How to register for the NCLEX in South Dakota

To work as an RN in South Dakota you license with the South Dakota Board of Nursing through its Nurse Portal. The examination application costs US$100, the Board mails you a fingerprint-card packet for the DCI and FBI check (about US$43.25 to DCI), and you must schedule and sit the NCLEX within 90 days of being made eligible. A US$25 temporary permit (title 'R.N. App.') lets graduates work under RN supervision for up to 90 days or until first results. Licences typically issue by 5 pm the business day after official results. South Dakota has been in the Nurse Licensure Compact since January 1, 2001.

✓ Checked against SDBON's official pages on October 7, 2026

At a glance

BoardSouth Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBON), Sioux Falls; Nurse Portal

ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)

FeesUS$100 application · US$25 temporary permit · about US$43.25 DCI fingerprint check

Fingerprintspaper card packet mailed by the Board; DCI + FBI check before permanent licensure

Deadlineschedule and complete the NCLEX within 90 days of eligibility

CompactYes, since January 1, 2001 (enhanced NLC January 19, 2018)

Steps Educated outside the US Documents Fees How long it takes Questions Official links

The steps, in order (graduates of a South Dakota program)

Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.

7 steps

Create a Nurse Portal account and apply for licensure by examination (US$100)Only graduates of a program approved by a state board of nursing are eligible. Fees are non-refundable and the application goes void one year after the Board receives it.SDBON: new RN/LPN licensure by examination →
Return the fingerprint cards the Board mails youState law requires a DCI and FBI fingerprint check of every applicant before permanent licensure; the card, signed release and background-check fee (about US$43.25 to DCI) accompany the application. Nothing issues, including the temporary permit, until the completed cards arrive.SDCL 36-9-97: criminal background investigation →
Evidence of program completionThe statute requires written evidence, verified by oath, of completing an approved program; out-of-state graduates have official transcripts sent directly to the Board. Ask your program what it sends.SDCL 36-9-30: qualifications of RN applicants →
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200) and test within 90 days of eligibilityRule 20:48:03:01 requires you to schedule and complete the exam within 90 days after the Board notifies you that eligibility is granted; the ATT carries the dates.ARSD 20:48:03: licensure rules (SD Legislature) →
Optional: temporary permit 'R.N. App.' (US$25)For graduates awaiting first results: practise only under RN supervision, file your employer's name and address, and the permit ends on notice of your first result or after 90 days, whichever is earlier. Not renewable.SDCL 36-9-31.1: temporary permit pending first examination →
Write the NCLEX-RNStaff do not give results by phone or email; Quick Results are available after two business days (fee). Fail and you may reapply to retake not more than once in any 45-day period, paying the US$100 re-examination fee; instructions arrive within five to seven business days.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued the next business day; multistate if South Dakota is homeThe Board typically issues the licence by 5 pm the next business day after official results. South Dakota residents (driver's licence or voter registration) receive a multistate licence. Renewal is biennial on your birth date (US$115 total).SDBON: Nurse Licensure Compact →

If you were educated outside the United States

The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.

2 steps

TruMerit Credentials Evaluation Service Professional ReportComplete a CES Professional Report through TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) and, if your program was not taught in English, an English proficiency test (TruMerit minimums include TOEFL 83, IELTS 6.5, OET 300 with 350 speaking). Then apply in the Nurse Portal as an internationally educated nurse by examination.SDBON: internationally educated nurses →
Fingerprint cards, Pearson VUE, SSN for multistateThe Board provides the fingerprint cards. A multistate licence also needs South Dakota residency and a US Social Security number. Pearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.TruMerit: South Dakota requirements →

Documents to have ready

Nurse Portal application for licensure by examination and US$100
Completed fingerprint cards from the Board's packet, signed release and DCI fee (about US$43.25)
Evidence of completing an approved program (official transcript sent by the school if out-of-state)
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
Temporary permit applicants: employer name and address (US$25)
International graduates: TruMerit CES Professional Report, English proficiency results unless educated in English

Fees

Licence by examinationnon-refundable; same fee for each re-examination (ARSD 20:48:06:01, amended Aug 3, 2026)	US$100
Temporary permit (R.N. App.)90 days or first results	US$25
DCI/FBI fingerprint background checkpayable to the SD Division of Criminal Investigation; confirm with the Board	about US$43.25
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200

How long it takes

Test within 90 days of the Board's eligibility notice.
Licence typically issued by 5 pm the next business day after official results.
Temporary permit: 90 days or first results, whichever is earlier.
Retake not more than once in any 45-day period.
Application void one year after receipt.

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Watch your mailbox: the fingerprint packet comes by post and nothing moves until the cards are back.
The 90-day testing deadline is a South Dakota rule, not just the ATT: book a date as soon as eligibility arrives.
The temporary permit needs an employer on file; line up the job before you apply for it.
Prove residency (driver's licence or voter card) to get the multistate licence at first issue.

Questions people ask about South Dakota

How do I register for the NCLEX in South Dakota?

Create a Nurse Portal account at sdbon.boardsofnursing.org, apply for licensure by examination (US$100), return the fingerprint cards the Board mails you with the DCI fee, have your program's completion evidence on file, and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). Once the Board grants eligibility you must schedule and sit the exam within 90 days.

How much does a South Dakota RN licence cost?

US$100 to the Board, about US$43.25 to the DCI for the fingerprint check, US$25 for an optional temporary permit and US$200 to Pearson VUE.

Can I work in South Dakota before I pass the NCLEX-RN?

Yes, on a US$25 temporary permit as an 'R.N. App.' under RN supervision, once your fingerprint cards are received. It ends when your first result is reported or after 90 days, whichever comes first, and cannot be renewed.

Is South Dakota a compact state?

Yes, since January 1, 2001. South Dakota residents receive a multistate licence; if you move to another compact state you apply there within 60 days.

How long does South Dakota take to issue the licence after the exam?

Typically by 5 pm the next business day after the Board receives official results. Staff do not give results by phone or email; Quick Results are available after two business days for a fee.

Is the South Dakota Board of Nursing part of the Department of Health website?

The Department of Health lists the Board, but the Board's own site is sdbon.org and its applications run through the Nurse Portal at sdbon.boardsofnursing.org. Old doh.sd.gov nursing-board links no longer work.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on SDBON's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:

This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by South Dakota Board of Nursing.

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