South Dakota CNA License Guide: Get, Verify, Renew & Transfer – 2025

To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in South Dakota, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the nurse aide competency evaluation, and be listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for certification, verify your status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer credentials from another state, in accordance with regulations from the South Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBON) and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH).

How to Get Your CNA License in South Dakota

The CNA certification process is managed by the DOH and SDBON. Testing is administered by D&SDT-Headmaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU^®) system. Follow these steps to obtain your license:

Step 1: Complete the Training Enrollment Verification Form

Download the CNA Training Enrollment Verification Form. Complete Section A-2 and have your employer, school, or sponsoring organization complete Section A-3. Upload the form with your registration application.

Step 2: Submit the Initial Registration Application

Visit the Initial Registration Application page. Fill out all required fields and upload the verification form. There is no application fee. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Step 3: Wait for Eligibility Review

Allow 5 to 7 business days for processing. Then check your status on the Verification Portal. If “eligible,” you may enroll in training. If your name does not appear, contact DOHOLCComplaint@state.sd.us.

Step 4: Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program

Select a program from the approved list. Programs must include:

• 75 hours of instruction
• 16 hours of supervised clinical experience

If employed by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility at the start of training, the facility must cover your costs. If hired within 12 months of completing the program, you are entitled to reimbursement.

Step 5: Activate Your TMU Account

After training, your provider will upload your details to TMU. You will receive an email with login instructions. Visit the TMU portal, reset your password, and complete your demographic profile.

Step 6: Schedule and Pass the CNA Exam

Once your TMU profile is complete and marked eligible, schedule both exams. You must pass the knowledge and skills components.

Exam Format

• Knowledge Exam: 80 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing score
• Skills Exam: 3–4 tasks, including one mandatory task (e.g., hand hygiene, catheter care, or perineal care)

You must pass both exams within three attempts and four months of eligibility. Otherwise, retraining is required.

Step 7: Get Listed on the Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, Headmaster notifies the DOH, and your name is added to the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

State-Approved CNA Programs in South Dakota

The following training programs are approved by the DOH. Consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical access, and job placement support when selecting a program.

1. Avera Education & Staffing Solutions

   1000 W 4th St #9, Yankton, SD 57078

   (605) 668-8475

2. Boxelder Job Corps Center

   22023 Job Corps Pl, Nemo, SD 57759

   (605) 348-3636

3. Monument Health

   Multiple Locations, Rapid City, SD 57701

   (605) 755-1000

4. Sanford Health

   Multiple Locations, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

   (877) 673-0854

5. Sinte Gleska University

   101 Antelope Lake Circle, Mission, SD 57555

   (605) 856-8100

6. Southeast Technical College

   2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107

   (605) 367-5795

How to Verify Your CNA License in South Dakota

The SDUAP system provides real-time, primary source verification of your license status, expiration date, registry type, and any disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Visit the Verification Page

Go to the SDUAP Registration Verification page.

Step 2: Choose a Search Option

Search using:

• Registry number
• Full name
• Social Security number

Step 3: Submit Search

Enter your details and click Submit & Continue.

Step 4: Review the Results

The results table displays:

• Registry number
• Expiration date
• Status
• Discipline
• Registry type

Step 5: Open the Detailed Record

The full record includes:

• Licensee name
• Registry number
• Status
• Registry type
• Registration method
• Discipline
• Original registration date
• Issue date
• Expiration date

How to Renew Your CNA License in South Dakota

You must renew your CNA license every 24 months through the SDUAP portal to remain active on the registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if, within the past 24 months, you have:

• Completed 24 hours of board-approved training (12 annually)
• Worked at least 12 hours in paid CNA employment

Nursing school coursework does not count toward training hours. If you do not meet these requirements, you must apply for reinstatement.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information

Have ready:

• Your name as shown on the renewal postcard
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
• Your registry number (e.g., A0####)

Step 3: Submit the Online Renewal

Visit the SDUAP portal. Follow instructions carefully and avoid using your browser’s back button. Use “Cancel & Exit” to close the session safely.

