How Do You Become a Home Inspector in South Dakota?

Are you interested in becoming a home inspector in South Dakota? We’ve compiled the six steps you’ll need to start your new career as a registered home inspection professional. Read the steps below and check out our pricing packages to learn about South Dakota home inspection pricing options.

See SD Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Prerequisites:

  • Work as a registered home inspector for a minimum of one year
  • Complete at least 100 home inspections for compensation

Once you’ve satisfied those requirements, submit a completed experience log to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. You can choose to work on your own or for a multi-inspector firm while you gain experience; these inspections do not have to be supervised. Once licensed, there is no distinction between the duties and responsibilities of a licensed home inspector and those of a registered home inspector.

  1. Complete 40 Hours of a South Dakota-Approved Home Inspection Course

    The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation requires a license to work as a home inspector, and choosing the right training will set you apart and help you build your brand as a reputable inspector. The 40-hr. recommended South Dakota-approved home inspector course aligns with topics on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).

  2. Complete the National Home Inspector Exam

    After completing your home inspector education, the next step is to register for (and pass) the National Home Inspector Exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored). Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225, depending on your location. This test is known to be difficult, and enrolling in Exam Prep is an excellent way to fully prepare for your exam.

  3. Complete a Federal & State Background Check With Fingerprints

    Before you take your exam, you’ll need to get a federal and state background check done, as well as updated fingerprinting. You can visit the South Dakota Attorney General’s website to start this process. The fees to complete these requirements come out to $43.25 and can be submitted as a check or money order.

  4. Provide Proof of Insurance

    South Dakota home inspectors are not required to obtain any insurance, but many local real estate boards and home inspector business franchises do require their members to have certain coverage. Be sure to check with any organization you’re affiliated with to see if you need to obtain insurance.

    Although no insurance is required, it’s in your best interest to obtain Errors and Omissions insurance. E&O insurance helps cover claims of negligence, errors in your services, misrepresentation, inaccurate advice, omissions, and violations of good faith and fair dealing.

  5. Pay $200 Application Fee & Apply

    Once you’ve completed your 40-Hr. South Dakota home inspector course and passed the National Home Inspector Exam, you’ll move on to apply for your license. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application and pay the $200 application fee.

  6. After Working for One Year and Performing at Least 100 Home Inspections, Upgrade Your License to Licensed Home Inspector

    Keep in mind that in South Dakota, you must first apply to be a registered home inspector. Once you’ve fulfilled the pre-requisites, you can apply to be a licensed home inspector.

See SD Course Pricing & Packages
Free Home Inspector Webinar

Quick Facts:

  • Your South Dakota home inspection license expires every two years.
  • To keep your South Dakota home inspection license active, you’ll need to complete 24 hours of Continuing Education by 12/31 of the year your license expires.

Want To Learn More?

There’s a reason why over 70,000 students have chosen us. Check out the home inspector online course with AHIT and see for yourself. Most packages include books, videos, exercises, practice questions, a certificate of completion & more!

Request Your Free Catalog & Get Started Today!

Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.

After signing up, you will occasionally receive newsletters and special offers via email. We will never sell or distribute your email address to any third parties. View our Privacy Policy.

South Dakota Home Inspector License Requirements

Requirements to Become a South Dakota Home Inspector

South Dakota’s home inspector registration is two-tiered:  Registered Home Inspector and Licensed Home Inspector.  Inspectors must first apply as a Registered Home Inspector prior to completing the requirements to become a Licensed Home Inspector.

  • South Dakota home inspection education hours: 40 hours
  • Exam Required: NHIE (registered inspector)
  • Inspections required: 100 fee paid inspections (licensed inspector)
  • Application Fee: $200(registered inspector)/$200 (licensed inspector) (other fees may apply)
  • Previous Experience: none (registered inspector)/at least one as a Registered Home Inspector (licensed inspector)
  • Notarized application is not required
  • Background check is required (state and federal)
  • No minimum age requirement
  • High School or GED is required

Home Inspection License Expiration: 11/30 every two years

South Dakota Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements

  • 24 hours every two years

South Dakota State Licensing Board