Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the South Dakota data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

South Dakota's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,081 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. South Dakota folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $89 to get started, plus $85 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s should know: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
38/100
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · South Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,081 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C+
$89
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$43/yr
$85 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
2 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,081 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$89
Renewal Fee
$85
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All South Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 3081 education/training hours, passing an exam (ASWB Clinical Exam), and an initial fee of $89. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in South Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 3081 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s nationally works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into South Dakota. Verify the specifics with the South Dakota licensing board.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
South Dakota does require a background check before issuing a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in South Dakota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $85.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) license

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the South Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.