South Dakota Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Certification

If you plan to become a teacher in South Dakota, understanding the South Dakota Praxis requirements is an important step in the certification process. South Dakota uses Praxis assessments for teaching knowledge and many subject-area endorsements.

Beginning educators normally need an appropriate Praxis content assessment together with a Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT, test. However, the exact requirements depend on your grade range, teaching subject, previous experience, and certification route.

South Dakota is also introducing important elementary testing changes. The state now accepts the new Elementary Education Fundamentals assessments, including Praxis 8006, 8003, 8004, and 8005.

Therefore, candidates should use current testing information rather than relying on older Praxis guides.

Before registering, review the official South Dakota Department of Education certification information and ETS South Dakota Praxis requirements.

For preparation support, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection or browse the teacher certification preparation courses.

What Are the South Dakota Praxis Requirements?

The South Dakota Praxis requirements depend mainly on your certification area.

For initial certification, candidates generally need to:

Earn a bachelor’s degree
Complete an approved educator preparation program
Meet the pedagogy requirement
Meet the content requirement for the endorsement
Complete the South Dakota certification process

Beginning teachers and educators without previous teaching experience are generally expected to pass a PLT assessment together with the appropriate content test.

However, some experienced educators may be able to use verified teaching experience instead of a PLT score in certain situations.

Therefore, candidates should confirm their individual certification pathway before paying for an exam.

You can also browse the AIProctoredExams online course catalog while planning your preparation.

South Dakota Praxis PLT Requirements

Pedagogy testing is an important part of the South Dakota Praxis requirements.

South Dakota currently recognizes the following PLT assessments:

Praxis PLT Test	Code	South Dakota Passing Score
PLT: Early Childhood	5621	157
PLT: Grades K–6	5622	160
PLT: Grades 5–9	5623	160
PLT: Grades 7–12	5624	157
PLT: PreK–12	5625	157

These scores appear in South Dakota’s current state-designated testing list.

Praxis 5621 Early Childhood

Candidates whose pathway uses early-childhood pedagogy take:

Praxis 5621 – Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood

Passing score: 157

Important areas include:

Child development
Learning processes
Instruction
Assessment
Classroom environments
Family relationships
Professional responsibilities

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5621 Early Childhood preparation course.

Praxis 5622 Grades K–6

Elementary-level candidates may need:

Praxis 5622 – PLT Grades K–6

Passing score: 160

The test measures knowledge of:

Student development
Teaching methods
Assessment
Classroom management
Learning theory
Professional practice

For targeted preparation, use the Praxis 5622 Grades K–6 course.

Praxis 5623 Grades 5–9

Middle-level candidates may use:

Praxis 5623 – PLT Grades 5–9

Passing score: 160

Candidates can review the Praxis 5623 PLT Grades 5–9 preparation course.

Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12

Secondary candidates commonly use:

Praxis 5624 – PLT Grades 7–12

Passing score: 157

For preparation support, review the Praxis 5624 Grades 7–12 course.

New South Dakota Elementary Praxis Tests

One of the biggest current changes to the South Dakota Praxis requirements involves elementary education.

South Dakota now accepts the new Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals assessments for K–4 and 5–8 certification areas.

The new series includes:

Praxis 8006 – Elementary Education Fundamentals: Teaching Reading
Praxis 8003 – Elementary Education Fundamentals: Mathematics
Praxis 8004 – Elementary Education Fundamentals: Social Studies
Praxis 8005 – Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science

These tests use the new Praxis Steps system.

Praxis Steps allows candidates to take a full test or, when the modular option becomes available, complete smaller sections of the assessment.

In addition, candidates who fail only one Step may be able to retake that Step rather than repeating the entire exam.

This makes the new elementary testing system especially important for candidates beginning preparation now.

Important Praxis Steps Dates

South Dakota’s elementary transition includes several current dates.

Praxis 8003 Mathematics, Praxis 8004 Social Studies, and Praxis 8005 Science are already available as full assessments.

Individual Praxis Steps for those tests are scheduled to become available on September 1, 2026.

Meanwhile, the full Praxis 8006 Teaching Reading assessment becomes available on August 31, 2026.

Individual Steps for Praxis 8006 are expected in spring 2027.

Therefore, candidates preparing during the transition should check the latest ETS scheduling information before registering.

Is Praxis 5001 Still Relevant in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s state-designated testing list also includes the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects 5001 series.

The established qualifying scores include:

Praxis Test	Code	Passing Score
Reading and Language Arts	5002	150
Mathematics	5003	146
Social Studies	5004	147
Science	5005	150

However, South Dakota is now introducing the newer Elementary Education Fundamentals series.

Therefore, new candidates should verify which elementary assessment option their educator preparation program or certification pathway currently expects before registering.

