How to Serve as a Clinical Supervisor in South Dakota as a Licensed Psychologist

If you're a Licensed Psychologist (LP) in South Dakota wondering how to serve as a supervisor, it's important to understand the state's specific rules. South Dakota’s clinical supervisor requirements for psychologists are straightforward – focusing on licensure and ethical practice rather than additional certifications or lengthy training. Below, we break down the eligibility criteria, continuing education (CE) obligations, pitfalls, and how you can enhance your supervisory skills (with help from TCI’s courses and resources) to supervise with confidence.

✅ Supervisor Eligibility Requirements (South Dakota)

To supervise a candidate pursuing licensure as a psychologist in South Dakota, you must meet South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists requirements. Key eligibility criteria include:

🧠 Must Be a Licensed Psychologist at the Doctoral Level
The supervisor must hold an active license as a psychologist at the doctoral level (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). This applies to supervising both pre-doctoral internship hours and post-doctoral supervised practice hours.
— S.D. Admin. R. 20:60:06:01

Supervisor Responsibilities (Documentation & Verification)

📝 Must Document and Verify the Supervised Experience
It is the supervisor’s responsibility to document the supervisee’s hours and experience and attest to their completion. South Dakota requires a full year of post-doctoral supervised work for psychology licensure. Upon completion, the supervisor fills out the official Post-Doctoral Psychological Experience Verification Form and submits it directly to the Board (the licensure applicant cannot submit this form themselves). On the form, you will certify key details such as the nature of the work performed, the total hours completed per week, and the duration and intensity of supervision provided. This signed verification is a crucial part of the licensure application and must be completed honestly and thoroughly.
South Dakota Department of Social Services – Post-Doctoral Psychological Experience Form (PDF)

🔁 Ongoing/Renewal Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

There are no additional “supervision-specific” CE hours required to serve as a supervisor beyond the standard CE requirements for all licensed psychologists. However, you must keep your license active, which entails meeting the general CE criteria set by the Board in Administrative Rule 20:60:10. Below is a summary of South Dakota’s CE requirements for licensed psychologists (LPs):

• ✅ Minimum CE Hours: South Dakota LPs must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education (15 hours = 1.5 CE units) each year in order to renew their license. The annual licensing period runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, and all required hours must be earned within that window.

• 🔁 Renewal Cycle: Psychologist licenses expire annually on June 30. To renew, you must submit a renewal application, pay the renewal fee, and provide proof of your 15 CE hours for that year (South Dakota Department of Social Services — Board of Examiners of Psychologists. “Psychologist Licensing.”).

• ⚠️ Limit on Independent Reading: Of the 15 hours, no more than 5 hours may come from independent professional reading per annual period.

• 📝 Documentation: Always retain documentation of your CE completions. The Board requires submitting copies of CE certificates with your renewal, and you should also keep the original certificates or records for at least five years in case of audit. Each CE certificate should clearly show the provider, course title, date, and number of hours. South Dakota may conduct random audits or require evidence of compliance; if you fail to complete the 15 hours, your license cannot be renewed. So, stay organized and ensure all your CE is done on time every year (Administrative Rule 20:60:10).

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with straightforward rules, there are a few pitfalls that South Dakota supervisors and supervisees should be careful to avoid. Being aware of these issues will help ensure that the supervision hours you provide (or receive) will count toward licensure without any problems:

• Supervisee “Registration” (Not Required in SD): South Dakota does not require a separate trainee registration or provisional permit for postdoctoral supervisees. The supervisee should have completed the doctoral degree (and internship) before accruing postdoc hours. Starting before degree conferral can risk hours being rejected.

• Improper Documentation: Incomplete forms, missing signatures, or the applicant submitting the supervisor form (instead of the supervisor sending it directly) can delay or jeopardize acceptance of hours. Use the Board’s Post-Doctoral Psychological Experience Form and follow its instructions exactly.

• Supervisor Not Meeting Requirements: If a supervisor’s license lapses or the supervisor is not doctoral-level during the supervision period, hours may be invalidated. Confirm good standing throughout supervision.

📘 How the Telehealth Certification Institute Helps You

South Dakota does not require supervisor-specific CE to serve as a supervisor. TCI provides accredited continuing education (CE) to help you strengthen supervision skills and meet your annual CE obligations.

Recommended Courses

• 10 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
  Build core competencies quickly with a curated set covering supervision models, foundation of supervision, and cultural humility—a structured way to earn CE beyond the 5-hour independent-reading limit.

• Live Webinars
  Because only up to 5 hours may be from independent professional reading, our live, instructor-led webinars ensure you fulfill your 15 annual CE hours with structured, interactive instruction.

• Clinical Supervision Certificate Program
  A comprehensive pathway covering supervision models, ethics, multicultural supervision, telesupervision, documentation, evaluation, and difficult conversations. Ideal if you want depth, structure, and a credential that signals advanced competency.

• Individual Clinical Supervision CE Courses
  Looking for something specific (e.g., supervision ethics, tele-supervision, cultural competency)—choose only what you need.

🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

Join our live, bi-monthly forum designed for clinical supervisors—open to all behavioral health professionals!

• ✅ Earn complimentary live CE hours
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• 🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation

🌟 Why Choose TCI for Your Training?

• ✅ Trusted by thousands of behavioral health professionals nationwide
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• ✅ Modular, flexible courses — pay only for the training you need

⚠️ Disclaimer

“The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Licensing and supervision requirements may change, and interpretations may vary. It is the responsibility of each individual to verify the current rules and qualifications directly with their state licensing authority.”

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Help shape the future of the profession—supervise with confidence and make a lasting impact on the next generation of psychologists!