How to become a massage therapist in South Dakota
South Dakota massage therapists are licensed by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in South Dakota, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in South Dakota?
- Education from a recognized training facility
- Passing score on a board-approved national exam
- Verification from any state where currently licensed
South Dakota massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. South Dakota licenses massage therapists through the Board of Massage Therapy (Department of Health). |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | Per ARSD 20:76:01:06: 125 hours anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 200 hours massage and bodywork, 40 hours pathology, 10 hours business and ethics (6 in ethics), and 125 additional related hours. |
| Exam | A board-approved national exam: MBLEx, NCETM, NCETMB or the AMMA NBCA exam. |
| License term | Annual; all licenses expire September 30. |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of continuing education every two years (prorated for new licensees). |
How much does it cost?
| Initial application fee (non-refundable) | $100 |
|---|---|
| Annual license fee | $65 |
| License renewal fee | $65 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a massage therapist in South Dakota
- Complete education at a recognized massage training facility
- Pass a board-approved national exam
- Have your school send the Verification of Education form and transcript
- Submit the application with the $100 fee and $65 license fee
- Wait for board approval before practicing
- Renew online each year by September 30
Apply on the official South Dakota site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in South Dakota?
- Search the name or license number on the official South Dakota massage therapist license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.