How to Become an EMT in South Dakota

Checked against South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $0. South Dakota charges no fee for an initial, reciprocity, or renewal EMT license (ARSD 20:61:01:11).
Certified by: South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE)

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Who can apply

You must complete a Board-approved EMT education program. Programs must meet or exceed National Registry (NREMT) standards.
You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) EMT exam.
You must hold current NREMT certification or a current EMT license from another state.
You must pass a state and federal fingerprint background check (SDCL 36-4B-13.1).

Step by step

Complete a Board-approved EMT program.
Create a MySD account on the SDBMOE website. You may start your license application up to 30 days before your program ends.
Start a new EMT application. Print the affidavit, attach your photo, and have it notarized. Upload a color copy with the ID you showed the notary.
Complete the fingerprint background check using the card packet the Board mails you, or a livescan appointment at the Board office.
Pass the NREMT EMT exam. You can list it as pending on the application until you test.
The Board issues your South Dakota EMT license after your checklist is complete and the background check results arrive.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete an EMT education program approved by the SDBMOE. State law says approved programs must meet or exceed NREMT certification standards (as of January 1, 2024). No one may offer an EMS education program without Board approval. The state does not set its own hour count.

Exam: South Dakota uses the National Registry (NREMT) EMT exam. State law lets the Board license a person who has passed the NREMT exam. NREMT charges $104 for each EMT exam attempt. The cognitive exam is computer adaptive, 70 to 120 questions, with a 2-hour limit.

Practice for the NREMT EMT exam free — airway, cardiology, trauma, medical and EMS operations →

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.

South Dakota EMT license (initial, reciprocity or renewal)$0
NREMT EMT exam, per attempt$104
Fingerprint background check$
EMT program tuition$

Estimated total in South Dakota$104Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

NREMT EMT exam: $104 per attempt (set by NREMT).
Fingerprint/background check fee: the applicant pays it (SDCL 36-4B-13.1). The Board does not post the amount on its EMS page.
Notary fee for the affidavit, if your notary charges one.
EMT program tuition varies by program.

Pay in South Dakota

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What other sites get wrong about South Dakota

Myth: South Dakota EMTs must recertify through the NREMT National Continued Competency Program (40 hours) to keep a state license.

Fact: South Dakota renewal needs either current NREMT certification or 20 hours of basic life support CE. Keeping NREMT is optional. source

Myth: You get your South Dakota EMT certification from the Department of Health EMS office.

Fact: Since July 1, 2024, the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners licenses EMTs. Apply through your MySD account on the Board site. source

Keeping your certification

Renewal: An initial license expires on April 30 of the second calendar year after it is issued, then every two years. Renewal opens online 90 days before expiration. To renew, keep current NREMT certification or complete 20 hours of basic life support continuing education. You sign a statement on the renewal; do not upload CE certificates unless you are picked for the random audit. There is no renewal fee for EMTs. An expired license is suspended; the Board may reinstate it within 12 months after expiration.

Good to know in South Dakota

Licensing moved in 2024: Since July 1, 2024, EMTs are licensed by the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners, not the Department of Health. Existing EMT certifications moved over to Board licenses automatically.

Practicing without a license: Practicing or claiming to be EMS personnel without a South Dakota license is a Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 36-4B-3).

Moving from another state: You can apply by reciprocity with an active, unrestricted EMS license from another state. There is no fee for an EMT reciprocity license. You still complete the affidavit and background check.

EMS Compact: South Dakota is in the EMS Compact. An EMT with an active, unrestricted license from another Compact state may practice in South Dakota if 18 or older, supervised by a physician medical director, and affiliated with an EMS agency authorized in South Dakota.

Ambulance operator certificate ended: A 2026 law removed the separate ambulance operator (driver) certification, effective July 1, 2026.

Supervision agreement: Every EMT licensee must have a Board-approved supervision agreement with their medical director on file at the Board office. The form is under Forms on the Board website. If you are licensed but not working as an EMT, email the Board for directions.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) before you apply.