Key Takeaways
- South Dakota has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement for Life & Health insurance
- The combined exam has 145 questions (130 scored + 15 pretest) with a 70% passing score
- Pearson VUE administers South Dakota insurance licensing exams
- Individual exams are 90 questions each with $85 fee
- South Dakota Division of Insurance regulates all insurance activities
South Dakota Life & Health Insurance Exam
Welcome to the South Dakota Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers South Dakota-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.
About South Dakota's Life & Health License
South Dakota requires insurance producers to pass the Life and/or Accident & Health examination to sell these products in the state. The license is regulated by the South Dakota Division of Insurance, which oversees all insurance activities in South Dakota.
What This Exam Covers
This guide focuses exclusively on South Dakota state law and regulations:
- South Dakota Division of Insurance structure and authority
- State licensing requirements and procedures
- South Dakota life insurance laws and policy requirements
- Health insurance regulations specific to South Dakota
- State consumer protections and disclosures
- South Dakota-specific policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct under South Dakota law
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Exam Structure
Combined Life and Accident & Health Exam
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 145 (130 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Individual Exams
| Exam | Questions | Time | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance | 90 (75 scored + 15 pretest) | 2 hours | 70% | $85 |
| Accident & Health | 90 (75 scored + 15 pretest) | 2 hours | 70% | $85 |
Pre-License Education Requirements
South Dakota has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement:
- No required classroom hours
- No mandated online courses
- No approved education providers needed
Recommended Preparation
Although not required, most insurance professionals opt to:
- Take a pre-license education course online
- Purchase books or self-study materials
- Study 40-60 hours of exam content
- Take multiple practice exams
Note: While South Dakota doesn't require pre-licensing education, completing a course significantly improves your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Exam Registration
Register for your licensing exam with Pearson VUE:
- Online: pearsonvue.com/sd/insurance
- Options: Physical testing center or remote online proctored exam (OnVUE)
Remote Testing Requirements
Remote exams require:
- Computer or laptop compatible with OnVUE (Pearson VUE's remote testing platform)
- Stable internet connection
- Private, quiet testing environment
- Webcam and microphone
Exam Day Requirements
For in-person testing:
- Bring valid photo ID (state-issued ID or driver's license)
- Arrive early to check in
- No personal items allowed in testing room
License Application Process
After passing the exam:
- Pass Exam: Score 70% or higher on exam
- Apply for License: Use Sircon or NIPR within 12 months of passing
- Pay License Fee: Application fee required
- Processing: Division of Insurance reviews application
- License Issued: Valid for 2 years
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your South Dakota Life & Health license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 10 hours for Life/Health OR Property/Casualty |
| Combined License | 20 hours for both Life/Health AND Property/Casualty |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
Note: South Dakota has lower CE requirements than many other states.
South Dakota Division of Insurance
The Division of Insurance regulates insurance in South Dakota:
Contact Information
- Website: dlr.sd.gov/insurance
- Phone: (605) 773-3513
- Address: 445 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-2000
What This Study Guide Covers
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
- Chapter 1: South Dakota Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Chapter 2: South Dakota Life Insurance Laws
- Chapter 3: South Dakota Health Insurance Laws
- Chapter 4: South Dakota Policy Provisions & Consumer Protections
Work through each chapter systematically, complete all practice questions, and review key takeaways until you can recall them confidently.
Study Recommendations
Timeline
6-8 Weeks Before Exam:
- Begin studying South Dakota insurance law
- Review national Life & Health concepts
- Take diagnostic practice tests
4 Weeks Before Exam:
- Focus on weak areas identified
- Complete practice quizzes daily
- Memorize key South Dakota requirements
2 Weeks Before Exam:
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review South Dakota-specific regulations
- Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
1 Week Before Exam:
- Final review of key topics
- Focus on South Dakota laws and rules
- Get adequate rest
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online
- Choose in-person or remote testing
- If in-person, arrive early at the test center
- Bring valid photo ID
- No materials allowed in testing room
During the Exam
- Read carefully: Every word matters
- Watch for negatives: "NOT", "EXCEPT", "LEAST"
- Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow choices
- Flag difficult questions: Return later
- Manage time: Monitor your pace
- Don't overthink: Trust your preparation
After the Exam
- Results provided immediately
- Passing: Apply for license through Sircon or NIPR within 12 months
- Failing: Reschedule and pay new exam fee
Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the South Dakota Division of Insurance, as laws and requirements may change.
Does South Dakota require pre-licensing education before taking the Life & Health insurance exam?
How many questions are on the combined South Dakota Life and Accident & Health exam?
What is the passing score for South Dakota insurance licensing exams?
How long do you have to apply for your South Dakota insurance license after passing the exam?
How many hours of continuing education are required for South Dakota Life & Health license holders?
Which organization administers South Dakota insurance licensing exams?
What is the exam fee for the combined South Dakota Life and Accident & Health insurance exam?