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How to become a certified teacher in South Dakota. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $363.25–$513.25. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree for a Substitute Teaching Certificate; some districts may request emergency authorization for substitutes with less education. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · South Dakota
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in South Dakota. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against South Dakota Department of Education - Office of Certification.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$363.25–$513.25
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Basic skills exam in reading, writing, and mathematics required for initial certification; may be exempt with qualifying SAT/ACT scores
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each endorsement area; South Dakota sets its own passing score thresholds
Standard teaching certificate issued to teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed required Praxis exams. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing education credits.
Issued to teachers who are close to completing all requirements; valid for one year to allow time to finish remaining requirements
Issued to career changers participating in an approved alternative certification program
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for a Substitute Teaching Certificate; some districts may request emergency authorization for substitutes with less education
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$25
Validity
5 years
South Dakota issues a Substitute Teaching Certificate through the Department of Education. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and complete a criminal background check. Substitute teachers may serve for limited consecutive days per assignment. Teachers with active South Dakota certificates may also serve as substitutes without additional certification.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeTeaching certificate application fee | $50 |
| Fingerprint FeeState and FBI fingerprint background check fee | $43.25 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($150 combined or $270 individual) + Praxis II content ($120–$170) | $270–$420 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $50 |
| Renewal FeeCertificate renewal fee | $50 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching certificate fee | $25 |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($50), fingerprinting ($43.25), and exams ($270–$420) | $363.25–$513.25 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the Praxis Core (basic skills) and Praxis II (content knowledge) exams
Fee: $270–$420
Submit fingerprints for state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and FBI background check
Fee: $43.25
Apply through the SD DOE online certification system with required documentation, transcripts, and fee
Fee: $50
Upon approval, receive the Five-Year Teaching Certificate
Renewable every 5 years with 6 semester hours of continuing education
South Dakota offers an Alternative Certification Program for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a content area who wish to enter teaching. Candidates work with a school district and complete required coursework while teaching under supervision. The state also offers CTE certification pathways for industry professionals to teach in their fields of expertise.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
6
Renewal Cycle
5 years
South Dakota requires 6 semester hours of continuing education credit during each 5-year renewal cycle. Credits must be earned from an accredited institution and may include graduate coursework, undergraduate coursework in the teaching area, or approved professional development. Teachers may also substitute National Board Certification or a master's degree in lieu of credits.
Reciprocity Type
Interstate agreement with streamlined process
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
South Dakota participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and generally provides a streamlined process for out-of-state teachers. Teachers with valid certificates from other states and completed preparation programs may qualify for a South Dakota certificate with minimal additional requirements.
Additional requirements: Must submit official transcripts and verification of out-of-state certificate; background check required; may need to pass Praxis exams if not previously taken
Unique to South Dakota: South Dakota has one of the simplest certification structures in the country with a single Five-Year Teaching Certificate that does not distinguish between initial and professional tiers. The state also has relatively modest continuing education requirements (6 semester hours per 5-year cycle), which is lower than most states.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#14 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$46,970
25th percentile
Median
$49,110
-21% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$55,880
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,220 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: SD DOE Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: SD DOE Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: SD DOE Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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South Dakota requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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