South DakotaCNA Certification Requirements

South Dakota follows the federal minimum 75 training hours. No fees for initial application or renewal. Testing coordinated through SDHCA with Headmaster. Must pass both exams within 3 attempts and 4 months. Requires 24 hours of in-service training per renewal (double the federal minimum).

South Dakota follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours

The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified (Headmaster), not Pearson VUE

No fee for initial CNA application or renewal

Test scheduling is coordinated through South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA)

Students may work for up to 4 months while training but must obtain registry status before that period ends

24 hours of board-approved in-service training required per renewal period (12 hours minimum per year)

Medicare/Medicaid-funded facilities must cover all training costs under federal OBRA 87

Must pass both exams within 3 attempts and 4 months of eligibility

There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.

Minimum of 12 hours of in-service education annually during the preceding two years