The Office of Educator Certification is updating resources as a result of the new certification rules effective Sept. 8, 2026. This is resulting in 404 errors until new information is posted. While the team is working as quickly as possible on this, there may be delays. Thank you for your patience.

 

Current Totals:

• Permanent Educator Profile Records: 69,816
• Valid SD Educator Certificates: 20,408

Application Activity Since January 1, 2026:

• Applications Received: 5091
• Applications Processed: 4907
• Applications Under Review: 506
• Note: Applications can remain open for 365 days from the date of submission, according to ARSD 24:28:04:02. 
  • ARSD 24:28:04:02. Termination of application. An application will be kept on file for 365 days from the date of application. Upon expiration of this period, an application is no longer valid and no fees will be refunded. 

 

Type of contact made:	Currently responding to:	Items in need of a response:	Typically type of information:
Comments in Applications	08/31/2026	37	Questions related to an open application.
EMAILS sent on:	09/08/2026	102	General Questions, Attached Documents, Transcripts
VOICEMAILS left on:	09/25/2026	0	General Questions
CONTACT US submitted on:	09/15/2026	1	Issue with functionality of system.

 

**Reminder:

• We must balance processing applications with responding to inquiries.
  • To help us serve you efficiently:
    • Submit your question only once
    • Wait patiently for a response
    • Repeated inquiries may delay processing and response time for everyone

Applications processed during calendar year:

• 2023 = 4,386
• 2024 = 5,198
• 2025 = 5,447