Teachers: Who needs to take Praxis tests? 

New rules concerning teacher certification – and the newly required Praxis II content tests – take effect July 1, 2005. This article attempts to answer one of the biggest questions surrounding the new rules: Who needs to take the tests?   

Basically, three groups of people need to take the Praxis II content tests:

1. All candidates for initial certification in South Dakota
2. Existing educators who wish to add a new authorization to their certificate
3. Out-of-state teachers applying for certification

Individuals applying for an initial teaching certificate after July 1, 2005, must meet the qualifying score range for both the content-specific Praxis II test and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test that most accurately matches their level of preparation. Teachers new to the profession will take these tests as part of their teacher preparation program beginning in fall 2005.

Existing educators are not required to take a Praxis II content test to stay certified in South Dakota, unless they want to add a new authorization. After July 1, 2005, existing educators who wish to add an authorization will be required to take the appropriate content-specific Praxis II test. If these individuals complete their coursework and submit their applications for a new authorization prior to July 1, 2005, they will not be required to take the content-specific test. If there is not a test associated with the content area, they simply must complete the proper coursework.

Out-of-state teachers seeking certification in South Dakota after July 1, 2005, will need to take the Praxis II test for each content area for which they apply. If the teacher has taken the matching Praxis test in another state and his or her score meets South Dakota’s qualifying range, that score will be accepted.

For further information on Praxis tests, contact Melody Schopp in the Office of Accreditation and Teacher Quality at (605) 773-5232. melody.schopp@state.sd.us.