Licensed Professional Counselor / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Licensed Professional Counselor 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 mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the South Dakota data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Becoming a licensed licensed professional counselor in South Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,581 training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. South Dakota regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $75, and renewal costs $71 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For licensed professional counselors, the reciprocity picture is: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,581 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$71
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Licensed Professional Counselor 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 Professional Counselor in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 2581 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $75. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 2581 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Licensed Professional Counselor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in South Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $71.

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.