Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Praxis - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is required to take a Praxis II test?

A: 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 II tests specific to the content areas they will be teaching.

Teachers new to the profession also must take the Principles of Learning and Teaching 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 copy of Praxis II PLT test. 

Q: What is a Praxis II test?

A: Praxis II tests measure a candidate's knowledge of the subjects they will teach. The pedagogy assessments, Principles of Learning and Teaching, required of all teachers new to the profession, are included in this group. The company that does the testing is Educational Testing Services.  Most of the tests are done with paper and pencil and last about two hours.

Q: When did the new testing requirements become effective for purposes of certification?

A: Praxis II tests will be required for certification beginning July 1, 2005. Tests are administered seven times a year on college campuses across South Dakota. View upcoming testing dates and locations.

Q: Why are content-specific tests now being required?

A: By demonstrating competence in subject knowledge, the tests help teachers meet the "highly qualified" requirement of No Child Left Behind.  Additionally, South Dakota rules require teachers to pass content and pedagogy tests for certification.

Q: How do I know which test to take?

A: When registering to take a test through Educational Testing Service, look for the endorsement, or licensure area, you are pursuing on the list of tests. For example, Agriculture Education 7-12 or Middle Level Science 5-8. New teachers also need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching test for their appropriate level (early childhood, elementary, middle or secondary).  Refer to the online link that lists all the tests for each preparation and content area.

Q: What if there's no test listed for my content area?

A: 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.

Q: How do I register to take a test?

A: You can register online, via mail, or phone through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Web site.

Q: Do I have to complete all the coursework to add an endorsement to my certificate?

A: 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.

Q: What score must I receive to pass the Praxis II test?

A: Applicants that take the praxis after August of 2007 will need to meet or exceed the September 2007 pass scores. Applicants that took the tests prior to August of 2007 simply needed to exceed the bottom score of the range.

Q: What if I don't pass my test?

A: Candidates can take a Praxis II test as many times as necessary to obtain a passing score.

Q: What if I am asked to teach in a content area for which I don't have proper endorsement?

A: Your district may apply for a "plan of intent” listing the specific Praxis II test and/or coursework.

Q: How much do they cost?

A: The registration fee $50 charged once per testing year. Content-specific tests range from $80 to $90 per test. The pedagogy tests are $90 each. You may take up to three two-hour tests in one day.

Q: How long does it take to get my scores?

A: It takes approximately four weeks to receive your scores from Educational Testing Service.

Q: How can I prepare for a test?

A: You can download Test at a Glance publications. Each publication includes detailed test descriptions, sample questions with answers and explanations, and test-taking strategies. Some tests also have study guides available for purchase.

Q: I'm moving to South Dakota from another state. Do I need to take a test to be certified in South Dakota?

A: Yes. You will need to take the Praxis II test for each content area for which you are applying.  Teachers new to the profession also must take the Principles of Learning and Teaching 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 copy of Praxis II PLT test. 

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

Q: I currently hold a valid South Dakota teaching certificate. Am I required to take a Praxis II test to stay certified in South Dakota?

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

Q: I am pursuing alternative certification. Which tests am I required to take?

A: You must take the Praxis II content test that matches the content area for which you are seeking endorsement. You also must take the Principles of Learning and Teaching test that matches your preparation level. This test must be taken prior to completion of your alternative certification program.  You should contact Roxie Thielen for questions referring to alternative certification. 605-773-4669, roxie.thielen@state.sd.us

Q: Who receives my scores?

A: As of September 28, 2005, after each of the major paper-based test administrations if you designate South Dakota Department of Education as a score recipient and provide your social security number, the state department automatically receives the scores via the Internet.  This not only saves delivery time but eliminates the need for the applicant to submit a score sheet.