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

South Dakota Registered Nurse 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 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 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
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$75
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$75
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
Not required
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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

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.