Become a Counselor in South Dakota

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in South Dakota. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3200 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the South Dakota counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists at (605) 331-2927 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

Responsibility is a virtue that can be explained and it can be transferred from one to another. Counselors often times are working to help clients learn how to deal with the burdens associated with taking responsiblity for one’s own mental health.

As a high schol graduate researching South Dakota Counseling certification requirements, you are demonstrating the motivation necessary to be just such a teacher of responsibility.

The first thing you should do is learn how you can enroll in an associate’s degree program or enroll immediately in a four year bachelor’s degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology and counseling degree programs!

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school’s career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

Already Received Bachelor’s Degree

Congratulations! You’re almost there! South Dakota counseling certification requires candidates to possess a master’s degree in counseling or a related field in addition to various other requirements that are completed during or after your master’s degree program. Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in South Dakota to learn more about the various degree programs to get started.

Make sure the schools you contact provide the appropriate experience requirements for South Dakota counseling licensure. Information regarding supervision requirements can be found on the following South Dakota Legislature webpage.

Step One:

Submit a supervision plan to the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Then you can begin the required 2000 hours of supervised work experience with a minimum of 800 of these hours to be in direct client contact. These hours need to be completed after receiving your masters degree.

You can download the supervision form here. More information about the work experience and supervision requirements can be found on the following South Dakota Legislature webpage.

Step Two:

You can register for the National Counselor Examination, which is required by South Dakota, on the NBCC website (scroll to the bottom of the page to find the registration link). Information about the exam itself can be found here.

Step Three:

Now, you can download the South Dakota counseling licensure application and then submit the application to the South Dakota Board of Examiners along with all supporting documents, a photo (for identification purposes) and required fees. Have your graduate institution send official transcripts directly to the South Dakota Board of Examiners, and have your examination scores sent directly from the testing center. Once the Board has reviewed your application, they should notify you of your licensure eligibility.

You may download the application here. More indepth directions for the application process and necessary materials can be found on the application itself.

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