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
Last updated: January 2026

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 DetailRequirement
Total Questions145 (130 scored + 15 pretest)
Passing Score70%
Time Limit2 hours 30 minutes
Test ProviderPearson VUE

Individual Exams

ExamQuestionsTimePassing ScoreFee
Life Insurance90 (75 scored + 15 pretest)2 hours70%$85
Accident & Health90 (75 scored + 15 pretest)2 hours70%$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:

  1. Pass Exam: Score 70% or higher on exam
  2. Apply for License: Use Sircon or NIPR within 12 months of passing
  3. Pay License Fee: Application fee required
  4. Processing: Division of Insurance reviews application
  5. License Issued: Valid for 2 years

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your South Dakota Life & Health license:

RequirementDetails
Total Hours10 hours for Life/Health OR Property/Casualty
Combined License20 hours for both Life/Health AND Property/Casualty
Renewal CycleEvery 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:

  1. Chapter 1: South Dakota Insurance Regulation & Licensing
  2. Chapter 2: South Dakota Life Insurance Laws
  3. Chapter 3: South Dakota Health Insurance Laws
  4. 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

  1. Register with Pearson VUE online
  2. Choose in-person or remote testing
  3. If in-person, arrive early at the test center
  4. Bring valid photo ID
  5. No materials allowed in testing room

During the Exam

  1. Read carefully: Every word matters
  2. Watch for negatives: "NOT", "EXCEPT", "LEAST"
  3. Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow choices
  4. Flag difficult questions: Return later
  5. Manage time: Monitor your pace
  6. 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.

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South Dakota Life & Health Licensing Path
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Does South Dakota require pre-licensing education before taking the Life & Health insurance exam?

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How many questions are on the combined South Dakota Life and Accident & Health exam?

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What is the passing score for South Dakota insurance licensing exams?

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How long do you have to apply for your South Dakota insurance license after passing the exam?

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How many hours of continuing education are required for South Dakota Life & Health license holders?

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Which organization administers South Dakota insurance licensing exams?

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What is the exam fee for the combined South Dakota Life and Accident & Health insurance exam?

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