Overview of South Dakota Testing Requirements
Score reporting
- If you test in South Dakota at a test center or at home, and your Praxis profile address is in South Dakota, your score report will be sent automatically to the South Dakota Department of Education.
- If you test outside South Dakota or your Praxis profile address is not in South Dakota, your scores are NOT automatically sent to the South Dakota Department of Education. To have your scores sent to the South Dakota Department of Education, you must select the South Dakota Department of Education (8112) as a score recipient when you register.
- For all methods of Praxis testing, to request additional score reports you must select the South Dakota Department of Education (state code 8112) with each additional score report request.
Important information
- ETS discontinued paper-delivered testing; however, Praxis tests will continue to be available in a paper-delivered format as required for ADA accommodations. All scores for previously administered paper-delivered tests are reportable for 10 years from the date the test was taken.
Alternate route program
For individuals that haven't completed a traditional educator preparation program, South Dakota certification may be obtained through several alternative routes to certification.
You must take the Praxis content test that matches the content area for which you are seeking endorsement. You also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test that matches your preparation level. This test must be taker prior to completion of your alternative certification program. Contact Roxie Thielen for questions referring to alternative certification at 1-605-773-4669 or my email at roxie.thielen@state.sd.us.
Frequently asked questions
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 Subject Assessments specific to the content areas they will be teaching.
Teachers new to the profession also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test that most accurately matches their level of preparation. Existing teachers that have contracted PK–12 teaching experience on a valid certificate can show either verification of teaching experience or a copy of a Praxis PLT score.
Refer to the link that lists all the tests for your certification area.
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.
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.
You can take a Praxis test as many times as necessary to obtain a passing score.
Your district will be required to complete a "plan of intent" listing the specific Praxis test and/or coursework to be completed by the end of the school year.
Yes. You will need to take the Praxis test for each content area for which you are applying. Teachers new to the profession also must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) 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 a copy of the Praxis PLT score.
If you already have taken the Praxis tests in another state, your score will be accepted as long as you have met the passing score validated by South Dakota.
The department may issue a 1-year certificate, allowing an applicant to complete required Praxis tests.
No. The only time you have to take a test is to add an endorsement for assignments outside of your current authorizations.
Other programs used in South Dakota
PPAT®
Tracks your professional learning experience and performance
ParaPro
Measures your knowledge and skills in reading, writing and mathematics to assist in classrooms
School Leadership Series
Assesses your entry-level school leadership skills