50+ Free SD Massage Law Practice Questions

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Which agency oversees the licensing of massage therapists in South Dakota?

South Dakota Department of Labor

South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy under the Department of Health

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

South Dakota Secretary of State

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SD Massage Law Exam

500

Education Hours Required

200 minimum hands-on

$250K

Minimum Malpractice Insurance

SDCL 36-35-21

70%

Passing Score

Jurisprudence exam

8 hrs

CE Per 2-Year Cycle

Biennial renewal

$65

License Fee

SD Board of Massage Therapy

5 yrs

Insurance Record Retention

SDCL 36-35-21

Sample SD Massage Law Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SD Massage Law exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 50+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which agency oversees the licensing of massage therapists in South Dakota?

A.South Dakota Department of Labor

B.South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy under the Department of Health

C.South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

D.South Dakota Secretary of State

Explanation: The South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy, operating under the South Dakota Department of Health, is responsible for licensing and regulating massage therapists. The Board's mission is to protect the health and safety of the public through mandatory licensure and enforcement of statutes and regulations governing massage therapy practice.

2How many hours of education and training are required for massage therapy licensure in South Dakota?

A.300 hours

B.500 hours

C.625 hours

D.1,000 hours

Explanation: South Dakota requires at least 500 hours of specified education and training in massage therapy from a recognized facility. This includes 125 hours in body systems/anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 200 hours in massage and bodywork assessment/theory/application, and 125 hours in additional training. At least 200 hours must be hands-on training.

3What is the breakdown of education hours required for body systems, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology in South Dakota?

A.75 hours

B.100 hours

C.125 hours

D.200 hours

Explanation: South Dakota requires 125 hours of training in the body's system and anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. This science foundation ensures therapists understand how the body works, how different systems interact, and how movement relates to soft tissue health.

4How many hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application training are required in South Dakota?

A.125 hours

B.150 hours

C.200 hours

D.250 hours

Explanation: South Dakota requires 200 hours of training in massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application. This is the largest component of the 500-hour education requirement and covers the core clinical skills that massage therapists need to practice safely and effectively.

5What is the minimum number of hands-on training hours required in South Dakota's massage therapy program?

A.100 hours

B.150 hours

C.200 hours

D.300 hours

Explanation: South Dakota requires at least 200 hours of hands-on training as part of the 500-hour education program. This ensures that students receive substantial practical experience in addition to classroom and theoretical instruction before entering professional practice.

6What is the minimum amount of malpractice/professional liability insurance required for South Dakota licensed massage therapists?

A.$100,000 per occurrence

B.$250,000 per occurrence

C.$500,000 per occurrence

D.$1,000,000 per occurrence

Explanation: South Dakota requires all licensed massage therapists to carry malpractice or professional liability insurance with limits of no less than $250,000 per occurrence. The insurance must be from a company with a certificate of authority from the South Dakota Division of Insurance. This is a mandatory requirement for licensure and renewal.

7Under SDCL 36-35, South Dakota's definition of massage includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A.Pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, and kneading

B.External application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, or topical agents

C.Diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions

D.Use of devices that mimic or enhance actions done by hand

Explanation: Under SDCL 36-35-1, massage is defined as the systematic mobilization of soft tissues through pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, compression, or stretching; external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, or topical agents; and use of devices that mimic hand actions. Diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions is NOT within the scope of massage therapy.

8How often must a South Dakota massage therapist renew their license?

A.Annually

B.Every 2 years (biennially)

C.Every 3 years (triennially)

D.Every 5 years

Explanation: South Dakota massage therapy licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennially). At each renewal, the therapist must demonstrate continued compliance with licensing requirements including maintaining current malpractice insurance and completing any required continuing education.

9How many hours of continuing education are required for each biennial renewal in South Dakota?

