# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in South Dakota

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 23, 2026
**Updated:** January 23, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in South Dakota requires doctoral-level education, supervised experience, and passage of required examinations. School psychologist certification and supervised training roles are administered separately. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists] (https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/psych/psych.aspx)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in the state. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited or equivalent program is required.
    
- Programs not APA-accredited must demonstrate equivalency under SDCL 36-27A and related administrative rules.
    
- Continuing education is required for license renewal as defined by ARSD 20:60.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must complete a minimum of one year of supervised post-doctoral psychology practice.
    
- Typical pathways include approximately 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, divided between doctoral internship and post-doctoral work.
    
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Applicants must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
    
- Applicants must also pass an oral examination administered by the Board.
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in South Dakota**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 School psychologist certification is managed separately by the [South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE)] (https://doe.sd.gov/)  for school-based practice. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Completion of a specialist-level or higher graduate program in school psychology approved by [NASP] (https://www.nasponline.org/)  or SDDOE.
    
- Completion of a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours completed in a school setting under a certified school psychologist.
    
- Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination.
    
- Fingerprint-based background checks.
    
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- The SDDOE School Psychologist Certificate authorizes practice within prekindergarten through grade 12 educational settings.
    
- Certified school psychologists may provide psychoeducational assessment, consultation, counseling, intervention, and crisis support.
    
- Independent or private practice outside of schools requires separate licensure by the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level License**  
    
- South Dakota does not issue an independent psychologist license at the master’s level.
    
- The recognized licenses under the Board are doctoral-level only.
    
 ### **Other Roles**  
    
- The Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees psychologists, post-doctoral residents, and trainees under supervision.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Licensed psychologists may independently engage in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and research in psychological services.
    
- School psychologist certification limits practice to educational settings.
    
- Only doctoral-level licensure is available for independent practice in psychology.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in South Dakota**  
  
 South Dakota is a **participating PSYPACT state** . [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/)  is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- South Dakota psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, supervised experience (including a post-doctoral year), and passage of the EPPP and oral exam.
    
- Continuing education is required for license renewal.
    
- School psychologist certification is managed by the Department of Education for PK–12 educational settings only.
    
- No independent psychologist license is available at the master’s level; only doctoral-level licensure is recognized for independent practice.
    
- South Dakota participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Department of Education are the authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult these agencies for current requirements.    
 **Important Note:**  Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.