How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in South Dakota
To become a licensed psychologist in South Dakota, you need either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. doctoral degree, followed by 1,800 hours of supervised predoctoral experience, one year of postdoctoral supervised practice, and passing scores on two exams: the national EPPP and South Dakota’s oral examination. The full process typically takes 10 to 12 years.
South Dakota is one of the most underserved states in the country for mental health care. Large portions of the state are federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), meaning the available provider workforce falls short of what the population needs. Rural counties and tribal communities face the most acute gaps. Licensed psychologists work across hospital systems, outpatient clinics, tribal health programs, and private practices, often in areas where they’re among the few providers available.
The path to licensure here is demanding but well-defined. You need a doctorate, supervised field hours across two distinct phases, and passing scores on two separate exams. If you’re still deciding whether psychology is the right path or how a psychologist’s role differs from an LCSW, that’s worth sorting out before committing to a 10-year training program. Here’s how each licensure requirement works.
The Education Path Starts with a Doctorate
The first step is a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a closely related field. You don’t need an undergraduate psychology major to get into graduate school, but most doctoral programs expect some background in research methods, statistics, and human development. Your undergraduate years are also a good time to pursue internships and build relationships with faculty who can support your graduate school applications.
Many students pursue a master’s degree before entering a doctoral program, and some doctoral programs award a master’s degree along the way. At the graduate level, you’ll develop clinical skills, research competencies, and theoretical knowledge in psychology. A master’s credential also has value on its own in adjacent licensed mental health fields, but it won’t qualify you for licensure as a psychologist in South Dakota.
South Dakota requires a doctorate from a regionally accredited university or a school recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. The state accepts two doctoral options: a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). A Ph.D. typically emphasizes research and requires a dissertation, which often makes it a longer program. A Psy.D. is more clinically focused and may take less time to complete. Both pathways lead to eligibility for licensure in South Dakota.
| Stage | Degree | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field | 4 years | Foundation for graduate school applications |
| Graduate (optional step) | Master’s in Psychology | 2 years | Not required for licensure; some doctoral programs confer it along the way |
| Doctoral | Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology | 4 to 7 years | Required for SD licensure; must be from a regionally accredited institution. |
Supervised Experience and the Provisional License
During your doctoral program, you must complete a supervised psychology internship of at least 1,800 hours over no more than two calendar years. At least two-thirds of those hours must be supervised by a licensed psychologist with a doctoral degree. Your supervisor must verify a minimum of two hours per week in formal face-to-face individual supervision and one hour per week in supervised learning activities, such as case conferences or co-facilitated group therapy.
After earning your doctorate, you must complete one year of supervised postdoctoral practice. This is full-time work, defined as 40-hour workweeks, with two hours per month of face-to-face supervision from a licensed psychologist. South Dakota issues a provisional license for this period, which allows you to practice under supervision while accumulating the required hours. You must apply for and receive approval from the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists before beginning your supervised postdoctoral work.
Once your postdoctoral year is complete, you’ll submit documentation to the Board and move forward with the examination requirements for full licensure. The Board oversees all aspects of psychology practice in the state, including applications, renewals, complaints, and disciplinary actions. Current requirements and application forms are available through the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Examination Requirements
Two exams are required for full licensure in South Dakota. The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a 225-item multiple-choice exam (including scored and unscored questions) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It covers eight content areas, including biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, and professional ethics. South Dakota sets its own minimum passing score.
The second exam is South Dakota’s oral examination, administered directly by the Board of Examiners. It generally covers the clinical practice of psychology, professional ethics, and South Dakota laws and administrative rules. Both exams must be passed before the Board will issue a full license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | Ph.D. or Psy.D. from a regionally accredited institution |
| Predoctoral internship | 1,800 hours over no more than 2 years, completed during doctoral program |
| Postdoctoral supervised practice | 1 year (40-hour weeks), completed after degree; provisional license available |
| EPPP | 225-item exam (scored and unscored questions) administered by ASPPB; SD sets passing score |
| South Dakota oral exam | Administered by the Board; covers clinical practice, ethics, and SD laws |
| License renewal | Annual renewal before July 1. Confirm current CE hour requirements with the Board |
Renewal, Reciprocity, and What Psychologists Earn
South Dakota psychology licenses must be renewed annually before July 1. Renewal requires continuing education. Contact the Board of Examiners of Psychologists directly for current hour requirements and any category specifications, as these may change. Keeping up with CE matters not just for renewal but for staying current in an evolving field.
If you’re already licensed as a psychologist in another state, South Dakota may offer a pathway to licensure by endorsement or credentials review. This isn’t automatic. You’ll need to meet the Board’s criteria and submit the required documentation. Contact the Board of Examiners of Psychologists directly for current requirements, as the process and standards can change.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists in South Dakota earn a mean annual wage of $87,040. Career settings range from major hospital systems like those in Sioux Falls and Rapid City to rural outreach programs, tribal communities, correctional facilities, and private practice. The mental health shortage in the state means demand for licensed psychologists remains strong across nearly every region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Dakota require a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association?
No. South Dakota does not require APA accreditation for doctoral programs. Programs must come from a regionally accredited university or a school recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and they must meet the state’s specific educational and practicum requirements. That said, an APA-accredited program may strengthen your application and is often preferred by employers.
Can I work as a psychologist while completing my postdoctoral hours?
Yes, with Board approval. South Dakota issues a provisional license that allows you to practice under supervision during your postdoctoral year. You must apply to the Board of Examiners of Psychologists and receive approval before beginning supervised postdoctoral work. The provisional license is not a shortcut. It’s a structured pathway that keeps you accountable to the Board throughout the process.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in South Dakota?
The full process typically takes 10 to 12 years. A bachelor’s degree takes four years. Doctoral programs range from four to seven years, depending on whether you pursue a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. and how quickly you complete your dissertation or clinical requirements. Add at least one year for postdoctoral supervised experience, and additional time for examination and licensure applications.
What does the South Dakota oral examination cover?
The Board of Examiners of Psychologists administers the oral exams. Generally, it covers three areas: the clinical practice of psychology, professional ethics, and South Dakota laws and administrative rules governing psychology. It’s a separate requirement from the national EPPP, and both exams must be passed before full licensure is granted.
Can I transfer my psychology license from another state to South Dakota?
South Dakota may offer a pathway to licensure by endorsement or credentials review for psychologists already licensed in other states. This isn’t automatic transferability. You’ll need to meet the Board’s current criteria. Reach out to the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists for current guidelines, as requirements may change.
Key Takeaways
- A doctorate is the non-negotiable starting point. South Dakota accepts both a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. from a regionally accredited program. A master’s degree alone won’t qualify you for licensure.
- Supervised experience spans two distinct phases. You need 1,800 predoctoral hours during your program and a full year of postdoctoral practice after graduation.
- A provisional license lets you work while completing your postdoctoral hours. You must apply for and receive Board approval before starting.
- Two separate exams are required. The national EPPP and South Dakota’s own oral examination covering state law and clinical ethics must both be passed before full licensure.
- Licenses renew every year before July 1. Continuing education is required. Check with the Board for current hour requirements and any category specifications.
Exploring doctoral psychology programs? Our guide to Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs covers what to look for in a program, accreditation considerations, and how your degree choice affects your career options.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.