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50+ Free SD Massage Law Practice Questions

Pass your South Dakota Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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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

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.