Cosmetologist
South Dakota
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
1 year (annual)
Renewal Cycle
$120
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Applicants may complete 3,000 hours of study in a licensed apprentice salon. Must first be licensed as an apprentice before beginning the apprenticeship.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists in South Dakota are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical texturing, permanent waving, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, skin care, and related beauty services.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC National Written Theory Exam + South Dakota Laws and Rules Exam
- Administered by
- NIC / State Board
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $120 examination fee
Applicants must pass NIC national written theory exam and South Dakota Laws and Rules exam. Passing score is 75% or better on both sections.
Practical Exam
NIC Hands-on Practical Exam
- Administered by
- NIC / State Board
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $120 examination fee
NIC hands-on practical exam. Passing score is 75% or better.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Included in examination fee | $0 |
Exam Fee Examination or reciprocity fee, includes first license | $120 |
License Fee First license is included in the $120 examination fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Examination fee includes first license | $120 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
1 year (expires on licensee's birthday annually)
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$20
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$30
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedSouth 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
Related Licenses in South Dakota
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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.
Sources
Official South Dakota state website
Accessed 2026-02-24
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Find Cosmetology Schools in South Dakota
South Dakota requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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