Transferring your teaching license from Minnesota to South Dakota
Transfer pathway available — expect South Dakota exams + likely an interim license
Minnesota and South Dakota both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect South Dakota's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 455 open teaching jobs in South Dakota →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Minnesota)
- Issuing authority
- Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- License type
- Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) (1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2))
- Reciprocity policy
- Minnesota evaluates out-of-state licenses individually. Tier 2 may be issued to teachers with at least 2 years of out-of-state teaching experience.
South Dakota certification
- Issuing authority
- South Dakota Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Initial Certificate (5 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; Alternative Certificate allows classroom entry while completing requirements
- South Dakota reciprocity policy
- South Dakota participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a South Dakota certificate with verification of content knowledge.
Exams typically required in South Dakota
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on South Dakota's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your certification area
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Minnesota credential is current. South Dakota will request a verification of your active Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) from Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
- Apply through South Dakota Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any South Dakota-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but South Dakota may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to South Dakota districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 455 active openings — browse South Dakota teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in South Dakota with a Minnesota teaching license?
Minnesota and South Dakota both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect South Dakota's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in South Dakota?
South Dakota typically requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to South Dakota take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; Alternative Certificate allows classroom entry while completing requirements.
Who issues teaching licenses in South Dakota?
Teaching licenses in South Dakota are issued by South Dakota Department of Education.