Candidates looking for broader elementary preparation can browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation resources.

South Dakota Early Childhood Praxis Requirements

South Dakota currently recognizes several early childhood assessments.

One important current test is:

Praxis 5534 – Early Childhood Education: Foundational Knowledge and Content

Passing score: 163

South Dakota also lists:

Praxis 5025 – Early Childhood Education

Passing score: 156

Meanwhile, the older Praxis 5024 Education of Young Children has a passing score of 160 and reaches the end of its listed testing period on August 31, 2026.

Therefore, early childhood candidates should confirm the correct test version before scheduling.

South Dakota Middle School Praxis Requirements

The South Dakota Praxis requirements for middle school educators depend on the teaching subject.

Current state-designated tests include:

Middle School Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
English Language Arts	5047	164
Mathematics	5164	157
Science	5442	152
Social Studies	5589	149

These tests measure subject knowledge for middle-level teaching areas.

Middle School English Language Arts 5047

South Dakota requires 164 for Praxis 5047.

Candidates should prepare for:

Literature
Reading
Writing
Language
Research
Communication

Middle School Mathematics 5164

The South Dakota qualifying score for Praxis 5164 is 157.

Important areas include:

Numbers
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability

Therefore, candidates should combine concept review with regular problem solving.

Middle School Science 5442

South Dakota currently requires 152 for Praxis 5442.

Candidates should review:

Life science
Physical science
Earth and space science
Scientific inquiry
Data analysis

A balanced science review can help improve overall performance.

Middle School Social Studies 5589

The newer assessment is:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

South Dakota passing score: 149

The exam covers subjects such as:

U.S. history
World history
Government
Geography
Economics
Social sciences

Important South Dakota Praxis 5089 Change

One of the most important current South Dakota Praxis requirements changes involves Middle School Social Studies.

The older:

Praxis 5089 – Middle School Social Studies

has a South Dakota qualifying score of 145 and an end date of August 31, 2026.

The newer:

Praxis 5589 – Middle School Social Studies

has a passing score of 149.

Therefore, candidates testing around September 2026 should make sure they prepare for the correct assessment.

Do not assume that an older Praxis 5089 preparation guide matches Praxis 5589.

South Dakota Secondary Praxis Requirements

South Dakota uses Praxis content assessments across many secondary teaching fields.

Current examples include:

Subject Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Agriculture	5701	147
Biology	5236	154
Business Education	5101	148
Chemistry	5246	146
Computer Science	5652	142
Earth and Space Sciences	5572	154
English Language Arts	5038	167
General Science	5436	141
Government/Political Science	5931	149
Mathematics	5165	159
Physics	5266	145
Social Studies	5581	153

Because passing scores vary, candidates should know their exact target before beginning full-length practice.

South Dakota Praxis Mathematics 5165

Secondary mathematics candidates currently use:

Praxis Mathematics 5165

South Dakota passing score: 159

Important content includes:

Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics
Probability
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical reasoning

Therefore, candidates should solve practice questions regularly.

Passive reading alone may not provide enough preparation for a mathematics test.

South Dakota English Language Arts Praxis 5038

Candidates seeking an English Language Arts endorsement may use:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038

Passing score: 167

Important areas include:

Literature
Reading
Writing
Language
Research
Rhetoric
Communication

Because the qualifying score is relatively high, candidates should begin preparation early.

South Dakota Biology Praxis 5236

Biology candidates currently use:

Praxis Biology 5236

South Dakota passing score: 154

Candidates should prepare in areas such as:

Cell biology
Genetics
Evolution
Ecology
Organismal biology
Scientific inquiry

In addition, practice with data-based questions can help candidates strengthen application skills.

South Dakota Chemistry Praxis 5246

Chemistry candidates use:

Praxis Chemistry 5246

Passing score: 146

Preparation should include:

Atomic structure
Chemical bonding
Reactions
Stoichiometry
Thermochemistry
Solutions
Acids and bases
Laboratory practices

Therefore, candidates should review both concepts and calculations.

South Dakota Social Studies Praxis 5581

For broader secondary social studies certification, South Dakota currently uses:

Praxis Social Studies 5581

Passing score: 153

This exam may include:

U.S. history
World history
Government
Geography
Economics
Sociology
Social science analysis

Therefore, candidates should divide study time across several content areas.

South Dakota Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is another important part of the South Dakota Praxis requirements.

Current state-designated assessments include:

Special Education Area	Praxis Code	Passing Score
Foundational Knowledge	5355	145
Deaf and Hard of Hearing	5272	160
Early Childhood/Early Intervention	5692	159

Praxis 5355 Special Education

South Dakota currently uses:

Praxis 5355 – Special Education: Foundational Knowledge

Passing score: 145

Important areas include:

Student development
Disability characteristics
Assessment
Instruction
Learning environments
Behavior support
Collaboration
Professional responsibilities

Candidates can prepare using the Praxis 5355 Special Education preparation course.

