American Trades IndexThe living record of the skilled trade workforce
This page is a free snapshot. Track the same market as it changes, every night: new licenses, contractors adding a trade, and companies going dark.Start tracking

How to get an electrician license in South Dakota

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from South Dakota's official board.

Statewide licensing via SD Electrical Commission.

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Dept. of Labor & Regulation (SDCL Ch. 36-16). Official page: https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/licensing.aspx

License levels in South Dakota

South Dakota electrician licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyman: 4 years / 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice under contractor supervision, then exam. Contractor: additional 2 years as a licensed journeyman (4,000 additional hours, min 2,000 commercial). Applicants 18+, HS diploma/GED. Only licensed hours count.
ReciprocityCommission maintains reciprocal agreements (separate reciprocal-agreements page)
RenewalBiennial (two-year) renewal, June 30 deadline; 16 hours continuing education per cycle (min 8 code hours; max 8 hrs via pre-approved online)
NotesStatewide licensing via SD Electrical Commission.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as an electrician in South Dakota?
Statewide licensing via SD Electrical Commission.
What electrician license levels does South Dakota have?
The levels are Licensed Apprentice Electrician, Licensed Journeyman Electrician, Class B Electrician, Electrical Contractor.
How do you get licensed as an electrician in South Dakota?
Journeyman: 4 years / 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice under contractor supervision, then exam. Contractor: additional 2 years as a licensed journeyman (4,000 additional hours, min 2,000 commercial). Applicants 18+, HS diploma/GED. Only licensed hours count.
Does South Dakota have electrician license reciprocity?
Commission maintains reciprocal agreements (separate reciprocal-agreements page)

Related

Hub
All South Dakota trades pages

Sources: dlr.sd.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

Track South Dakota licensed supply as it moves.

New licenses, ladder upgrades, classification changes and lapses, by market and credential tier. Read the quarterly free, or license the underlying data.

Get the quarterly IndexSee data plansQuarterly is free, no account. One state $500/month, every state $2,900/month.