How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in South Dakota

Who can apply

• You must complete a 75-hour Board-approved nurse aide training program.
• You must pass a Board-approved skills evaluation and the Board's CNA knowledge exam (75% to pass).
• You must submit the Board's online CNA application with an affidavit that you have committed no act of misconduct.

Step by step

1. Complete the Board's online CNA initial application.
2. Complete a 75-hour Board-approved nurse aide training program.
3. Pass the skills evaluation: an RN Skills Evaluator tests you on four skills chosen by the Board, during the program's skills lab or at the end of the program.
4. Your instructor registers you in Headmaster's SD TMU system; pay (if self-pay) and schedule the knowledge exam onsite or with a remote RN proctor.
5. Pass the knowledge exam with at least 75%.
6. If all requirements are met, the Board adds you to its CNA registry. Check your status on the Board's CNA Verification site.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: South Dakota requires 75 hours of theoretical instruction and supervised practical training, including an initial 16 hours of theory and skills before any direct client contact and 16 hours of supervised practical training in a nursing facility or comparable setting (ARSD 20:48:18:09). This matches the 75-hour federal minimum. SDBON approves programs.

Exam: Two parts. The skills evaluation is given by your training program's RN Skills Evaluator using four Board checklists assigned by your birth month and day; the program director sends the forms to the Board. The knowledge exam is given by D&SDT-Headmaster: 80 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, onsite or with a remote RN proctor, with an optional audio version. Fee: $45 for the first exam and $45 for each retake. You need 75% to pass; if you fail you may retake two times, and after a third failure your instructor must give you more instruction.

What it costs in South Dakota

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

What other sites get wrong about South Dakota

Staying on the registry

Renewal: Registration is valid for two years and renews by your birth date. You may renew online up to 90 days before expiration. You need at least 12 hours of in-service education each year of the preceding two years (including dementia management and reporting abuse, neglect, exploitation and misappropriation; nursing school courses do not count) and at least 12 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services in the preceding two years. If your registration lapses or you lack the hours, file the Board's Lapsed Reinstatement Application (allow 5 business days for review). If you do have the required work and in-service hours you are reinstated to active status; if not, you must retake and pass the CNA knowledge exam and a skills evaluation.

Online options: The knowledge exam can be taken from home with a remote RN proctor. The 75 training hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training, and the skills evaluation are through your Board-approved program; SDBON does not state that classroom hours may be online.

Good to know in South Dakota

Training done elsewhere: If your training was not approved by SDBON, you must request an equivalency determination on the Board's form.

Nursing students and inactive nurses: SDBON has a separate pathway for nursing students and inactive nurses; see the Board's Nursing Students & Inactive Nurses page.

Transferring from another state: Apply online for CNA registration by endorsement. You must have completed a nurse aide training program of at least 75 hours, have no findings or convictions of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property, and submit an affidavit of no misconduct with evidence of active CNA registration on another state's registry (ARSD 20:48:16:13).

Sources

• SDBON - Certified Nurse Aide Student Initial Registration Requirements (updated 8/13/2026)
• SDBON - Skills Evaluation (updated 9/29/2026)
• SDBON - CNA Registration Renewal
• SDBON - Nursing Assistants
• D&SDT-Headmaster - South Dakota Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (Aug. 14, 2026)
• ARSD 20:48:16 - Certified Nurse Aide and Medication Aide Registry
• ARSD 20:48:18 - Certified Nurse Aide Training Program
• SD Board of Nursing - CNA Registration by Endorsement
• SDBON - CNA Lapsed or Inactive Registration