South Dakota Teacher Licensure Guide for Online Master's Students

Who Licenses Teachers in South Dakota, and Which Exams Does It Use?

South Dakota licenses teachers through South Dakota Department of Education, Office of Certification, and the exams it requires are the Praxis tests from ETS.

For the programs themselves, the online master's in education programs at universities in South Dakota are ranked at the in-state price, and the national and specialty lists cover schools in other states.

How Do I Get a South Dakota Teaching License With an Online Master's?

Getting a South Dakota teaching license with an online master's depends first on where the program is approved. A South Dakota graduate sends a transcript showing the program, student teaching and an approved Indian studies course, passing pedagogy and content scores, and a sign-off from the university's certification officer.

A graduate of an accredited program in another state follows the department's reciprocity flowchart: a holder of a valid certificate asks the licensing state to confirm there are no disciplinary actions, then files the Out-of-State Initial Application. Check candidates in our elementary education and secondary education rankings for that approval.

Which Exams Does South Dakota Require for Teacher Certification?

South Dakota requires Praxis exams for teacher certification: a Praxis pedagogy test in the certification area and a Praxis content test, unless the endorsement has other requirements. Beginning teachers sit the Principles of Learning and Teaching test matching their preparation level.

Someone moving from another state still tests for each content area, though scores from another state count if they meet South Dakota's passing mark, and the department may issue a one-year certificate while Praxis tests are finished. A candidate testing outside South Dakota, or with a profile address elsewhere, must choose the state's department as a score recipient, because scores are not sent automatically.

Can I Transfer a Teaching License to South Dakota From Another State?

A teaching license from another state can lead to a South Dakota certificate, and the department's out-of-state page offers separate applications for program completers, alternative-route graduates and applicants prepared abroad. A teacher or administrator who has not completed the Indian studies course may receive a provisional certificate and finish it afterward.

The 2020 Education Commission of the States comparison recorded that South Dakota had not signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and asked out-of-state teachers for extra coursework and assessments. Extra coursework still applies today in the form of the Indian studies course described below, and the table shows the other answers.

Does South Dakota Require an Indian Studies Course for an Online Master's Graduate?

South Dakota requires a three-credit-hour South Dakota Indian studies course from an online master's graduate who is new to the profession or from out of state. House Bill 1002, effective July 1, 2025, changed the law from "any teacher" to "all certified educators." The course must be department approved and appear on an official transcript from a regionally accredited school with a grade of C or higher.

The department lists approved courses at schools including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota. A provisional certificate expires the following June 30, so schedule it early.

Which Certificate Do South Dakota School Counselors Need?

South Dakota school counselors hold the School Counselor Education Specialist Certificate, which the department offers by two routes: complete a preschool to grade 12 counselor preparation program, or hold a master's or higher in counseling, pass the School Counselor test (5422) at 159 or above and finish one year of supervision by a mentor counselor.

The Indian studies course applies to counselors too, and the department's list recommends one South Dakota State University course for them. Test an online master's in school counseling against both routes. A principal should ask the Office of Educator Certification for the options current under the new rules.

Does NC-SARA Membership Cover Teacher Certification for South Dakota Online Master's Students?

NC-SARA membership does not cover teacher certification for South Dakota online master's students, because SARA does not address licensing board approval of programs. South Dakota was approved in November 2014 in the western compact, so participating schools can serve residents, while the Department of Education alone issues certificates.

SARA does ask participating schools to disclose whether a program meets licensure requirements where you live.

What Should I Ask an Online Program Before Enrolling From South Dakota?

Before enrolling from South Dakota, ask an online program to put its finding about your state on paper. 34 CFR 668.43 obliges a school that advertises licensure preparation to name the states where the program does and does not qualify, and to warn you before enrollment if it found a shortfall or never checked.

Then ask the South Dakota questions: does the program lead to certification in its own state, will it bring the Indian studies course into the plan, can student teaching happen in a school near you, and does the curriculum prepare you for the Praxis pedagogy and content tests.