South Dakota Reading Specialist Requirements

South Dakota currently recognizes:

Praxis Reading Specialist 5302

Passing score: 165

Candidates should prepare for advanced literacy topics such as:

Reading development
Literacy assessment
Intervention
Instruction
Program development
Teacher leadership
Collaboration

You can also browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional study resources.

South Dakota School Counselor Praxis Requirements

South Dakota currently uses:

Praxis School Counselor 5422

Passing score: 159

Important topics include:

Human development
Counseling theories
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Career development
Academic planning
Assessment
Ethics
School counseling programs

Therefore, candidates should prepare for both theory and school-based scenarios.

South Dakota School Leadership Praxis Requirements

South Dakota also uses Praxis assessments for administrator certification.

Current examples include:

Leadership Test	Code	Passing Score
Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision	5412	146
School Leaders Licensure Assessment	6990	146
School Superintendent Assessment	6991	162

Therefore, Praxis testing in South Dakota extends beyond classroom teachers.

Adding an Endorsement Through Praxis in South Dakota

One useful feature of South Dakota certification is that many endorsements can be added through state-designated testing.

The South Dakota Department of Education explains that endorsement requirements may be met through options such as:

A state-designated content test
A pedagogy test
Approved coursework
A major in the content area
Reciprocity
Certain qualifying work experience for CTE fields

In many cases, an already-certified educator can take the appropriate test without completing all of the coursework first.

If the educator meets the qualifying score and all other endorsement requirements, the endorsement can then be requested.

However, endorsements are not automatically added simply because you pass a Praxis test.

Candidates must complete the appropriate application process.

South Dakota Alternative Teacher Certification

South Dakota provides alternative certification pathways for candidates who have not completed a traditional educator preparation program.

Under the current Praxis guidance, alternative-route candidates generally need:

The Praxis content assessment connected to their endorsement.
The PLT assessment that matches their preparation level.
Completion of other requirements within their alternative certification program.

Therefore, Praxis can play an especially important role for career changers.

Candidates should review the South Dakota Department of Education’s current alternative certification information before selecting a program.

Out-of-State Teachers Seeking South Dakota Certification

Teachers moving to South Dakota from another state should also review testing requirements carefully.

Current Praxis guidance states that applicants may need the content assessment for each endorsement for which they apply.

However, previously completed Praxis tests can be accepted when the score meets South Dakota’s qualifying requirement.

Experienced teachers may also be able to document qualifying PK–12 teaching experience instead of submitting a PLT score in some circumstances.

In addition, South Dakota may issue a one-year certificate that gives an eligible applicant time to complete required Praxis testing.

Therefore, out-of-state educators should have their credentials reviewed rather than automatically retaking every assessment.

Do Current South Dakota Teachers Need to Retake Praxis?

Normally, no.

A teacher who already holds a valid South Dakota teaching certificate does not need to keep retaking Praxis simply to maintain the same certification.

Praxis becomes relevant again when the educator wants to add an endorsement outside their current authorization or when another specific certification requirement applies.

Therefore, always confirm the reason for testing before registering.

South Dakota Praxis Score Reporting

Candidates should make sure their Praxis scores reach the correct state agency.

ETS currently uses:

South Dakota Department of Education score recipient code: 8112

If you test in South Dakota and your Praxis account address is also in South Dakota, scores are generally sent automatically to the state.

However, candidates testing outside South Dakota or using an out-of-state account address should select the South Dakota Department of Education as a score recipient.

Therefore, review your score recipients before completing registration.

How to Prepare for a South Dakota Praxis Exam

Understanding the South Dakota Praxis requirements is only the first step. A structured study plan can improve both confidence and performance.

1. Confirm Your Certification Area

First, identify the endorsement you want.

For example, middle school mathematics and secondary mathematics use different exams.

Therefore, never choose a test only from the subject name.

2. Confirm the Test Code

Write down:

Test name
Test code
Required passing score
Grade range
Pedagogy requirement

This can help prevent registration errors.

3. Know Your Passing Score

Next, compare the state qualifying score with your practice performance.

For example:

Praxis 5164 — 157
Praxis 5165 — 159
Praxis 5355 — 145
Praxis 5589 — 149
Praxis 5624 — 157

Knowing your target makes progress easier to measure.

4. Review the Test Blueprint

Divide the exam into smaller study areas.

Then identify which topics are:

Strong
Moderate
Weak

Spend more time on weak areas.

