The South Dakota Board of Nursing licenses registered nurses and practical nurses. South Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (Compact) state, meaning that nurses licensed by another Compact state do not need to apply for licensure unless they plan to make South Dakota their primary state of residency.
Select license type you’re applying for:
Registered Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores not required to be resubmitted to CGFNS for CP Verification Letter.
Exam scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Test and Passing Exam Scores:
- TOEFL Overall Score: 83; Speaking Score: 26
- IELTS Overall Score: 6.5; Speaking Score: 7.0
Notes
*Certification Program Verification Letter required for applicants who were not educated in English
**Certification Evaluation Service Professional Report may be required by the Board of Nursing
Registered Nurse - Endorsement
Service(s) Required
Not Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Not Required
Notes
Licensed Practical Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exams scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Test and Passing Exam Scores:
- TOEFL Overall Score: 79; Speaking Score: 26
- IELTS Overall Score: 6.0; Speaking Score: 7.0
