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Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in South Dakota

  • Timeline 4-6 weeks
  • Initial Costs $108
  • Renewal Costs $50
  • CE Requirements 12 Hours
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in South Dakota, you'll be working with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. You will submit your application through the South Dakota eLicensing Portal, but the process actually kicks off with a simple email. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Initiate the Process: South Dakota has a unique "fast track" system. To get started, send an email to sdbmoe@state.sd.us with your full legal name and the license type you are applying for (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant). Board staff will reply with specific initial steps to guide you through the online system.
  2. Complete the Background Check: As of July 2024, all new applicants must undergo fingerprinting. The Board will provide you with the fingerprint packets and instructions after you contact them. You'll likely need to visit a local law enforcement agency or a vendor like IdentoGO to complete this, so watch your email for the official packet.
  3. Submit Your Application: Once you have your login instructions, head over to the online portal to fill out your application. Hit submit and pay your fees online to keep things moving efficiently.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or ID, your Social Security Number, and a list of your past employment history.
  • Items to Request: You must have your Official Transcripts sent directly from your school to the Board. Additionally, request your NBCOT score transfer and verification of any other state licenses you hold to be sent directly to the Board.
  • Exams: You will need to have passed the NBCOT examination. There is currently no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for this license type in South Dakota.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in South Dakota:

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $58 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $108

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: South Dakota Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by January 1st.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $50.

Note: You must complete 12 continuing competency points to renew, and be careful—licenses automatically forfeit if you miss the deadline.

12 Hours required every year.

Deadline: December 31st annually.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: you can complete all 12 hours through online, home-study courses!

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the clinical practice of occupational therapy. South Dakota generally accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers. General portals like MedBridge are accepted for meeting your annual requirements.

Mandatory Topics

  • No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!

Excluded Topics: Business management, marketing, personal development, and basic CPR/First Aid do not count toward your professional hours.

New Licensee Rule: If you are newly licensed in South Dakota during the current calendar year, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first renewal.

Reporting: South Dakota uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your records for at least 3 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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How to Apply

To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in South Dakota, you'll be working with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. You will submit your application through the South Dakota eLicensing Portal, but the process actually kicks off with a simple email. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Initiate the Process: South Dakota has a unique "fast track" system. To get started, send an email to sdbmoe@state.sd.us with your full legal name and the license type you are applying for (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant). Board staff will reply with specific initial steps to guide you through the online system.
  2. Complete the Background Check: As of July 2024, all new applicants must undergo fingerprinting. The Board will provide you with the fingerprint packets and instructions after you contact them. You'll likely need to visit a local law enforcement agency or a vendor like IdentoGO to complete this, so watch your email for the official packet.
  3. Submit Your Application: Once you have your login instructions, head over to the online portal to fill out your application. Hit submit and pay your fees online to keep things moving efficiently.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License or ID, your Social Security Number, and a list of your past employment history.
  • Items to Request: You must have your Official Transcripts sent directly from your school to the Board. Additionally, request your NBCOT score transfer and verification of any other state licenses you hold to be sent directly to the Board.
  • Exams: You will need to have passed the NBCOT examination. There is currently no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for this license type in South Dakota.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in South Dakota:

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $58 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0
  • Verifications: $0
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $108

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: South Dakota Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens annually and is due by January 1st.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $50.

Note: You must complete 12 continuing competency points to renew, and be careful—licenses automatically forfeit if you miss the deadline.

12 Hours required every year.

Deadline: December 31st annually.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: you can complete all 12 hours through online, home-study courses!

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the clinical practice of occupational therapy. South Dakota generally accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers. General portals like MedBridge are accepted for meeting your annual requirements.

Mandatory Topics

  • No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!

Excluded Topics: Business management, marketing, personal development, and basic CPR/First Aid do not count toward your professional hours.

New Licensee Rule: If you are newly licensed in South Dakota during the current calendar year, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first renewal.

Reporting: South Dakota uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your records for at least 3 years in case of an audit.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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