South Dakota Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
South Dakota does not require general CE hours to renew an RN license; instead, you need 140 practice hours in any 12 months (or 480 hours in 6 years). Renewal: Biennial, on birth date (2nd calendar year after issuance). CE reporting: No upload: you attest at renewal and keep your certificates in case of audit. Verified against the South Dakota board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
No CE; practice 140 hrs in any 12 mo or 480 hrs in 6 yrs
Cycle & deadline
Biennial, on birth date (2nd calendar year after issuance)
LPN / LVN
No CE; same practice-hours rule as RN
Reporting
No
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: South Dakota board of nursing (ARSD 20:48:03:16) · Excerpt-based: confirm with board
South Dakota CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | No CE; practice 140 hrs in any 12 mo or 480 hrs in 6 yrs |
| LPN / LVN | No CE; same practice-hours rule as RN |
Required (mandatory) topics in South Dakota
None specified by the board.
South Dakota license renewal deadline & cycle
Biennial, on birth date (2nd calendar year after issuance)
How to renew your South Dakota nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: No CE; practice 140 hrs in any 12 mo or 480 hrs in 6 yrs.
- Report or record CE: No.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the South Dakota board site.
- Keep certificates in case of audit.
Renewal fees & late renewal
RN renewal fee: not yet verified by us. Check your board's renewal page for the current fee.
Late renewal: late fees and lapse rules vary; check your board's renewal page. Don't practice on an expired license.
Is South Dakota a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. South Dakota is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take South Dakota-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
South Dakota nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a South Dakota RN need?
No CE; practice 140 hrs in any 12 mo or 480 hrs in 6 yrs.
When does a South Dakota nursing license expire?
Biennial, on birth date (2nd calendar year after issuance).
What mandatory CE topics does South Dakota require?
No specific mandatory topics are listed by the board.
Does South Dakota use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
No.
Do South Dakota LPNs/LVNs need CE?
No CE; same practice-hours rule as RN.
Is South Dakota a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. South Dakota is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/20:48:03
Rule: ARSD 20:48:03:16
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-read official page Oct 16, 2026; values match.
This page is based on an excerpt of the official source. Confirm with the board.