Social Worker License in South Dakota

South Dakota licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners, offering Social Worker (SW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Certified Social Worker-Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) credentials. South Dakota uses certification terminology rather than licensure for some levels, which is less common nationally. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and degree from a CSWE-accredited program. The CSW-PIP, which allows independent clinical practice, requires an MSW plus two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. South Dakota faces severe behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly on Native American reservations including Pine Ridge and Rosebud. The state's rural and frontier geography compounds workforce challenges. The University of South Dakota produces social work graduates, but retention is difficult given limited employment options and lower salaries compared to neighboring states. South Dakota has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some military licensing accommodations.