South Dakota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the South Dakota electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to South Dakota.
Quick Answer
For the South Dakota electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE and the fee is $115. South Dakota electricians earn about $51,190 per year ($24.61 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: South Dakota Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Pearson VUE
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$115
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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South Dakota Electrician License Overview
South Dakota licenses electricians through the South Dakota State Electrical Commission (SDSEC). South Dakota issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. South Dakota's construction market is centered on Sioux Falls and Rapid City, with agricultural infrastructure, data center development, and tourism-related construction (Black Hills area) providing statewide employment. The state's low cost of living and steady construction market make it an attractive destination for electricians from neighboring states.
South Dakota Electrician License Types
South Dakota Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the SD Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the SDSEC.
South Dakota Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a SD Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Master exam.
Electrical Contractor
Business license for electrical contracting in South Dakota.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet SDSEC requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed SD master electrician.
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid South Dakota Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Dakota has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Sioux Falls (IBEW Local 426). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
South Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the SDSEC at sdsec.sd.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at sdsec.sd.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $25–$50 annual renewal (verify at sdsec.sd.gov)
Important Notes
South Dakota electrical licenses renew annually.
South DakotaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$51,190/year
$24.61/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $32,560 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $72,380 (90th percentile)
South Dakota employs approximately 4,000 electricians. Sioux Falls is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, commercial construction, healthcare (Sanford Health system), and data center development are all active. Agricultural infrastructure and tourism (Mount Rushmore, Deadwood) add to statewide demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the South Dakota Electrical Commission for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Pearson VUE
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with South Dakota-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
South Dakota Electrician License FAQ
Does South Dakota have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. The SDSEC issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout the state.
Is the South Dakota electrician exam open book?
Yes. SD exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in South Dakota?
The statewide average is about $51,190/year. Sioux Falls area electricians earn more, with experienced commercial electricians earning $60,000–$72,000+.
Does South Dakota have reciprocity with North Dakota or Minnesota?
South Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the SDSEC to confirm current terms.
How long does it take to get a South Dakota journeyman license?
Plan on 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT through an apprenticeship program.
Common Questions About the South Dakota Electrician License
How much does the South Dakota electrician license exam cost?
The South Dakota electrician exam fee is $115, paid to Pearson VUE when you register.
Who administers the South Dakota electrician license exam?
The South Dakota Electrical Commission oversees electrician licensing in South Dakota, and the exam is delivered by Pearson VUE.
How much do electricians make in South Dakota?
South Dakota electricians earn about $51,190 per year ($24.61 per hour). Entry level pay is around $32,560 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $72,380 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in South Dakota?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed SD master electrician.
Does South Dakota have electrician license reciprocity?
South Dakota participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the SDSEC at sdsec.sd.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how South Dakota's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
South Dakota Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
South Dakota Electrical Commission requirements, PSI exam, fees, and annual renewal.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the South Dakota exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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