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.
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.
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.