make an average salary of $82,442 per year.3
A commercial appraiser’s income can vary widely based on years of experience, location, specialty (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and number of hours worked per week.
Helpful resources
- South Dakota Licensing Information
- Appraisal Salary Guide
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade