State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). South Dakota Department of Health: Become a Nurse Aide ↗ · terminology checked November 6, 2026.
South Dakota at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | South Dakota Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 3, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See South Dakota CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 3, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in South Dakota?
Initial registration requires a 75-hour Board-approved nurse-aide program.[1] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- The instructor assists knowledge-exam registration through Headmaster SD TMU after the application, training and skills evaluation steps.[1]
- Complete the Board online application, approved training and separate skills evaluation, then pass the knowledge exam; the Board adds qualifying candidates to the registry.[1]
- The current Board instructions separate the skills evaluation from the TMU knowledge exam; use both current instructions.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
South Dakota Board-approved nurse aide training programs ↗[1] [2] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm individual program approval and current enrollment directly with the school.
Where did this information come from?
- Student Initial Registration Requirements — SD Board ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Page updated August 13, 2026.
- Board-approved NATPs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Official list linked from current student requirements page
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to South Dakota?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: South Dakota Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
CNA registration by endorsement — CNAs actively registered in another state
Key requirement: 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.
What are the first steps for CNA registration by endorsement?
Apply through SDUAP
Complete the Board-linked online interstate endorsement application.
Verify registry status
Check the Board’s verification website before relying on active registration.
What else should you know?
- Use the current Board website at sdbon.org.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the fee, uploads and who sends verification.
- Temporary work permission and processing time are not guaranteed.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in South Dakota?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years, by your birth date. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 12 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the preceding two years. |
| CE or in-service | At least 12 hours of in-service education each year, including dementia management and how to prevent and report abuse, neglect, exploitation and misappropriation of property. |
| Renewal window | The Board of Nursing sends a renewal notice at least 90 days before your registration expires. Not getting the notice doesn't excuse a late renewal; if you miss the deadline, your registration is listed as lapsed. |
| If the credential lapses | If you don't meet the work or in-service requirements, you must pass a Board-approved knowledge exam and skills evaluation to renew or reinstate. |
South Dakota CNA registrations renew every two years, by your birth date. You need at least 12 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the past two years and at least 12 hours of in-service education each year, including dementia management and abuse prevention and reporting. The Board sends a notice at least 90 days ahead. If you miss the deadline, you're listed as lapsed; without the work or in-service hours, you must pass the knowledge exam and skills evaluation.
Source: Registration by Endorsement ↗ ARSD 20:48:16 ↗
Open the official South Dakota registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state