No person or firm which does not hold a valid certificate, permit, or registration issued under this chapter may assume or use any title or designation that includes the words, accountant, auditor, or accounting, in connection with any other language, including the language of a report, that implies that such person or firm holds such a certificate, permit, or registration or has special competence as an accountant or auditor. However, the provisions of this section do not apply to any individual granted practice privileges under the provisions of § 36-20B-66 or 36-20B-67 or to any firm that is exempt from the permit requirements pursuant to § 36-20B-32.2 or 36-20B-32.3.
This section does not prohibit any officer, partner, member, manager, or employee of any firm or organization from affixing that person's own signature to any statement in reference to the financial affairs of such firm or organization with any wording designating the position, title, or office that the person holds therein nor prohibit any act of a public official or employee in the performance of the persons duties as such.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
SDCL 36-20B-58