Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Teacher Certification

Which Application Do I Need ?

If you are applying for a South Dakota Teaching certificate you will need to complete one of the following applications:

1) Never held a South Dakota teaching certificate (new to the profession or out-of-state)

• Initial Certification Application
• Application fee
• Conduct review statement
• University sign off
• Official transcripts
• Copy of Praxis test scores
• Verification of years of experience in a previous district if you are an existing teacher/administrator from out of state (a letter from a previous employee

2) Have a previous South Dakota teaching certificate (current or lapsed) and need to renew

• Renewal Certification Application
• Application fee
• Conduct review statement
• Official transcripts, CEU verification, or DOE renewal certificates

3) Have a current South Dakota certificate and want to add a professional preparation (program or major), advanced degree, or National Board Certification that has been completed from a university (Example: K-12 Principal, School Counselor, etc.)

• Professional Preparation Application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts to verify program completion
• University sign-off form
• Copy of Praxis test scores if applicable
• Three years of verified experience in an accredited K-12 school, one year of which included classroom teaching experience or direct services to students.

4) Have a current South Dakota certificate and want to add an endorsement (Less than a major)

• Endorsement Certification Application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts to verify endorsement completion IF there is no test OR
• Copy of Praxis test scores if there is a validated test
• Verification of three years of direct services to students if applying for any of the administrative endorsements

5) Have not completed a traditional teacher education program but have at least a bachelor’s degree and are interested in teaching

• Alternative Certification Application
• Application fee
• Conduct review statement
• Official transcripts indicating bachelors degree
• Copy of school contract of employment

6) Have completed the alternative certification program requirements and are applying for a five year South Dakota teaching certificate

• Alternative Certification Application to a five year certificate
• Application fee
• Conduct review statement
• Official transcripts for courses taken to meet the alternative certification requirements
• Copy of Praxis test scores
• Written recommendation from your mentor