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How to become a CNA in South Dakota. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via SDHCA. Total initial fees: $207.50. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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57% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via SDHCA
Exam Provider
$207.50
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 12 hours of paid CNA employment during the 24-month renewal period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
South Dakota Board of Nursing
605-362-2760
Program Approval Body
South Dakota Board of Nursing and Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the South Dakota Board of Nursing
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
South Dakota Board of Nursing and Department of Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via SDHCA
Written Exam Details
80
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
4
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass both exams within 3 attempts and 4 months of eligibility; retraining required if not passed
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; Medicare/Medicaid-funded facilities must cover all training costs under OBRA 87 | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Knowledge exam $78.50 + Skills exam $99; audio knowledge exam available for $89 | $177.50 |
State Registration Fee No fee to process the initial CNA application | $0 |
Background Check Fee Background check fee | $30 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam fee ($177.50) and background check ($30); excludes training program tuition. No state application fee. | $207.50 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN); a licensed nurse must educate, train, delegate tasks, and supervise nurse aides
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 12 hours of paid CNA employment during the 24-month renewal period
Work Requirement
24
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If certification lapses, must retrain and retest
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Must apply for reciprocity through the SD Board of Nursing, provide verification of active certification from previous state
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#33 of 51
Cost
#42 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$35,010
25th percentile
Median
$38,070
-4% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$41,440
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,520 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+222% salary growth potential
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CNA
$38,070
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$38,070
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$49,170
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$69,510
MSN or DNP + national certification
$122,600
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Dakota Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
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South Dakota requires 75 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via SDHCA competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.