The South Dakota Department of Education issues Administrative Certificates to applicants who meet qualifications for the following areas: PK-12 Principal, P-8 Elementary Principal, 7-12 Secondary Principal, and P-12 Career School Superintendent. Endorsements in these areas are also possible if you meet qualifications.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in South Dakota.
For both Principal and Superintendent Certifications, you must pass the Praxis II Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam.
You must apply online for administrator certification in South Dakota after meeting the above requirements. Application fees must be paid online, and the following documents must be sent directly to the South Dakota Department of Education:
Send all of the above documents to South Dakota Department of Education, Certification, 800 Governors Dr., Pierre, SD 57501. You will be emailed a printable administrative certificate once your application has been processed.
As an applicant for administrative certification in South Dakota, you need not undergo a criminal history background check as part of the certification process. However, the school district that hires you will run your fingerprints through a state and federal background check. You will be given more information on this process when you are hired.
Contact the college/universities, listed here, for information on principal and superintendent preparation programs in South Dakota.
Contact the South Dakota Department of Education Office of Teacher Quality at certification@state.sd.us or 605-773-3134 for more information on administrator certification in the state.