South Dakota

Earning a GED® credential in South Dakota opens the door to countless future opportunities. Whether pursuing further education or improving your career prospects, this credential is a valuable asset that helps you build a strong foundation for your future. This guide walks you through the steps to getting your South Dakota GED® certificate.

FAQs for Earning a GED in South Dakota

Top Policies

You must be 18 years old to test in South Dakota.

In South Dakota, if you are 16-17, to take the GED® test:

  • You must be enrolled in a South Dakota school district or have filed an Alternative Instruction Notification with the South Dakota Department of Education. Click HERE (link to https://doe.sd.gov/GED/) to be directed to the South Dakota Department of Education website to for more information and access to the required testing waivers.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded during testing. If the parent or guardian is not present, the exam session will be revoked.

You do not need to be a resident to test in South Dakota.

Some states allow people who don’t live there to take the GED® test and others don’t. You’ll need to check the residency requirement for the state that you’re interested to test in.

No, South Dakota doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED® test in an adult education classroom.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • No, you’re not required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test. 

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • Yes, you are required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online. 

How to Get a South Dakota GED® Credential

Follow these steps to earn your GED® credential in South Dakota.

1. Check Your Eligibility

To enroll in the South Dakota GED® program, you must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Age: The student must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you can still take the exam if you attend an in-school GED® prep program, have alternative instruction, or provide a waiver signed by your parent/guardian and a school official.
  • Enrollment Status: You should not be enrolled in high school or have received a high school diploma.
  • Residency: You don’t have to be a South Dakota resident to be eligible.
  • Identity Verification: You must present government-issued identification showing your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature at the time of the exam.

2. Create a GED® Account

To register for the GED® exam, you must create an account on the GED® website. Your GED® account will enable you to schedule test appointments and access study resources.

3. Prepare for the GED® Test

The GED® test covers four subjects: math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts. You can use the study resources available through your GED® account to prepare for the GED® exam. The resources include online courses and practice tests. Also, consider enrolling in GED® classes or programs at your local adult education center or community college.

4. Schedule and Take the Test

Once you feel prepared for the GED® exam, schedule your test appointments on your GED® account. You can take the South Dakota GED® exam at several testing centers throughout the state. You’re not required to take all four tests simultaneously; you can schedule them on multiple days depending on your preference and the testing center’s availability.

5. Receive Your GED® Credential

After passing all four GED® tests, you’ll receive your GED® credential. This credential is recognized as a high school equivalency certificate by the state of South Dakota, opening up new opportunities for further education or career advancement.

Getting Your GED® Credential Online in South Dakota

South Dakota students may also take their GED® test online on the official GED® website. This flexible option is for students who can’t easily access testing centers or prefer the convenience of taking the test from home.

To schedule the online GED® test, you must sign up for an account on the GED® website and select the online testing option. Students must meet the following additional requirements aside from the standard eligibility criteria:

  • You must have a computer with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection.
  • You must have a private, quiet, and well-lit testing environment.
  • You must score “green” in the GED® Ready® practice test within the last 60 days for each test subject you want to take online.

Additionally, the online GED® test requires a proctor to monitor the test-taking process. You can earn your GED® credential online by preparing adequately and ensuring a reliable testing environment.

Start Your Journey to Earning a South Dakota GED® Credential

Ready to earn your South Dakota GED® credential? Explore the GED® test centers near you today, or check out the GED® classes available in South Dakota.