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South Dakota · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your South Dakota Water & Wastewater Operator License

South Dakota water & wastewater operators must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
10 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
February 1, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers South Dakota water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification.

When to renew

South Dakota water & wastewater operators licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is February 1, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (SD Water Operators: certificates expire Feb 1 each year (ARSD 74:21:02:52))

The continuing education South Dakota requires

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification requires 10 hours of approved continuing education every year. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    South Dakota sets water & wastewater operators requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is February 1, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education

    South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification requires 10 hours every year. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the South Dakota water & wastewater operators course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In South Dakota, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification

South Dakota water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do South Dakota water & wastewater operators need?
South Dakota water & wastewater operators must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Board of Operator Certification.
Can South Dakota water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the South Dakota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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