How many hours of continuing education is a first-year licensee required to complete before their license expires on December 31st?

First-year licensees in South Dakota are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education before their license expires on December 31st. This requirement is part of the state's efforts to ensure that real estate professionals maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry practices, regulations, and trends, which ultimately serves to protect consumers and enhance the professionalism of the industry.

The focus on continuing education is critical, particularly in the early years of a real estate career, as it helps establish foundational knowledge and keeps licensees informed about any changes in laws or practices that could affect their work. By fulfilling this continuing education requirement, first-year licensees are better equipped to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and provide competent service to their clients.