South Dakota EMT, AEMT & Paramedic License Renewal Requirements
South Dakota EMS licensing is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Health EMS Program (for EMR/EMT certification) and the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) (for AEMT and Paramedic licensure). NREMT is required for initial entry but renewal offers both national and state pathways.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Bodies | SD Dept. of Health (EMR/EMT) + SDBMOE (AEMT/Paramedic) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| EMT Expiration | March 31 |
| NREMT Required | For initial entry; renewal offers national or state pathway |
| EMS Compact | Yes (member) |
| Online System | MySD Account / E-Licensing |
Continuing Education Requirements
State Recertification Pathway
| Level | CE Hours (2-year cycle) |
|---|---|
| EMR | 8 hours |
| EMT | 20 hours |
| AEMT | 40 hours |
| Paramedic | 60 hours |
NREMT Recertification Pathway (Alternative)
| Level | CE Hours (NREMT NCCP) |
|---|---|
| EMR | 16 hours |
| EMT | 40 hours |
| AEMT | 50 hours |
| Paramedic | 60 hours |
South Dakota-Specific Notes
- Dual regulatory structure. EMR/EMT certification is through the Dept. of Health EMS Program. AEMT and Paramedic licensure is through the SDBMOE.
- State CE hours are lower than NREMT for EMR (8 vs. 16) and EMT (20 vs. 40), offering a less intensive state-only pathway.
- NREMT does NOT automatically renew state certification. You must separately apply for state renewal even if NREMT is current.
- March 31 expiration for EMTs. Submit recertification materials no later than March 31 of the expiration year. Submit by March 15 to avoid lapses.
- Recertification application available January 2 of the expiration year via E-Licensing.
- CE hours must be within the same 2-year cycle. Hours earned and used must be within the same biennial recertification period.
- 1 CE hour = 50 minutes of participation in South Dakota.
- CPR required for every certified EMT (must include adult/child/infant CPR and obstructed airway).
- All 20 EMT CE hours may be online (due to COVID-19 policy, all distributive education accepted).
- CAPCE-accredited and EMS Program-approved courses accepted.
- EMS Compact member. Providers from other Compact states may practice in SD under specific criteria.
- Critical Care Paramedic and Community Paramedic endorsements available through SDBMOE.
- Renewals available 90 days before expiration through MySD Account.
How to Renew
- Complete required CE hours (state pathway or NREMT pathway)
- Maintain current CPR certification
- Log in to your MySD Account
- Submit renewal application through E-Licensing
- Pay the renewal fee
Contact Information
South Dakota Department of Health — EMS Program
- Website: doh.sd.gov — EMS Licensing
- Address: 118 West Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD
South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
- Website: sdbmoe.gov — EMS
- Email: bmoe@state.sd.us
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the SD EMS Program or SDBMOE before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
Track your EMS credentials with CredMinder — never miss a renewal deadline. Download on iOS | Download on Android
Track your EMS credentials with CredMinder
Store, track, and get reminders for every expiring license and certification — all in one secure place. Available on web, iOS, and Android.