Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What OTs miss in South Dakota
- OT licensing is handled by the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
- South Dakota sets OTA supervision as a fixed share of work hours, up to 25 percent in the first year.
- Licenses renew annually, not every two years.
Can I practice in South Dakota on an OT Compact privilege?
South Dakota has enacted the OT Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a South Dakota license, and a South Dakota license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an OT licensed in another state get a South Dakota license by endorsement?
South Dakota licenses by reciprocity. You file the board's application with a certified copy of your current license from another state, DC or a US territory, plus a copy of the application you filed in that state.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: SDCL 36-31-8; ARSD 20:64:02:02
Which exams does South Dakota require for a license?
The board-approved exam is the NBCOT certification exam. The rules list no state jurisprudence exam.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does South Dakota offer a temporary or limited OT license?
A limited permit is only for graduates scheduled for the next NBCOT exam. It becomes invalid the day a failure notice arrives, can be renewed once, and the holder must keep the board informed of every employer.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: ARSD 20:64:02:03
What OTAs need to know in South Dakota
An OTA with under a year in the current practice area needs 10 hours of OT supervision per 40 work hours (25 percent); after a year, 4 hours per 40 (10 percent). Both the OTA and the OT must notify the board in writing within 15 days when a supervision agreement ends.
How often does a South Dakota OT license renew?
Licenses renew every year, with a $50 renewal fee. Each renewal requires 12 continuing competency points earned in a one-year period, with one point per hour of qualifying education.
- Renews every year
- 12 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in South Dakota?
For a license, we send your NBCOT score and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an OT and $499 for an OTA.