Psychologist / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Psychologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral disorders. Requires doctoral degree.

What the South Dakota data shows for Psychologists

South Dakota sets the entry bar for psychologists at 5,162 training hours and a passing score on EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), 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 "Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)".

The initial price tag is $132, and renewal costs $124 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 40-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For psychologists, the reciprocity picture is: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
24/100
Psychologist · 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
5,162 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$132
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$62/yr
$124 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
2 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)
5,162 hours
Exam Requirement
EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
Required
Initial License Fee
$132
Renewal Fee
$124
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Psychologist 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 Psychologist in South Dakota? ▼
In South Dakota, the license path calls for 5162 education/training hours, a passing score on EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), and a $132 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Psychologist in South Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed psychologist in South Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 5162 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 Psychologist license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for psychologists: PSYPACT: 42 participating jurisdictions. 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 Psychologist licensing? ▼
Yes, South Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the psychologist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Psychologist in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed psychologists in South Dakota must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $124.

Related Guides

What to do with this psychologist license

Psychologist in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a psychologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how South Dakota's psychologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Psychologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state psychologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how South Dakota's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. South Dakota overview

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.