However, continue reviewing stronger topics as well.

5. Complete Practice Questions

Practice questions can help you:

Understand question formats
Identify weak topics
Improve recall
Practice eliminating incorrect answers
Build confidence
Improve pacing

Browse the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection for more practice options.

6. Review Incorrect Answers

Do not simply count your mistakes.

Instead, ask:

Why was my answer incorrect?
Why is the correct answer stronger?
Which topic should I review?
Did I misread the question?
Was I rushing?

As a result, each mistake becomes a useful study opportunity.

7. Use Timed Practice

Finally, complete timed practice sessions before test day.

Timed practice helps improve pacing and makes the actual exam environment feel more familiar.

Learn more about the preparation process through How AIProctoredExams Works.

Four-Week South Dakota Praxis Study Plan

Week 1: Understand the Exam

First, verify the test code and passing score.

Next, review the exam structure.

Then complete a short diagnostic practice set.

Week 2: Build Content Knowledge

Focus on your weakest subjects.

At the same time, complete practice questions after every study section.

Therefore, you can quickly check whether your understanding has improved.

Week 3: Increase Practice

Begin completing mixed-topic questions.

In addition, review every incorrect answer carefully.

Return to topics where your scores remain low.

Week 4: Simulate Test Conditions

Finally, complete longer timed practice sets.

During the final days, focus on important concepts and repeated mistakes.

Avoid trying to learn an entire subject the night before the exam.

For additional support, visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Praxis Requirements

Does South Dakota require Praxis for teacher certification?

Yes. South Dakota uses Praxis pedagogy and content assessments for many teacher certification and endorsement areas.

Do beginning South Dakota teachers need a PLT exam?

Generally, yes. Beginning teachers and teachers without prior teaching experience normally need an appropriate PLT assessment together with the relevant content requirement.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5622 passing score?

South Dakota requires 160 for Praxis PLT Grades K–6.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5623 passing score?

The passing score for Praxis PLT Grades 5–9 is 160.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5624 passing score?

South Dakota requires 157 for Praxis PLT Grades 7–12.

What are the new South Dakota elementary Praxis tests?

South Dakota now accepts Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals:

Praxis 8006 Teaching Reading
Praxis 8003 Mathematics
Praxis 8004 Social Studies
Praxis 8005 Science

The new assessments also support Praxis Steps modular testing.

When does Praxis Steps begin in South Dakota?

Individual Steps for Praxis 8003, 8004, and 8005 are scheduled for September 1, 2026. Individual Steps for Praxis 8006 are expected in spring 2027.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5164 passing score?

The South Dakota passing score for Middle School Mathematics 5164 is 157.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5442 passing score?

South Dakota requires 152 for Middle School Science 5442.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5589 passing score?

The current South Dakota passing score for Middle School Social Studies 5589 is 149.

Is Praxis 5089 still accepted in South Dakota?

Praxis 5089 has an end date of August 31, 2026. Candidates preparing after that transition should use the current Praxis 5589 requirements.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5165 passing score?

South Dakota requires 159 for Praxis Mathematics 5165.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5038 passing score?

The qualifying score for Praxis English Language Arts 5038 is 167.

What is the South Dakota Praxis 5355 passing score?

South Dakota requires 145 for Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355.

Can I add a South Dakota endorsement by passing Praxis?

Many endorsements may be added through an approved state-designated test. However, passing the exam does not automatically add the endorsement. The educator must submit the appropriate application.

What is the South Dakota Praxis score recipient code?

The current South Dakota Department of Education recipient code is 8112.

Where should I verify South Dakota Praxis requirements?

Always check the South Dakota Department of Education certification resources and the official ETS South Dakota Praxis requirements before registering.

Start Preparing for Your South Dakota Praxis Exam

The South Dakota Praxis requirements vary by grade level, endorsement, and certification route.

Beginning teachers generally need both pedagogy and subject knowledge requirements. Meanwhile, experienced educators may have additional flexibility in certain situations.

Elementary candidates should pay special attention to the new Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals series and Praxis Steps rollout.

Middle school candidates should also note the transition from Praxis 5089 to Praxis 5589 for Social Studies.

Secondary, special education, counseling, leadership, and other candidates have their own qualifying tests and passing scores.

Therefore, start by identifying your exact endorsement. Next, confirm the test code and passing score. Finally, create a study plan that combines content review, practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and timed practice.

Explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation courses, browse all available exam preparation courses, read more preparation content on the AIProctoredExams Blog, or visit the AIProctoredExams homepage.

You can also learn more about the platform through the About AIProctoredExams page.

AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with ETS or the South Dakota Department of Education.

Finally, always confirm the latest South Dakota Praxis requirements before paying for or scheduling an examination.

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