South Dakota School Psychologist Continuing Education Requirements
Review current South Dakota school psychologist certification renewal requirements, continuing education contact hours, renewal credits, documentation requirements, and professional development options.
New South Dakota educator certification rules became effective September 8, 2026. The former separate renewal rule for Education Specialist certificates was repealed, and school psychologists now fall under the state's broader educator-certification renewal framework.
South Dakota School Psychologist Renewal at a Glance
Renewal Credits
South Dakota educators generally complete six education-related renewal credits during the renewal period.
Year Certificate
A standard South Dakota educator certificate is generally renewed on a five-year cycle.
Contact Hours
Because South Dakota uses 15 contact hours = 1 renewal credit, six renewal credits can equal 90 contact hours.
South Dakota School Psychologist Renewal Overview
Why the Advanced-Degree Rule Matters
School psychologists in South Dakota generally hold graduate-level preparation, and the state recognizes applicants with a master's degree or higher under its advanced-degree renewal provision.
Under the current rule, an applicant with an advanced degree may complete the six education-related renewal credits through a combination of transcripted credits, specialized learning experiences, or continuing education contact hours.
This is important because it allows qualifying school psychologists greater flexibility in using professional development activities rather than relying exclusively on university coursework.
Credit Conversion
What Counts as Continuing Education?
South Dakota requires continuing education contact hours used for certification renewal to be education-related and appropriately documented.
Keep Your Course Completion Certificate
South Dakota requires documentation for continuing education contact hours used toward educator certification renewal.
Qualifying documentation should identify the participant, course title, training provider, number of contact hours, date of training, and the location or website where the activity occurred.
Can South Dakota School Psychologists Take Online CE Courses?
South Dakota allows continuing education contact hours when the activity meets the state's provider, education-related content, and documentation requirements.
Child & School Psychology CE provides structured asynchronous professional development specifically focused on school psychology, child psychology, assessment, behavior, mental health, ethics, legal issues, and educational practice.
Professionals should confirm that individual activities satisfy their current renewal requirements before relying on them for certification credit.
Online CE for School Psychologists
Complete self-paced professional development and receive documentation of your completed course hours.
Browse CE CoursesYouth Suicide Awareness & Prevention Training
South Dakota law requires certified educators employed by a school district or Department-accredited school to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years.
Since July 1, 2024, this training is verified through the school or district accreditation process rather than through the educator's individual certification-renewal application.
Only trainings approved by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards satisfy this specific requirement.
NCSP Renewal Requirements Are Separate
Nationally Certified School Psychologists also have NASP continuing professional development requirements that are separate from South Dakota educator certification.
Official South Dakota Certification Information
School psychologist educator certification and renewal requirements are administered by the South Dakota Department of Education. South Dakota updated its educator-certification regulations in September 2026, so educators should review the current rules before renewing.
View South Dakota Certification Renewal Information ↗