Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the South Dakota data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

To practice as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in South Dakota, the state licensing board requires 1,041 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN. 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 "Diploma or Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $85, and renewal costs $58 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,041 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$85
Renewal Fee
$58
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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 Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 1041 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-PN), and an initial fee of $85. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 1041 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the South Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
South Dakota does require a background check before issuing a licensed practical nurse (lpn) 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 Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn)s in South Dakota must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $58.

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.