All practicing Massage Therapists are required to have a license or they can be found guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. SDCL 36-35-10 & 36-35-11.
Fees
Application fee - $100
Initial license fee - $65 and $65 annually
Education / Training
500 hours of specific education or training is required (see specifics).
Exam
A passing score on a national exam is required for licensing. An acceptable exam may be one of the following:
NOTE: The NESL has the same content as the NCETM but it decreases the paperwork required for registering for the exam. It costs less because a national certification is not included, therefore less paperwork and quicker entrance into the exam. Should you wish to be nationally certified at a later time, they will require you to pay the $50 difference and complete the certification paperwork. You will not have to re-exam.
Examinations are computer-based. Candidates need to register directly with the national exam provider via the website indicated.
Insurance
Evidence of holding Professional Liability insurance coverage of at least $250,000 is required prior to issuing a license and upon each Renewal.
SDCL 36-35-21. Professional liability insurance coverage. Any person holding a valid license under this chapter and engaged in the practice of massage therapy shall carry professional liability insurance coverage with limits at or in excess of the minimum amount established by the board.
ARSD 20:76:05:01. Minimum limits. A licensee shall carry malpractice or professional liability insurance, with a company with a certificate of authority from the South Dakota Division of Insurance, with limits of no less than $250,000 per occurrence. A licensee shall notify the board of any change of carrier occurring after a license or renewal is granted.
Applications (use ADOBE)
Continuing Education
Eight hours of compliant continuing education every two years is required for licensees.
Inactive License
There is an inactive license status for licensees that can only be initiated at the time of annual renewal. The fee to go Inactive is $65. See further information at these links:
