Marriage and Family Therapist / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Marriage and Family Therapist 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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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the South Dakota data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

South Dakota sets the entry bar for marriage and family therapists at 2,581 training hours and a passing score on MFT National Examination, with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under South Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Budget $93 to get started, plus $89 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 36 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity picture is: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,581 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$93
Renewal Fee
$89
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Marriage and Family Therapist 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 Marriage and Family Therapist in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota's requirements cover 2581 hours of education or training, the MFT National Examination exam, and an initial fee of $93. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist 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 Marriage and Family Therapist license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. 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 Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
South Dakota does require a background check before issuing a marriage and family therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in South Dakota? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in South Dakota, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $89.

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.