Counselors · South Dakota · Continuing education
South Dakota Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LPC-MH40 hours every 2 years, including 4 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal by November 30 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
South Dakota LPC-MH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Nov 30, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By November 30 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Programs accredited, approved or presented by AAMFT, American Association of Social Workers, AMA, APA, CRCC, Joint Commission, NBCC, SD Association/Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, SD Board of Examiners for Psychologists, SD Board of Social Work Examiners, SD Corrections Association, SD Counseling Association, SD Departments of Human Services and Social Services, and other states' counselor boards (or their state affiliates); others on request. Academic semester credit = 15 hours, quarter credit = 10. In-house programs max 8 hours; presentations/first-author publications max 10 hours each.
- Renewal fee
- $225
- New licensees
- Hours are prorated in six-month increments for licensees first licensed during a cycle.
- Audits & records
- Verify CE under penalty of perjury at renewal; keep certificates 4 years after renewal; details on request if audited.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawCounseling ethics | 4 | every renewal |
Good to know. CE cycle runs December 1 of an even year to November 30 of the next even year. Courses may not be repeated in consecutive cycles. Rule 20:68:07:19 defines 'licensee' for this chapter as a licensed professional counselor-mental health; the rules read do not state CE separately for LPCs.
Source: sdlegislature.gov · ARSD 20:68:07:19-25 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How many CE hours do counselors need in South Dakota?
40 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a counselor license in South Dakota?
Use the license lookup of the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (dss.sd.gov/licensingboards); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for counselors in South Dakota?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 4 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for counselors in South Dakota?
Programs accredited, approved or presented by AAMFT, American Association of Social Workers, AMA, APA, CRCC, Joint Commission, NBCC, SD Association/Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, SD Board of Examiners for Psychologists, SD Board of Social Work Examiners, SD Corrections Association, SD Counseling Association, SD Departments of Human Services and Social Services, and other states' counselor boards (or their state affiliates); others on request. Academic semester credit = 15 hours, quarter credit = 10. In-house programs max 8 hours; presentations/first-author publications max 10 hours each.
When is the renewal deadline for counselors in South Dakota?
Licenses renew by November 30 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).