South Dakota

For initial certification in South Dakota, all candidates must:

• earn a baccalaureate degree.
• complete an approved educator preparation program.
• pass the Praxis® pedagogy test in their certification area.
• pass the Praxis content test or complete other requirements for the endorsement.

Find your licensure area below to determine which test you need to take and see the minimum qualifying score. To learn more about a specific test, click the test title. Once you know your test(s), find out how to register for Praxis® tests and read the Praxis test retake policy.

In general, unless it is specifically stated that a calculator is permitted or required for a particular test, calculators may not be used on any Praxis tests (see Calculator Use).

ETS discontinued paper-delivered testing; however, Praxis tests will continue to be available in a paper-delivered format as required for ADA accommodations. All scores for previously administered paper-delivered tests are reportable for 10 years from the date the test was taken.

• If you test in South Dakota at a test center or at home, and your Praxis profile address is in South Dakota, your score report will be sent automatically to the South Dakota Department of Education.
• If you test outside South Dakota or your Praxis profile address is not in South Dakota, your scores are NOT automatically sent to the South Dakota Department of Education. To have your scores sent to the South Dakota Department of Education, you must select the South Dakota Department of Education (8112) as a score recipient when you register.
• For all methods of Praxis testing, to request additional score reports you must select the South Dakota Department of Education (state code 8112) with each additional score report request.

For individuals that haven't completed a traditional educator preparation program, South Dakota certification may be obtained through several alternative routes to certification.

You must take the Praxis content test that matches the content area for which you are seeking endorsement. You also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test that matches your preparation level. This test must be taker prior to completion of your alternative certification program. Contact certification@state.sd.us or (605) 773-3134 for questions referring to alternative certification.

Who is required to take the Praxis Subject Assessments?

Teachers new to the profession or to the state, as well as existing educators who want to add endorsements or be highly qualified, are required to pass Praxis Subject Assessments specific to the content areas they will be teaching.

Teachers new to the profession also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test that most accurately matches their level of preparation. Existing teachers that have contracted PK–12 teaching experience on a valid certificate can show either verification of teaching experience or a copy of a Praxis PLT score.

How do I know what test to take?

Refer to the link that lists all the tests for your certification area

What if there is no test listed for my content area?

Not all certification areas have matching content-specific tests. You may be able to obtain an endorsement in a content area that does not have a test, based on college coursework and transcripts. Submit the additional authorization application to the Department of Education to request a transcript analysis.

Do I have to complete all of the course work to add an endorsement to my certification?

No. You may take the test without completing any prior coursework. If you meet or exceed the qualifying score, the Department of Education will add the endorsement to your certificate.

What if I don't pass my test?

You can take a Praxis test as many times as necessary to obtain a passing score.

What if I am asked to teach in a content area I don't have a proper endorsement.

Your district will be required to complete a "plan of intent" listing the specific Praxis test and/or coursework to be completed by the end of the school year.

I am moving to South Dakota from another state. Do I need to take a test to be certified in South Dakota?

Yes. You will need to take the Praxis test for each content area for which you are applying. Teachers new to the profession also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test that most accurately matches their level of preparation. Existing teachers that have contracted PK–12 teaching experience on a valid certificate can either show verification of teaching experience or a copy of the Praxis PLT score.

If you already have taken the Praxis tests in another state, your score will be accepted as long as you have met the passing score validated by South Dakota.

The department may issue a 1-year certificate, allowing an applicant to complete required Praxis tests.

I currently hold a valid South Dakota Teaching Certificate. Do I need to take a Praxis test to stay certified in South Dakota?

No. The only time you have to take a test is to add an endorsement for assignments outside of your current authorizations.