Registered Nurse / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the South Dakota data shows for Registered Nurses

South Dakota sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,081 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-RN. 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 "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $75, and renewal costs $75 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 3 weeks to process once complete. South Dakota doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

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

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
55/100
Registered Nurse · 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
2,081 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C+
$89
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$30/yr
$60 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,081 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$89
Renewal Fee
$60
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 2081 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $89. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in South Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in South Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 2081 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. 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 Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, South Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in South Dakota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $60.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in South Dakota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in South Dakota is $75. The renewal fee is $75 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in South Dakota? ▼
In South Dakota, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how South Dakota's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse 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.