Step 4: Print the Confirmation

After submitting, a confirmation screen will appear. Save or print it for your records.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in South Dakota

If your certification has expired, you must apply for reinstatement. Eligibility depends on your training and work history.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

You may qualify without testing if you have:

• Worked at least 12 hours as a CNA in the past 24 months
• Completed 24 hours of in-service training in the past two years

Training must cover communication, resident rights, abuse prevention, dementia care, infection control, and ethics. If not, a competency evaluation is required.

Step 2: Submit the Application

• If testing is not required: Reinstatement Application
• If testing is required: Competency Evaluation Reinstatement Application

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Applications are processed within 5 to 7 business days. If testing is needed, the Board will notify you and the South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA), which manages exam registration in TMU.

Step 4: Complete the Competency Evaluation

Schedule exams through TMU. You must pass both:

• Knowledge Exam: 80 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing score
• Skills Exam: 3–4 tasks, no missed key steps

Step 5: Verify Active Status

Use the Verification Portal to confirm your license is active. Do not resume work until your status is updated.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to South Dakota

If you hold an active CNA license in another state, you may apply for South Dakota certification through Interstate Endorsement.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Current CNA certification from another state
• Active, in good standing
• No abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings

Step 2: Complete the Application

Visit the SDUAP Interstate Endorsement page. Complete all required fields.

Step 3: Submit Employment Verification

Have your employer complete the Employment Verification Form. Submit it to the Board.

Step 4: Track Application Status

Check progress in the status portal. Allow 5–7 business days for updates.

Step 5: Work During Review

You may work in South Dakota for up to four months while your application is pending. If not approved within that time, temporary status will expire.

Step 6: Confirm Registry Listing

Once approved, your certification will appear in the SDUAP registry. South Dakota does not issue physical CNA cards.

South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry

The South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by SDBON, is the official database of CNAs authorized to work in healthcare facilities statewide. The registry provides primary source verification of certification status, employment eligibility, and substantiated disciplinary findings. Employers must verify a CNA’s status before hiring, while nurse aides use the system to confirm certification and update personal information through the SDUAP portal.

Contact Information

• Agency: South Dakota Board of Nursing
• Address: 4305 S. Louise Ave., Suite 201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
• Phone: (605) 362-2760
• Fax: (605) 362-2768
• Email: sduap@state.sd.us
• Website: South Dakota Board of Nursing
• Registry Search: South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the required components of the South Dakota CNA training curriculum?

The curriculum must include at least 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, with 16 hours completed before direct patient contact. Topics include communication, infection control, safety, abuse prevention, basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health, dementia care, restorative services, and residents’ rights. Each unit must have measurable objectives.

Can I skip CNA training in South Dakota if I have prior nursing education?

Yes. Nursing students and inactive or lapsed RNs or LPNs may apply to waive the 75-hour training requirement. Submit the CNA Training Waiver Application with a transcript showing a grade of C or higher in nursing fundamentals. If approved, you may take the competency exams without completing a training program.

What is the SDUAP system used for?

The SDUAP system is used for CNA registration, renewal, verification, endorsement, and checking application status.

How do I update my name or address on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry?

You can update your address during renewal. To update your name, submit the Name Change Form to SDBON.

Does South Dakota issue physical CNA certificates?

No. Certification must be verified and printed through the SDUAP system.

Is there a CNA renewal exemption for military service?

Yes. Nurse aides called to active duty may request a renewal exemption, which extends six months after discharge.

Can a CNA in South Dakota request removal of a neglect finding?

Yes. A CNA may request removal of a neglect finding one year after it is added to the registry. Approval depends on whether the incident was isolated and shows no pattern of abuse or neglect.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Enroll in a state-approved CNA program with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Activate TMU account: After training, log in to TMU, complete your profile, and confirm eligibility to test.
• Pass both exams: Successfully complete the knowledge and skills exams administered by Headmaster.
• Listed on the registry: Once both exams are passed, your active status is posted on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Maintain certification by completing 24 hours of approved training and at least 12 hours of paid CNA employment in the past 24 months. Renew online through the SDUAP portal.
• Reinstate if expired: If certification lapses, submit the reinstatement application. A competency evaluation may be required if requirements are not met.
• Transfer by endorsement: Apply through the SDUAP portal with employment verification of CNA work in the past 24 months. You may work for up to four months while the application is under review.

Amanda Jordan Amanda writes clear, regulatory-focused content that guides and supports healthcare professionals in their practice.