Speech-Language Pathologist / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Speech-Language Pathologist 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 communication disorders. Requires masters degree.

What the South Dakota data shows for Speech-Language Pathologists

Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in South Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,081 training hours, a passing score on Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, 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 "Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology".

Upfront cost is $97, with renewal running $89 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, speech-language pathologists should know: Audiology and SLP Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
49/100
Speech-Language Pathologist · 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
3,081 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$97
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$45/yr
$89 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
Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
3,081 hours
Exam Requirement
Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Required
Initial License Fee
$97
Renewal Fee
$89
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Speech-Language Pathologist 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 Speech-Language Pathologist in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota requires 3081 education/training hours, passing an exam (Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology), and an initial fee of $97. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as a speech-language pathologist in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist: 3081 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Speech-Language Pathologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Audiology and SLP Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Speech-Language Pathologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the speech-language pathologist licensing process in South Dakota. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist in South Dakota? ▼
Licensed speech-language pathologists in South Dakota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $89.

Related Guides

What to do with this speech-language pathologist license

Speech-Language Pathologist in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a speech-language pathologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

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.