Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

What the South Dakota data shows for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)s

To practice as an emergency medical technician (emt) in South Dakota, the state licensing board requires 126 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NREMT Certification Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under South Dakota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

The initial price tag is $37, and renewal costs $35 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, emergency medical technician (emt)s should know: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
126 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$37
Renewal Fee
$35
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 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 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 126 education/training hours, passing an exam (NREMT Certification Exam), and an initial fee of $37. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as an emergency medical technician (emt) in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 126 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
For emergency medical technician (emt)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the South Dakota licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for emergency medical technician (emt) licensing in South Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed emergency medical technician (emt)s in South Dakota must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $35.

Related Guides

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

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