Elementary School Teacher / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the South Dakota data shows for Elementary School Teachers

South Dakota sets the entry bar for elementary school teachers at board-approved training and a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under South Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

The initial price tag is $52, and renewal costs $44 every 5 years. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$52
Renewal Fee
$44
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Elementary School Teacher All South Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota's requirements cover, the State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $52. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in South Dakota? ▼
Certification as an elementary school teacher in South Dakota means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for elementary school teachers: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the South Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in South Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in South Dakota? ▼
South Dakota ties continued elementary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $44 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.