Internationally and foreign educated applicants can apply for a registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) license in South Dakota by exam or by endorsement.

It is illegal to practice as a nurse without a current license or a valid temporary permit.

Licensure by Exam Requirements

Applicants educated internationally, or who completed a non-English speaking nursing education program, who seek to take the PN or RN NCLEX, must meet these requirements.

Download Licensure by Exam Requirements

The applicant must:

  • Successfully complete credential review requirements through Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Request CGFNS to send the report directly to the SD Board of Nursing.
    • Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report (CES).
    • If educated in a non-English speaking education program, successfully pass an English Language Proficiency exam.
  • Complete SD Board of Nursing application once the CGFNS CES report has been submitted to the SD Board of Nursing. Use one of the following:
    • Online Application: If the applicant has a valid US Social Security Number access application through the SD Board of Nursing website.
    • Paper Application: If the applicant does not have a valid US Social Security Number, a paper application must be requested by email: sdbon@state.sd.us

Apply Online  Request a Paper Application

  • Complete a criminal background check using the fingerprint cards provided by the SD Board of Nursing.
  • Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX examination.

In addition to the above, the applicant must:

  • Hold a valid US Social Security Number.
  • Provide proof of South Dakota residency.

  • Pursuant to §§ SDCL 36-9-29 to 32, inclusive, and §§ SDCL 36-9-37 to 36-9-38.1, inclusive, the SDBON has the authority to examine and license duly qualified applicants.
  • Pursuant to SDCL 36-9-97, ARSD 20:48:03:01, ARSD 20:48:03:07, ARSD 20:48:03:08, each applicant for initial licensure is required to submit a full set of fingerprints with a completed application for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal background check.

Licensure by Endorsement Requirements

Applicants educated internationally, or who completed a non-English speaking nursing education program, who have passed the PN or RN NCLEX, must meet these requirements.

Download Licensure by Endorsement Requirements

The applicant must:

  • Be a graduate of an educational program leading to nurse licensure that meets South Dakota nursing education requirements that were in place at the time the nurse graduated from the educational program.
  • Have successfully passed the NCLEX.
  • Complete SD Board of Nursing application by using one of the following:
    • Online Application: If the applicant has a valid US Social Security Number access application on the SD Board of Nursing website.
    • Paper Application: If the applicant does not have a valid US Social Security Number, a paper application must be requested by email: sdbon@state.sd.us

Apply Online  Request a Paper Application

  • Complete a criminal background check using the fingerprint cards provided by the SD Board of Nursing.
  • Request primary source verification of original state of licensure from Nursys.
  • Have your current or previous employer complete the Employment Verification Form verifying the number of hours worked in the nursing profession:
    • At least 140 hours in any 12 month timeframe within the preceding six years OR,
    • An accumulated total of at least 480 hours within the preceding six years.

In addition to the above, the applicant must:

  • Hold a valid US Social Security Number.
  • Provide verification of equivalent nursing education and passing an English Language Proficiency exam by Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or a credential evaluation service approved by another Board of Nursing. The verification must come directly from the credential evaluation service or from the Board of Nursing where previously licensed.

  • Pursuant to §§ SDCL 36-9-29 to 32, inclusive, and §§ SDCL 36-9-37 to 36-9-38.1, inclusive, the SDBON has the authority to examine and license duly qualified applicants.
  • Pursuant to SDCL 36-9-97, ARSD 20:48:03:01, ARSD 20:48:03:07, ARSD 20:48:03:08, each applicant for initial licensure is required to submit a full set of fingerprints with a completed application for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal background check.