A.No CE is currently required

B.8 hours

C.16 hours

D.24 hours

Explanation: South Dakota requires 8 hours of continuing education for each biennial (2-year) renewal cycle. This is one of the lower CE requirements among states, but it ensures that licensed massage therapists maintain and update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

10What is the licensure fee for a massage therapy license in South Dakota?

A.$25

B.$45

C.$65

D.$100

Explanation: The licensure fee for a South Dakota massage therapy license is $65. This fee covers the initial license application and processing. Applicants must also cover the cost of their national examination separately (e.g., MBLEx at $265).

About the SD Massage Law Exam

The South Dakota massage therapist jurisprudence exam tests knowledge of state-specific laws under SDCL 36-35 and administrative rules in Chapter 20:76. The exam covers ethics, boundaries, laws, regulations, and guidelines for professional practice. South Dakota requires 500 hours of education (200 hands-on minimum), passage of an approved national exam (MBLEx, NCETM, NCETMB, or NBCA), and proof of $250,000 malpractice insurance.

Questions

25 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$65 (South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (Department of Health))

SD Massage Law Exam Content Outline

30%

State Laws & Regulations

SDCL 36-35, Chapter 20:76 admin rules, licensing requirements, 500-hour education, biennial renewal, malpractice insurance mandate, and reciprocity

25%

Scope of Practice

Statutory definition of massage (soft tissue mobilization for therapy/relaxation/education), draping requirements, prohibited practices, hands/feet/ears exemption

20%

Professional Ethics & Boundaries

Sexual misconduct prevention, dual relationships, informed consent, client confidentiality, mandatory abuse reporting, and professional conduct standards

15%

Business & Advertising Requirements

Insurance requirements ($250,000 minimum), carrier notification obligations, 5-year record retention, advertising standards, and employment of unlicensed persons

10%

Health & Safety Standards

Contraindication recognition, sanitation and hygiene, treatment documentation, safety procedures, and proper equipment use

How to Pass the SD Massage Law Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 25 questions
Time limit: 1 hour
Exam fee: $65

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SD Massage Law Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on SDCL 36-35 — know the statutory definition of massage and all exemptions from licensure

2Memorize the malpractice insurance requirements: $250,000 minimum, SD Division of Insurance authorized carrier, 5-year record retention

3Know the 500-hour education breakdown: 125 body systems + 200 massage theory/application + 125 additional + 200 minimum hands-on

4Study the hands/feet/ears exemption and understand when it applies and its limitations

5Understand the Class 1 misdemeanor penalties for both unlicensed practice AND employing unlicensed persons

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the education requirements for South Dakota massage therapy licensure?

South Dakota requires 500 hours of education including: 125 hours body systems/anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 200 hours massage and bodywork assessment/theory/application, and 125 hours additional training. At least 200 hours must be hands-on training from a recognized facility.

What malpractice insurance is required in South Dakota?

All SD licensed massage therapists must carry at least $250,000 per occurrence in malpractice insurance from a company with a South Dakota Division of Insurance certificate of authority. You must notify the Board of any carrier change and maintain insurance records for 5 years.

What national exams does South Dakota accept?

South Dakota accepts the MBLEx ($265), NCETM ($225), NCETMB ($225), or NBCA/AMMA Massage Therapy Certification Exam ($275). All applicants must also pass the state jurisprudence exam.

What are the penalties for practicing without a license in South Dakota?

Under SDCL 36-35-10, practicing massage therapy without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This also applies to employers who knowingly employ unlicensed persons as massage therapists.

What are South Dakota's continuing education requirements?

South Dakota requires 8 hours of continuing education per biennial (2-year) renewal cycle. This is one of the lower CE requirements among states but ensures therapists maintain current knowledge and skills.

Who is exempt from licensure in South Dakota?

Exemptions include: licensed physicians/chiropractors/nurses/PTs practicing within their scope, federal employees in their duties, temporary massage instruction, and persons performing soft tissue manipulation restricted to hands/feet/ears who don't hold themselves out as massage therapists.