Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What BCBAs miss in South Dakota
- South Dakota renews every year, and a new licensee pays $650 up front: a $350 application fee plus the first $300 annual fee.
- Supervising behavior analysts pay for fingerprint background checks on the assistants and technicians they supervise.
- The statute's visiting-practice exemption is worded for nonresidents who have established an office in South Dakota.
Does South Dakota license behavior analysts?
South Dakota licenses behavior analysts through its Board of Social Work Examiners, advised by an ABA committee. Applicants need a master's or doctorate, current BCBA certification and no felony or moral turpitude conviction in the past five years. The application must be notarized, and official graduate transcripts go straight to the board.
- Licenses behavior analysts
- Behavior Analyst
- Licensure law enacted 2016
Citation: SDCL ch. 36-38; ARSD art. 20:85
Does South Dakota have a state law exam or requirement?
No state exam. The license rests on current BCBA certification and the board's character and education requirements.
- No state law exam
Does South Dakota license assistant behavior analysts?
South Dakota does not license assistants. A BCaBA delivering ABA under a licensed behavior analyst's extended authority and direction is exempt, but must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the board, paid for by the supervising behavior analyst.
- No assistant credential
Do behavior technicians need a South Dakota credential?
Technicians are not licensed or registered, but every paraprofessional delivering ABA under a behavior analyst must pass a fingerprint-based state background check, with the supervisor paying the fees. Anyone with a felony or moral turpitude conviction in the past five years may not deliver ABA.
- No technician credential
Can an out-of-state behavior analyst practice in South Dakota temporarily?
A provider who lives in another state and is authorized to practice there is exempt for up to 20 days a year in South Dakota. Practicing more than 20 consecutive days in a calendar year must be reported to the board in writing.
- Temporary practice allowed
Citation: SDCL 36-38-5(2)
How often does a South Dakota behavior analyst license renew?
Licenses renew every year for $300 with proof of current BACB certification. A license not renewed within 180 days of expiring requires a new application with all fees.
- Renews every year
Licensing in South Dakota?
For a license, we prepare the complete application, request your verifications and BACB documentation, and track it to a decision; you review, sign and submit. License by endorsement is $599 for a BCBA.