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South Dakota cosmetology license — 2,100 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($120), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (under South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$0 separate application fee; $120 exam/reciprocity fee includes first license
Included in examination fee
Exam Fee
$120
Examination or reciprocity fee, includes first license
License Fee
$0 separate license fee (included in $120 exam/reciprocity fee)
First license is included in the $120 examination fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$20
Every 1 year (annual)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$20
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education at an approved school (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours)
Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
Obtain South Dakota school transcript (or out-of-state state board certification)
Submit application with $120 examination/reciprocity fee (includes first license)
Pass NIC National Written Theory Exam with 75% or better
Pass South Dakota Laws and Rules Exam with 75% or better
Pass NIC Hands-on Practical Exam with 75% or better
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
2,100 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in South Dakota or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in South Dakota.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in South Dakota are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical texturing, permanent waving, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, skin care, and related beauty services.
NIC national written theory exam and South Dakota Laws and Rules exam
Applicants must pass NIC national written theory exam and South Dakota Laws and Rules exam. Passing score is 75% or better on both sections.
NIC Hands-on Practical Exam
NIC hands-on practical exam. Passing score is 75% or better.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 49/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Included in examination fee | |
Exam Fee Examination or reciprocity fee, includes first license | |
License Fee First license is included in the $120 examination fee | |
Total Government Fees Examination fee includes first license |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
Annual; expires on licensee's date of birth
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$20
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$30
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
South Dakota offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $120 (same as examination fee) and includes the first license.
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of current licensure from another state
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
South Dakota has annual (not biennial) license renewal tied to the licensee's birthday. The $120 exam fee includes the first license. The apprenticeship path requires first obtaining an apprentice license before beginning 3,000 hours of study.
South Dakota is one of the few states with annual license renewal (by licensee's birthday).
The $120 examination/reciprocity fee includes the first license.
During the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 27 authorized the Cosmetology Commission to raise licensing fees effective July 1, 2025.
Home salons require a separate outside entrance and complete separation from living quarters.
Cosmetologist Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how South Dakota compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in South Dakota
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
Moving to South Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to South Dakota →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from South Dakota to: Iowa → | Minnesota → | Montana → | Nebraska → | North Dakota → | Wyoming →