State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). South Dakota Department of Health: Become a Nurse Aide ↗ · terminology checked November 6, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. South Dakota Board of Nursing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to South Dakota?
Route to review: CNA registration by endorsement. Check all the conditions for this route. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in South Dakota?
Initial registration requires a 75-hour Board-approved nurse-aide program.
- The instructor assists knowledge-exam registration through Headmaster SD TMU after the application, training and skills evaluation steps.
- Complete the Board online application, approved training and separate skills evaluation, then pass the knowledge exam; the Board adds qualifying candidates to the registry.
Official training directory: South Dakota Board-approved nurse aide training programs ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
CNA registration by endorsement
CNAs actively registered in another state
- Complete at least a 75-hour nurse-aide training program, hold active other-state registration and have no abuse, neglect or property-misappropriation findings or convictions.[1]
- The rule requires the Board application, a no-misconduct affidavit and evidence of active other-state registration.[4]
Apply through SDUAP
Complete the Board-linked online interstate endorsement application.[1] [2]
Verify registry status
Check the Board’s verification website before relying on active registration.[1]
Official route: Online SDUAP interstate endorsement. [1] [2] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in South Dakota?
For a lapsed South Dakota listing, complete the reinstatement application. Qualifying work and continuing education can support reinstatement; without the required hours, knowledge and skills evaluation are required.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
Active other-state registration evidence is required. Confirm who sends verification in the later application steps.[2] [4]
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What else should you know?
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application and third-party charges. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the fee, uploads and who sends verification.
- Temporary work permission and processing time are not guaranteed.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the South Dakota planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (CNA registration by endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in South Dakota? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Registration by Endorsement ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Page updated September 15, 2026; requirements and application link.
- CNA Interstate Endorsement Application ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Public applicant and contact page.
- Lapsed or Inactive Registration ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Updated September 29, 2026.
- ARSD 20:48:16 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · ARSD 20:48:16:14 (effective September 8, 2025): biennial renewal by birth date; notice at least 90 days before expiration; 12 paid hours of nursing or nursing-related services in the preceding two years; 12 hours of in-service each year, including dementia management and abuse, neglect, exploitation and misappropriation prevention and reporting; otherwise pass the knowledge exam and skills evaluation.