South Dakota Teacher PD Requirements (2026)

90 hours every 5 years for teachers

Source

Source: https://doe.sd.gov/certification/
Last verified: May 25, 2026

Primary source: South Dakota Department of Education. The transcripted-credit minimum (3 of 6) for non-master's holders parallels Idaho's rule. The master's-degree exemption from transcripted requirement is a nice efficiency for advanced-degree teachers — they can renew entirely via CECH. CECH framework (15 contact hrs = 1 credit) is standard.

Teachers

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

South Dakota Professional Teaching Certificate renews every 5 years with 6 education-related renewal credits, of which at least 3 must be transcripted college credit. Remaining 3 may be Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) — 15 CECH = 1 renewal credit — or additional transcripted credit. Common combination: 3 transcripted credits + 45 CECH. Teachers holding a master's degree or higher may renew with any combination of 6 education-related credits — transcripted credits are NOT required. 6 credits × 15 contact hours = 90 contact hour equivalent for the standard case.

Counselors

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

School counselors hold an SD DOE-issued certificate, same 6 renewal credits / 5-year framework with same transcripted-credit minimum (unless master's+).

Administrators

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

Administrators hold an SD DOE-issued certificate, generally already hold master's degree so renew with any combination of 6 education-related credits.

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Information current as of May 25, 2026. Verify with your state Department of Education for official licensure decisions.