Certification: Educator Overview
Office of Educator Certification hours of operation (Monday through Friday):
- Certification staff processes applications daily from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Central
- Certification staff responds to emails and phone calls daily from 8 – 10 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. Central
2020 renewal applications CANNOT be started until AFTER January 1, 2020.

Applications
- Initial Applications
- Options Based on an Existing Certificate
- Instructions for Creating an Account
- Access Educator Certification Online Application System
Teacher 411 Educator Lookup
Teacher411 Educator Lookup is an online search tool which provides information about South Dakota educators, and requirements to be considered certified to teach an assignment or act as an administrator or education specialist.
>>> Find out more about Teacher 411
>>> Find out more about Teacher 411
Resources
- Certification Rules
- Teacher 411
- Endorsement Requirements
- Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training
- South Dakota Indian Studies Course
- State-Designated Tests
- Application Flowcharts and Tips – Initial Certification
- Application Flowcharts and Tips – Existing Certificate
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness
- Tuition Reduction Program for Teachers
How to Submit Official Transcripts
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University may:
- Submit electronic transcript directly to certification@state.sd.us
- Mail official/original paper transcripts
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Applicant may:
- Mail official/original transcripts (transcripts may be removed from the sealed envelope)
800 Governors Drive Pierre, SD 57501
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Transcripts may NOT be submitted as a pdf or attached to an email
Questions can be directed to: certification@state.sd.us.