How to Get Your CNA Certification in South Dakota (SD): 2026 Guide

South Dakota uses Headmaster for its nurse aide exam. Candidates complete a 75-hour state-approved program and take the exam. This guide walks you through every step, from picking a training program to passing the skills test on your first try.

South Dakota CNA at a glance

• Testing vendor: Headmaster
• Training hours: 75 total (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
• Exam format: knowledge test + skills test
• Exam fee: approximately $169.50 combined
• Registry: South Dakota Board of Nursing / Department of Health
• Renewal: 24 months

Who oversees CNA certification in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Health, in coordination with the South Dakota Board of Nursing, approves nurse aide training programs (NATPs), maintains the official CNA registry, and sets the standards for competency evaluation. The Board of Nursing ultimately handles disciplinary matters and reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs, while the Department of Health oversees program approval and the day-to-day workings of the registry. Headmaster operates the computerized knowledge test and the in-person skills exam under contract with the state, so every candidate sits for the same standardized exam regardless of where they trained.

Training programs in South Dakota

South Dakota requires a 75-hour state-approved program, broken down into roughly 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Most programs run between 3 and 6 weeks in a full-time format, though part-time evening and weekend tracks are common in larger cities and can stretch the program to 8–12 weeks. The minimum age to enroll is typically 16, and most programs expect students to have a high school diploma or GED, a clean background check, a negative TB test, and current CPR certification before clinical rotations.

You will find approved training sites in community colleges, technical institutes, nursing homes, and some hospital systems. Approximate tuition runs $700 to $1,300, depending on the provider, with additional costs for textbooks, uniforms (scrubs), a watch with a second hand, a gait belt, and the state background check. Many South Dakota nursing facilities will sponsor or reimburse tuition in exchange for a work commitment, so ask every employer in your area before paying out of pocket.

The South Dakota CNA exam: Headmaster details

The South Dakota nurse aide exam has two parts, both administered by Headmaster:

1. Knowledge Test — a computerized multiple-choice exam covering the role of the nurse aide, communication, infection control, safety, basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health, and resident rights. The test is timed and you will need to score at or above the state's passing threshold on your first attempt.
2. Skills Test — a hands-on demonstration of a set of clinical skills performed on a live actor or mannequin in front of a Headmaster evaluator. You will be assigned several skills and must complete each within a reasonable time frame while following critical-step protocols. Miss one critical step and the skill fails.

Headmaster sends score reports through its online portal, usually within 24–48 hours for the knowledge test and the same day for the skills test in most cases. You can take each part up to three times within a twelve-month window from your training completion date, and you do not have to pass them in any particular order, though most candidates sit for the knowledge test first.

How much does the South Dakota CNA exam cost?

• Both exam parts (combined Headmaster fee) — ~$169.50
• State background check (fingerprint or name-based) — ~$15–$40
• CPR certification (if not included in tuition) — ~$45–$85
• Scrubs, watch, gait belt, supplies — ~$50–$120
• Training program tuition — $700–$1,300
• Realistic total out the door — $1,000–$1,750

Some training programs bundle the exam fee into tuition, so confirm with your school before paying Headmaster separately.

Where to take the test in South Dakota

Headmaster testing sites and approved training locations are spread across the state, but western and central regions have far fewer dates than the I-29 corridor.

• Sioux Falls — the busiest testing hub, with frequent knowledge and skills dates every month. Most candidates east of the Missouri River test here.
• Rapid City — regular monthly sessions; the primary option for the Black Hills region.
• Aberdeen — periodic testing, often tied to the local community college schedule.
• Brookings — sessions are mostly scheduled through training programs, so dates depend on when a cohort finishes.
• Pierre — limited dates, usually quarterly, and filling up quickly around spring and summer.

If none of these works, candidates can also travel to approved sites in bordering states through reciprocity arrangements, though scheduling outside South Dakota is generally slower and adds travel cost.

Scheduling and what to bring on test day

Register for both exam parts through the Headmaster online portal (sd.headmaster.com). You will need your training-program completion code to unlock exam eligibility. Knowledge test slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis, and skills test dates are released in batches, so book as soon as your program tells you the completion date is posted.

On test day, bring:

• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). The name on your ID must match your Headmaster registration exactly.
• Your Headmaster test confirmation (printed or on your phone).
• Scrubs in a neutral color, closed-toe non-slip shoes, and a watch with a second hand.
• A gait belt if your program requires you to bring your own for the skills test.

Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Late arrivals are generally turned away and forfeit that attempt's fee.

After you pass: South Dakota certification and renewal

Once you pass both exam parts, Headmaster notifies the state, and you are added to the South Dakota CNA registry, usually within a few business days. Your certificate is valid for 24 months from the date you were placed on the registry. To renew, you must show that you have performed at least 8 hours of qualifying paid nurse aide work in the prior 24 months, under the supervision of a registered nurse. A signed employer verification form is submitted through the state's online renewal portal, and there is no renewal fee if you renew on time. Lapse your certification and you will likely need to retake at least part of the exam or repeat a training program, so set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration.

Common pitfalls specific to South Dakota

• Wrong vendor assumption: South Dakota uses Headmaster, not Prometric or Pearson VUE. If you sign up on the wrong test company's site you will lose your fee and have to reschedule.
• Rural site scarcity: Western and central South Dakota have only a handful of testing dates per year. If you live outside the I-29 corridor, book your seat the moment your program reports completion, or plan to travel to Sioux Falls or Rapid City.
• Weather delays: Winter storms regularly close rural roads and occasionally cancel skills test sessions. Build a buffer of at least a week into any job-start date if you are testing between November and March.
• Background-check timing: South Dakota requires a state background check before clinical rotations, and results can take 1–3 weeks. Submit yours on day one of your program, not the week before clinicals.
• Skills test critical steps: Headmaster fails any skill with a missed critical step, including hand hygiene, proper glove use, and lock-the-wheelchair moments. Memorize the critical-step list for every skill, not just the procedural flow.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a CNA in South Dakota? Most students finish training in 3–6 weeks, then wait 1–4 weeks for the next available Headmaster exam date. Plan on roughly two months from your first day of class to certification on the registry.

Can I work as a CNA while my application is pending? South Dakota does not have a standard temporary permit for nurse aides, so you should not perform CNA duties for pay until your name appears on the registry. Some facilities allow you to start as a resident assistant or sitter in the meantime.

Does South Dakota accept out-of-state CNA certifications? Yes, through reciprocity. You will apply to the South Dakota Board of Nursing, provide proof of active certification in good standing from your prior state, and may need to take a South Dakota-specific knowledge module before being listed on the registry.

What if I fail one part of the exam? You can retake just the failed part. Headmaster allows up to three attempts within twelve months of training completion, and each retake carries its own fee. Most candidates who fail pass on the next attempt after targeted study.

How do I check my registry status or renewal date? Your status, original certification date, and renewal date are all visible on the South Dakota Department of Health registry lookup page. Bookmark it and check a few weeks before you plan to renew.

Practice for the South Dakota CNA exam at /exam and /skills.