2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

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

Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the South Dakota data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Becoming a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in South Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and 1 year 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 "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

Upfront cost is $86, with renewal running $78 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 80-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$86
Renewal Fee
$78
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year
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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, the license path calls for, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and a $86 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in South Dakota?
Certification as a certified public accountant (cpa) in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to South Dakota from another state?
Reciprocity for certified public accountant (cpa)s nationally works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into South Dakota. Verify the specifics with the South Dakota licensing board.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for certified public accountant (cpa) licensing in South Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in South Dakota?
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in South Dakota must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $78.

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