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South Dakota licenses Clinical Social Workers through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. The clinical license generally requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, a period of post-degree supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current licensing, Social Work Licensure Compact, supervised-experience, renewal, and continuing-education requirements directly with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
Master's (MSW) or doctoral degree in social work, with clinical practice coursework, from a CSWE-accredited program. Verify exact degree and coursework requirements with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
Pass the applicable ASWB examination at the Clinical or Advanced Generalist level as approved for the CSW-PIP. Verify the required exam level with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners before testing.
Post-master's supervised clinical experience (Board guidance reflects roughly 2,000 hours over a minimum of two years, including at least 100 hours of direct supervision by a qualified supervisor such as a CSW-PIP, psychologist, or psychiatrist). Verify exact hour totals, monthly supervision minimums, and supervisor qualifications with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
The state has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Once the compact is operational, eligible clinical social workers will be able to obtain the authority to practice (in person and via telehealth) across participating states without a separate full license in each one. Enacting states are still standing up the compact commission and may not yet be issuing privileges.
South Dakota is among the original jurisdictions that enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact and is listed as a member at swcompact.org. The Compact is activated but multistate license issuance was still being implemented as of mid-2026. Verify current status with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners and swcompact.org.
South Dakota has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. License portability may be available by endorsement and, where the state participates, through the Social Work Licensure Compact. Verify endorsement eligibility and compact participation with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Clinical social work licensing laws, board rules, education and examination requirements, Social Work Licensure Compact participation, supervised-experience rules, and renewal/continuing-education requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state social work licensing board.