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Barber
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$150
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
Annual (expires June 30)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a barber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school + mandatory 1-year apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
MANDATORY 1-year apprenticeship AFTER completing 1,500 school hours. Sequential — NOT an alternative. Same model as NC/ND.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact the Board for current policy
Curriculum Includes
Browse Barber study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
NIC (National-Interstate Council) written theory examination for Barber Styling
Written and practical exams are administered by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners.
South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 54/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Barber State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Barber Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Shaving or trimming the beard, cutting or dressing the hair, giving facial and scalp massages or treatments, shampooing, and applying tonics or cosmetic preparations to the face, scalp, and neck for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Combined application and exam fee | $100 |
Exam Fee | $100 |
License Fee | $50 |
Total Government Fees Exam ($100) + license ($50) | $150 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Transfer fee $150. Out-of-state grads cannot take SD exams directly. $1,000+ past-due child support = license denial.
Additional Requirements: Must submit license transfer fee of $150, a 3x5 inch photograph, completed application, and verification of all past/present licensure.
South Dakota maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses with separate boards. Cosmetologists cannot work in barbershops and cannot use a straight razor without a barber license. Licensed cosmetologists may take a crossover course to obtain barbering credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare South Dakota with other states →
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Initial License Term
1 year
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires June 30)
Renewal Fee
$75
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$15 restoration fee + $12 per expired year + annual license fee
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our barber license renewal requirements guide.
Shop License Fee: $50 (Annual barbershop license fee (up to $50), plus up to $10 per chair. New shop inspection fee up to $125.)
Barbershops must be separately licensed. A barbershop must at all times be under the direct supervision and management of a registered barber. Barbershop licenses are not transferable; changing location requires a new license, inspection, and fees. Cosmetologists cannot work in barbershops.
South Dakota has a separate Board of Barber Examiners distinct from its cosmetology board, and strictly prohibits cosmetologists from working in barbershops. The state requires annual license renewal (rather than biennial), which is less common among states. Licenses lapsed for 3+ years require retaking the full exam.
MANDATORY SEQUENTIAL APPRENTICESHIP: 1,500 school hours + 1-year mandatory apprenticeship (same as NC/ND).
Annual renewal — expires June 30.
$1,000+ past-due child support = license denial.
Out-of-state graduates cannot take SD exams directly.
Transfer fee: $150.
Total fees: $150 (exam $100 + license $50).
Barber Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Barber requirements in nearby states
See how South Dakota compares: Barber License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare barber requirements across all states →
Barber licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure barber is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does South Dakota compare to other states for barber? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your barber license →
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in South Dakota
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
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Official Sources
Barber requirements in South Dakota verified against South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners, April 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Official training requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Crossover information
Accessed 2026-02-26
Moving to South Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Barber license to South Dakota →
Transfer your Barber license from South Dakota to: Iowa → | Minnesota → | Montana → | Nebraska → | North Dakota → | Wyoming →