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How to become a licensed Elevator Mechanic in South Dakota. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
South Dakota does not require a state license for elevator mechanics. South Dakota does NOT license individual elevator mechanics at the state level.
Elevator Mechanic — CEI/QEI
Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No
License Required
N/A yrs
Apprenticeship
Required
Journeyman Exam
No statewide elevator code adopted
Elevator Code
N/A hrs
CE Hours
N/A
Total Initial Fees
Training & Apprenticeship
VerifiedApprenticeship Required
Not Required
IUEC Training
IUEC/NEIEP training recommended by industry but not required by state
Apprenticeship Program
No state-mandated apprenticeship for elevator mechanics
Technical School
No state education requirement for elevator mechanics
Elevator mechanics typically complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship through the IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) or an equivalent state-approved program. Training includes classroom instruction in electrical systems, hydraulics, mechanical systems, and elevator codes, combined with extensive on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman elevator mechanic.
Certification Requirements
VerifiedNAEC Certification Not Required
National Association of Elevator Contractors
Elevator Code Adopted
No statewide elevator code adopted
Journeyman Exam
No state examination for elevator mechanics
QEI certification through NAESA International for inspection work
Additional Certifications
Elevator mechanics must comply with ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) as adopted by their state, which may include state-specific amendments. NAEC (National Association of Elevator Contractors) certification and QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) certification through NAESA International are widely recognized industry credentials. A journeyman examination is required in most licensing states.
Apprenticeship & OJT Experience
VerifiedN/A yrs
Apprenticeship Years
N/A
OJT Hours
No state experience requirements for elevator mechanics
Qualifying Experience
Most states require a 4-5 year apprenticeship with a minimum of 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman elevator mechanic. Qualifying experience includes installation, maintenance, repair, and modernization of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and other vertical transportation equipment.
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedNo State License Required
State License Title
No state license required
South Dakota does NOT license individual elevator mechanics at the state level.
Approximately 35 states require licensure for elevator mechanics. States that do not require statewide licensure include Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Even in non-licensing states, IUEC journeyman status and NAEC certification may be required by employers or for government contracts.
Practice Scope & Specialties
VerifiedInstallation
Authorized
Repair
Authorized
Maintenance
Maintenance, service, and repair of elevator equipment; no state licensing required
Modernization
No individual mechanic licensing; local jurisdictions may have requirements
Inspection
QEI certification typically required for inspection work
Elevator mechanics work on the installation, maintenance, repair, modernization, and inspection of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and other vertical transportation equipment. QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) certification is typically required for performing acceptance and periodic inspections. Some mechanics specialize in specific equipment types such as traction elevators, hydraulic elevators, or escalators.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
No
Comity Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states that license elevator mechanics offer reciprocity or endorsement for mechanics licensed in other states. Requirements typically include verification of current license, completion of an approved apprenticeship program, documented work experience, and completing a background check. Some states may require passing their journeyman examination.
South Dakota is one of the few states with virtually no state-level regulation of elevator mechanics. There is no statewide elevator safety code, no state licensing requirement for mechanics, and no state inspection program. Any regulation that exists comes from local municipalities. This makes South Dakota one of the least regulated states for elevator work in the country.
South Dakota does NOT license individual elevator mechanics at the state level.
There is no statewide elevator safety code or inspection program.
Local jurisdictions may adopt their own elevator codes and requirements.
IUEC/NEIEP training is recommended by industry but not required by the state.
Sioux Falls and other larger cities may have local elevator ordinances.
There is no interstate compact for elevator mechanics.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Processing
#1 of 51
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Licensing Requirements
N/A
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Licensing Requirements
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South Dakota does not require licensure for elevator mechanics. A journeyman examination must be passed. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.