South Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant License
South Dakota DOH
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
Not officially specified
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Training Enrollment Verification Form — Required for initial applicants to prove intent to train; must be signed by the applicant and the training coordinator.
- Employment Verification Form — Required for endorsement and renewal to prove work history under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for identification at the testing center and for application processing.
- Social Security Number — Required for registry identification and background verification.
How to Apply
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Complete Training Enrollment Verification Form ▾Download and complete Section A-2 of the Training Enrollment Verification Form. Have your training provider or employer complete Section A-3.
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Submit Initial Registration Application ▾Submit the online Initial Registration Application to the South Dakota Department of Health BEFORE enrolling in a training program. You must upload your completed Verification Form during this step.
Submit Initial Application -
Wait for Eligibility Review ▾Allow 5-7 business days for the DOH to process your application. Check your status on the Verification Portal; you may only start training once your status shows 'Eligible'.
Check Application Status -
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program consisting of at least 75 hours of instruction, including 16 hours of clinical experience.
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Activate TMU Account ▾After training, your provider will upload your records to the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. You must sign in to activate your account and verify your information.
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Schedule and Pass Competency Exams ▾Register for the Knowledge and Skills evaluations through the TMU portal. You must pass both components to be listed on the registry.
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Confirm Registry Listing ▾Once you pass the exams, Headmaster notifies the DOH. Verify your active status on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. South Dakota does not issue paper certificates.
Verify Registry Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
Not officially specified
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the South Dakota DOH for current transfer requirements.
Steps
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Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state.
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Submit Interstate Endorsement Application ▾Complete the online application for endorsement into the South Dakota registry.
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Submit Employment Verification ▾Have your current or previous employer complete the Employment Verification Form to prove you have worked as a nurse aide.
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Work Under Temporary Status ▾You may work as a CNA in South Dakota for up to 4 months while your endorsement application is being processed.
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Confirm Final Approval ▾Check the SDUAP registry to confirm your South Dakota certification has been issued.
Verify Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Dakota DOH
Keeping Your License Active
South Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Dakota DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Starting Training Prematurely
▾
Enrolling in or starting a training program before the DOH has reviewed your initial application and marked you as 'Eligible' will result in training hours not being recognized.
Incomplete Verification Forms
▾
Applications are often delayed if the Training Enrollment or Employment Verification forms are missing signatures or required employer details.
Missing Social Security Information
▾
Failure to provide a valid SSN or providing an incorrect one prevents the DOH from verifying your identity and eligibility.
Employer Response Time
▾
For endorsement, delays often occur when out-of-state employers are slow to return the required employment verification forms.
Questions
How long is my South Dakota CNA certification valid?
▾
Certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial registration or last renewal.
What are the renewal requirements for a CNA in South Dakota?
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You must have at least 12 hours of paid nurse aide work and 12 hours of in-service training per year (totaling 24 hours of each over the 2-year cycle).
Is there a fee for the initial CNA application?
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There is no fee for the initial registration application submitted to the DOH, though there are fees for the competency exams administered by Headmaster.
Can I work in South Dakota while my endorsement is pending?
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Yes, you are permitted to work as a CNA for up to 4 months while your interstate endorsement application is being processed.
Does South Dakota issue a physical CNA card?
▾
No, South Dakota does not issue physical cards. Verification is performed online through the official SDUAP registry.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes