South Dakota Psychologist — Requirements & Free Practice
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Psychologist
Ordinary psychologist license, including examination, endorsement, statutory qualification exceptions, renewal, restoration and reinstatement.
Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists · Application information
ABPP diplomate with another current psychologist license
All of the following:
- ABPPDiploma
- Hold an American Board of Professional Psychology diploma and a current psychologist license elsewhere; this is an applicant qualification, not a new registered examination.
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Board Discretion
- Under SDCL 36-27A-17 the Board may exempt the applicant from SDCL 36-27A-12 and other examination requirements. The FAQ expressly makes exemption case-by-case. EPPP and the oral examination remain leaves because the Board can decline the exemption.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
Annual renewal
- Application
- Submit the relicensure application and pay the $300 renewal fee.
- Continuing Education
- Except for initial licensure after the beginning of the annual licensure period or a granted waiver, complete 1.5 CE units (15 contact hours), with no more than five from independent reading. Report dates, activities and hours, supply certificates for other activities and retain original records for five years.
- License Held
- Hold an existing psychologist license; annual licenses expire June 30.
- Waiver
- ARSD 20:60:10:04 permits individualized CE waivers for active military duty, incapacitating illness or disability, or other Board-approved circumstances.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-24
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-26
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:10:03
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:10:04
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Psychologist Licensing
What are the requirements for renewal of licensure?
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Application for Relicensure
Important notice - continuing education
Ordinary license after completion of provisional postdoctoral practice
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Provisional License
- Holder of the postdoctoral provisional license completes the supervised year and satisfies the ordinary license's remaining requirements, including the oral examination; earlier EPPP passage remains a leaf.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
Reinstatement or reissuance after suspension or revocation
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Board Decision
- Under SDCL 36-27A-32, submit written application establishing compliance with existing licensing requirements and sufficient reasons; reinstatement or reissuance requires good cause and majority Board approval under any imposed conditions.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Examination Conditions
- Compliance with existing licensing requirements involves the named EPPP and oral examination; whether earlier passage suffices or the Board imposes additional conditions is applicant-specific.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Prior License
- Previously issued psychologist license was suspended or revoked.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
Licensure by endorsement under SDCL Chapter 36 1D
- Competency
- Demonstrate professional competency by Board-determined methods; unnamed competency methods are applicant conditions.
- Conduct
- No disqualifying act, and good standing without discipline, unless the Board determines the act or discipline should not prevent endorsement.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Fees
- Pay Board-established fees and submit a licensure application. CPQ or National Register recognition may expedite paperwork but does not replace the application.
- Legacy Endorsement
- SDCL 36-27A-11 describes minimum-equivalent licensing, five years of practice and no pending complaints, and permits up to six months of practice during review with application within thirty days. SDCL 36-1D-1 applies notwithstanding existing endorsement statutes, so its current endorsement entitlement does not impose the older five-year threshold.
- License Held
- Hold a current license from another state, territory or country; the Board must find its requirements substantially equivalent to or greater than South Dakota's.
- Oral Waiver
- Board FAQ: "No, on September 8, 2023, the board unanimously voted to waive the oral examination requirement for applicants who meet the licensure by endorsement requirements effective September 9, 2023." This implements Board-determined competency under SDCL 36-1D-1(2); ARSD 20:60:05:02 specifically addresses candidates under SDCL 36-27A-12.
- Prior Examination
- The Board's general implementing requirements identify EPPP, its current page excludes Part II, and the cover letter accepts qualifying prior EPPP scores; prior passage is a leaf under the task contract, and retaking may be waived.
Licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
Reapplication after expiration of the timely restoration period
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- Lapse
- Failure to apply for restoration before January 1 of the following year requires completion of the initial application process, including retaking the oral examination. Earlier EPPP passage may satisfy the national-examination condition.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
SCRA recognition of a covered psychologist license
- Application
- Provide military orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and a notarized affidavit of identity, complete truthful statements, understanding of South Dakota requirements and scope, compliance with those requirements, and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
- Background Check
- Licensing authority may conduct a background check.
- Compact
- Section 4025a does not apply to a covered license operating in multiple states under an interstate compact; applicable compact and state-law requirements control.
- Covered License
- Hold a professional license in good standing, without revocation, imposed discipline, a pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such an investigation.
- Military Status
- Servicemember or spouse relocates residence to South Dakota because of military orders; apply to the Board under its SCRA application instruction.
- Scope
- Recognition is for the existing covered scope of practice under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(a), not a new examination or permission to expand scope.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Applications and Forms
SCRA application instruction
- 50 U.S.C. 4025a, Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. 4025a(a)
- 50 U.S.C. 4025a, Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. 4025a(c), application contents
- 50 U.S.C. 4025a, Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. 4025a(f)(1), covered-license definition
Pre 1979 doctorate and National Register internship exemption
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Criminal History
- SDCL 36-27A-12(5) states a conviction restriction; the later superseding SDCL 36-1C-17–22 controls criminal-history decisions, requires consideration of relevance and rehabilitation, and excludes sealed, expunged or pardoned records. The May 2025 Board application requires disclosures and supporting documents for the convictions it specifies.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Ethics Materials
- ARSD 20:60:07:01 makes the 2018 ASPPB Code of Conduct the governing code. The July 2018 cover letter and undated FAQ still describe the oral examination using the 2005 code; applicants should note the Board's stated exam preparation instructions alongside the current legal rule.
- Internship
- SDCL 36-27A-15 permits the internship exemption for a doctoral degree received before 1979 and listing in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Complete one year of supervised postdoctoral psychology practice; under ARSD 20:60:06:01(2), formal face-to-face supervision is at least two hours per month and the title must identify training status.
- Previous EPPPScore
- A qualifying prior EPPP score may excuse retaking it; arrange direct score transmission. The registered current EPPP Part 1 examination remains a requirement leaf under this task's rule for previously passed, currently offered exams.
- Reexamination
- SDCL 36-27A-20 permits one reexamination within six months under the original application after failure; the additional national fee is paid to the examination company and the oral retake fee is $200.
- Residency
- SDCL 36-27A-16 requires one year of South Dakota residence preceding receipt of the application.
Restoration after annual forfeiture before January 1
- Continuing Education
- The existing renewal and CE requirements apply; the complete statutory timely-restoration procedure adds no examination.
- Deadline
- After Board notification, make written application and pay the required renewal fee before January 1 of the following year.
- Forfeiture
- Failure to renew by July 1 forfeits the license.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-24
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Frequently Asked Questions
When will my license expire? - restoration
Provisional license
Provisional psychologist license during completion of the supervised postdoctoral year; maximum twelve months.
Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists · Application information
Provisional license during supervised postdoctoral practice
- Application
- Submit the notarized Board application, cover letter, direct official graduate transcripts, internship and postdoctoral verification, requested supporting documents, and applicable fees. Board education review approval precedes authorization to register for the EPPP and scheduling of the oral examination.
- Duration
- Board may issue a provisional license for no more than twelve months.
- Education
- Doctoral education must meet SDCL 36-27A-1 and 36-27A-12(1); provide official graduate transcripts and the required coursework mapping. An all-online program does not meet the Board's stated requirements; foreign degrees require a comprehensive NACES-member evaluation and any additional Board-requested documentation.
- Internship
- Complete at least 1,800 hours of supervised psychology internship within no more than two consecutive calendar years, meeting ARSD 20:60:08:01.
- National Score
- SDCL 36-27A-12.1 requires previous passage of the written national standardized examination. ARSD 20:60:05:06 identifies it as EPPP, and the Board page says Part II is not required.
- Postdoctoral Practice
- Applicant is completing the one-year supervised postdoctoral practice, with the supervision and training-status requirements of ARSD 20:60:06:01.
Temporary license
Temporary psychologist license authorized by the SCRA when the licensing authority cannot recognize a qualifying covered license within thirty days.
Licensing authority: Board of Examiners of Psychologists · Application information
SCRA temporary license pending covered license recognition
- Application
- Provide military orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and a notarized affidavit of identity, complete truthful statements, understanding of South Dakota requirements and scope, compliance with those requirements, and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
- Background Check
- Licensing authority may conduct a background check.
- Compact
- Section 4025a does not apply to a covered license operating in multiple states under an interstate compact; applicable compact and state-law requirements control.
- Covered License
- Hold a professional license in good standing, without revocation, imposed discipline, a pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such an investigation.
- Military Status
- Servicemember or spouse relocates residence to South Dakota because of military orders; apply to the Board under its SCRA application instruction.
- Scope
- Recognition is for the existing covered scope of practice under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(a), not a new examination or permission to expand scope.
- Temporary Issuance
- If recognition required under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(a) cannot be completed during the thirty days after receipt of the application, the authority may issue a temporary license conferring the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Applications and Forms
SCRA application instruction
- 50 U.S.C. 4025a, Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. 4025a(a)
- 50 U.S.C. 4025a, Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. 4025a(b)
EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)
- Provider
- Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); delivered by Pearson VUE at Pearson Professional Centers
- Format
- Computer-based multiple-choice examination; each item has three or four possible responses, only one of which is correct; the score is the number of correct responses. A French form (FEPPP) is available only to candidates whose licensing authorities legally require a French form.
- Exam questions
- 225 items: 175 scored and 50 unscored pretest items
- Time limit
- 4 hours and 15 minutes for completion of the exam items
- Passing score
- Scaled score (200-800 scale); ASPPB recommended passing scores of 500 for independent practice and 450 for supervised practice; each licensing authority sets its own passing standard
- Exam fee
- $600 USD exam fee per sitting plus $91.88 test sitting fee (English EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge))
Examination outline
Domain 1. Biological Bases of Behavior (10%)
- KN1. Functional correlates and determinants of the neurobiological and genetic bases of behavior pertaining to perception, cognition, personality, and mood and affect in normal, acute and chronic neurobehavioral disease processes and disease comorbidities
- KN2. Drug classification, mechanisms of action, and desired/adverse effects of therapeutic agents, drugs of abuse, and complementary or alternative agents
- KN3. Results from major trials and general guidelines for pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and combined treatment of psychological disorders
- KN4. Behavioral genetics, transmission and expression of genetic information and its modification, and the role and limitations of this information in understanding disorders
- KN5. Applications of structural and functional brain imaging methods, electrophysiological methods, therapeutic drug monitoring methods, and genetic screening methodologies, and the evidence for their effectiveness
Domain 2. Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (13%)
- KN6. Major research‐based theories and models of intelligence and their application
- KN7. Major research-based theories, models, and principles of learning and their application
- KN8. Major research‐based theories and models of memory and their application
- KN9. Major research‐based theories and models of motivation and their application
- KN10. Major research-based theories and models of emotion and their application
- KN11. Elements of cognition, including sensation and perception, attention, language, information processing, visual-spatial processing, executive functioning
- KN12. Relations among cognitions/beliefs, behavior, affect, temperament, and mood
- KN13. Influence of psychosocial factors on cognitions/beliefs and behaviors
Domain 3. Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior (11%)
- KN14. Major research‐based theories and models of social cognition (e.g., person perception, development of stereotypes, prejudice)
- KN15. Social interaction and relationships (e.g., attraction, aggression, altruism, organizational justice, verbal and non‐verbal communication, internet communication, mate selection, empathy)
- KN16. Group and systems processes (e.g., school, work, and family systems, job satisfaction, team functioning, conformity, persuasion) and social influences on functioning
- KN17. Major research‐based personality theories and models
- KN18. Cultural and sociopolitical psychology (e.g., privilege, cross‐cultural comparisons, political differences, international and global awareness, religiosity and spirituality, acculturation)
- KN19. Identity diversity and intersectionality (e.g., psychological impact of diversity on individuals, families, and systems)
- KN20. Causes, manifestations, and effects of oppression
Domain 4. Growth and Lifespan Development (12%)
- KN21. Normal growth and development across the lifespan
- KN22. Influence of individual‐environment interaction on development over time (e.g., the relationship between the individual and the social, academic, work, community environment)
- KN23. Major research‐based theories and models of development
- KN24. Influence of diverse identities on development
- KN25. Family development, configuration, and functioning and their impact on the individual across the lifespan
- KN26. Life events that can influence the course of development across the lifespan
- KN27. Risk and protective factors that may impact a developmental course (e.g., nutrition, prenatal care, health care, social support, socioeconomic status, abuse, victimization, and resiliency)
- KN28. Disorders and diseases that impact the expected course of development over the lifespan
Domain 5. Assessment and Diagnosis (16%)
- KN29. Psychometric theories, item and test characteristics, test construction and standardization procedures, reliability and validity, sensitivity and specificity, and test fairness and bias
- KN30. Assessment theories and models (e.g., developmental, behavioral, ecological, neuropsychological)
- KN31. Assessment methods and their strengths and limitations (e.g., self‐report, multi-informant reports, psychophysiological measures, work samples, assessment centers, direct observation, structured and semi‐structured interviews)
- KN32. Commonly used instruments for the measurement of characteristics and behaviors of individuals and their appropriate use with various populations
- KN33. Issues of differential diagnosis and integration of non‐psychological information into psychological assessment
- KN34. Instruments and methods appropriate for the assessment of groups and organizations (e.g., program evaluation, needs assessment, organizational and personnel assessment)
- KN35. Criteria for selection and adaptation of assessment methods (e.g., evidenced-based knowledge of assessment limitations, cultural appropriateness, trans‐cultural adaptation, and language accommodations)
- KN36. Classification systems and their underlying rationales and limitations for evaluating client functioning; dimensional vs. categorical approaches to diagnosis
- KN37. Factors influencing evidence-based interpretation of data and decision‐making (e.g., base rates, group differences, cultural biases and differences, heuristics)
- KN38. Constructs of epidemiology and base rates of psychological and behavioral disorders
- KN39. Major research-based theories and models of psychopathology
- KN40. Measurement of outcomes and changes due to prevention or intervention efforts with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations
- KN41. Use of technology in implementing tests, surveys, and other forms of assessment and diagnostic evaluation (e.g., validity, cost-effectiveness, consumer acceptability)
Domain 6. Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention and Supervision (15%)
- KN42. Factors related to treatment or intervention decision-making (e.g., relevant research, matching treatment to assessment/diagnosis, matching client or patient with psychologist characteristics, knowledge and use of allied services, cost and benefit, readiness to change)
- KN43. Contemporary research-based theories and models of treatment, intervention, and prevention
- KN44. Treatment techniques and interventions and the evidence for their comparative efficacy and effectiveness
- KN45. Methods and their evidence base for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation with diverse and special populations
- KN46. Interventions to enhance growth and performance of individuals, couples, families, groups, systems, and organizations
- KN47. Research-based consultation models and processes
- KN48. Research-based models of vocational and career development
- KN49. Telepsychology and technology‐assisted psychological services
- KN50. Healthcare systems, structures, and economics, and how these impact intervention choice
- KN51. Approaches to health promotion, risk reduction, resilience, and wellness
- KN52. Contemporary theories and models of supervision and their evidence base
Domain 7. Research Methods and Statistics (7%)
- KN53. Sampling and data collection methods
- KN54. Design of case, correlational, quasi‐experimental, and experimental studies
- KN55. Analytic methods, including qualitative (e.g., thematic, phenomenological) and quantitative (e.g., probability theory; descriptive, inferential, and parametric statistics; meta-analysis; factor analysis; causal modeling)
- KN56. Statistical interpretation (e.g., power, effect size, causation vs. association, clinical vs. statistical significance)
- KN57. Critical appraisal and application of research findings (e.g., adequacy of design and statistics, limitations to generalizability, threats to internal and external validity, design flaws, level of evidence)
- KN58. Evaluation strategies and techniques (e.g., needs assessment, process and implementation evaluation, formative and summative program evaluation, outcome evaluation, cost‐benefit analysis)
- KN59. Considerations regarding community involvement and participation in research
- KN60. Dissemination and presentation of research findings
Domain 8. Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues (16%)
- KN61. Current ethical principles and codes for psychologists (APA, CPA)
- KN62. Professional standards and relevant guidelines for the practice of psychology (e.g., standards for educational and psychological testing)
- KN63. Laws, statutes, and judicial decisions that affect psychological practice
- KN64. Identification and management of potential ethical issues
- KN65. Models of ethical decision‐making
- KN66. Approaches for continuing professional development
- KN67. Emerging social, legal, ethical, and policy issues and their impact on psychological practice
- KN68. Client and patient rights
- KN69. Ethical issues in the conduct of research
- KN70. Ethical issues in supervision
- KN71. Ethical issues in technology-assisted psychological services
Examination sources
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 21, Appendix A, introduction
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 21, Appendix A, Domain 1 heading
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 24, Appendix A, Domain 8 heading
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 24, Appendix A, last knowledge statement
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 5, EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge), item counts
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 11, Taking the EPPP, time allowed for EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge)
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 12, Taking the EPPP, scoring sentence
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 14, Scaled Scores and Passing Scores, scale
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 14, Scaled Scores and Passing Scores, recommended passing scores
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 6, Applying to sit for the EPPP
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 8, Schedule an EPPP testing appointment
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 8, Exam & Test Center Appointment Fees, English EPPP (Part 1-Knowledge) bullet
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 8, Exam & Test Center Appointment Fees, test sitting fee sub-bullet
- ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook (January 2026)
p. 10, French EPPP (FEPPP)
Oral Examination
- Provider
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Format
- Oral questions heard and scored by a majority of Board members.
- Passing score
- Minimum 75 percent.
- Exam fee
- Included in the $300 application fee; oral reexamination fee is $200.
Practice scope
Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.
- SDCL Chapter 36-27A — Psychologists
- SDCL Chapter 36-1C — Uniform Complaint and Declaratory Ruling Procedures
- SDCL Chapter 36-1D — Licensure by Endorsement
- ARSD Chapter 20:60:05 — Application Procedure
- ARSD Chapter 20:60:06 — Eligibility
- ARSD Chapter 20:60:08 — Internships
- ARSD Chapter 20:60:10 — Continuing Education
- ARSD Chapter 20:60:07 — Standards of Behavior
- SDCL Chapter 26-8A — Protection of Children from Abuse or Neglect
- SDCL Chapter 22-46 — Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Elders or Adults with Disabilities
- SDCL Chapter 34-52 — Telehealth Utilization by Health Care Professionals
- SDCL Chapter 19-19 — South Dakota Rules of Evidence
Examination sources
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:05:07
- Application for Licensure Cover Letter
Oral examination content statement
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
Article 20:60, official chapter enumeration
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Psychologist Licensing
Additional Resources - statute enumeration
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Psychologist Licensing
Additional Resources - administrative rules enumeration
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-25
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-34
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Frequently Asked Questions
Telehealth governing law referral
- Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect in South Dakota
Disclaimer - controlling reporting law
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 22-46
SDCL 22-46-9, profession named in reporting law
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-1D
SDCL 36-1D-4(1), title 36 coverage
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:07:01
- ASPPB Code of Conduct
Introduction - governing scope of incorporated code
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 19-19, South Dakota Rules of Evidence
SDCL 19-19-503(a)(3), psychologist included
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:05:07
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:05:08
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Frequently Asked Questions
What does the oral examination consist of? - scored questions
- South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Frequently Asked Questions
What does the oral examination consist of? - passing score
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Article 20:60
ARSD 20:60:05:02
- Application for Licensure Cover Letter
Oral examination scheduling after credential approval
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 36-27A
SDCL 36-27A-20