South Dakota
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Become a Certified Social Worker
- Receive your CSW license in order to gain professional work experience towards your clinical South Dakota social work license.
- First, fill out the state application which includes:
- submission of official transcripts
- 3 professional references
- $170 application fee
- Submit with a signed licensure cover letter to the Board offices for approval
- Next, register with the ASWB to take exam, $230 registrations fee.
- Then, schedule exam appointment with Pearson VUE
- Study with TDC’s LMSW Exam Prep: ASWB Masters Level program
Step 3: Gain South Dakota Social Work Experience
- Once licensed, find a supervised social work position where you can accrue hours towards clinical licensure.
- Work 2 years of pre-approved supervised social work
- Submit evaluations to the Board from your supervisors every 6 months
- Once hours are complete, fill out a Completion or Termination of Supervision Form and an Evaluation Form of Supervision of CSW-PIP Candidate to the South Dakota Board of Social Work for approval.
Step 4: Apply for the CSW-PIP License and Study with TDC
- Complete the state application, $210 fee, professional references, and transcripts
- Once again, register at ASWB for the Clinical exam, $260, and schedule exam appointment at Pearson VUE
- Finally, sign up with TDC’s LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level to pass with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure-Social workers in SD have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by January 1
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- There are no specific requirements for SD
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
- Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
- (Must include a supervised clinical practicum or internship, with a minimum of 700 hours, including 280 direct client contact hours)
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
- Must complete 2 calendar years of supervised clinical experience
- 1,700 hours must be direct clinical contact
- At least 200 hours must be direct supervision
- 100 of which must be individual supervision
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
- Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
- Exam fee $365
- Sign up for TDC’s NMFT exam prep course and study with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
- Submit supervised hours
- Submit AMFTRB exam results
- Submit official transcripts
- Pay licensure application fee $100
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements for South Dakota MFTS
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 40 hours
- Must include:
- 4 hours ethics
- 40 hours may be earned online
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
