South Dakota requires the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Licensing is handled by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation). Pre-licensing education: 40 hours of pre-licensing education. Insurance: Not listed in EBPHI's summary.
South Dakota requirements at a glance
| Exam | National Home Inspector Examination with additional South Dakota questions |
|---|---|
| License type | Registered home inspector, then licensed home inspector |
| Pre-licensing education | 40 hours of pre-licensing education. |
| Field training / experience | For a license: at least one year as a registered inspector and 100 paid inspections. |
| Insurance | Not listed in EBPHI's summary. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours per two-year cycle; distance CE is allowed. |
Other requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and good moral character.
Who regulates home inspectors in South Dakota
South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation)
(605) 773-3600 · dlr.realestate@state.sd.us
How to prepare for the exam in South Dakota
The NHIE is 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored) with a 4-hour limit, and you need a scaled score of 500 to pass. It is weighted 70% Property Inspection, 20% Analysis & Reporting and 10% Professional Responsibilities, so weight your study the same way. Take a diagnostic practice test first, drill your weakest categories, and sit at least one full timed practice exam before test day.
Summarized from the state regulation summary published by the NHIE's exam board, checked October 2026. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) before you apply.