How do I become a licensed esthetician in South Dakota?

To become a licensed esthetician in South Dakota, you must complete 600 hours of training from an approved esthetics program, pass a written exam. The exam is administered by NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules.

How many hours of training are required for an esthetician license in South Dakota?

South Dakota requires 600 hours of esthetician training. An apprenticeship alternative is not available.

What are the esthetician license fees in South Dakota?

Total initial esthetician license fees in South Dakota are approximately $120. This includes application fees, exam fees, and license issuance fees. Renewal fees are $20 per 2 years renewal period.

Does South Dakota offer a master esthetician license?

No, South Dakota does not currently offer a separate master or advanced esthetician license. All licensed estheticians hold the same credential level.

Esthetician

How to Become an Esthetician in South DakotaLicense Requirements & Costs (2026)

Total cost: $120

EstheticianLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Official website →

Complexity:Quick Start

3 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · Every number on this page links to its official source

Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.

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600

Training Hours

Has Master?

Yes

Written Exam

Practical Exam

$120

Total Fees

0 hrs

CE Hours

How to Become an Esthetician in South Dakota

1
Meet Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old. Valid government ID required (18+)
2
Complete Esthetician Training
Complete 600 hours of esthetician training at a state-approved school. Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
3
Pass the Licensing Exam
Pass the written exam. Administered by: NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. Passing score: 75%. Exam fee: $120.
4
Pass Background Check
South Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the esthetician license application.
5
Apply for Your Esthetician License
Submit your application to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. Application fee: Included in the $120 examination/reciprocity fee. License fee: Included in the $120 examination/reciprocity fee. Total initial fees: $120.
6
Maintain & Renew Your License
Renew your license every 2 years. Renewal fee: $20.

Training Requirements

Training Program

Verified

Required Training Hours

600 hours

Verified

Program Accreditation

Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Verified

Apprenticeship Alternative

Not Available

Verified

Topics Covered

Facial treatments and skin careHair removal (waxing, threading)Makeup applicationSkin analysis and consultationSafety and sanitationAnatomy and physiology of the skinChemistry as related to estheticsBusiness practices and state law

Browse Esthetician study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)

License Types

Basic Esthetician

Available

Required Hours

600 hours

Verified

Additional Requirements

•Complete approved esthetician training program (600 hours)
•Pass written examination
•Submit application with required fees

Master/Advanced Esthetician

N/A

Required Hours

Not specified

Verified

Licensing Exam

Examination Requirements

Exam Information

Verified

Written Exam

Required

Practical Exam

Not Required

Exam Provider

NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules

Verified

Passing Score

75%

Verified

Exam Difficulty

Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100

Quick Start

Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient

Browse study guides

Esthetician Exam Prep Books

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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.

Exam Overview

Esthetician Written Examination

Passing Score

75%

Format

Written exam

Administered By

NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules

How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Esthetician Written Examination.

Study Materials & Exam Prep — Esthetician Written Examination

Prepare for your Esthetician Written Examination with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.

Study Guide →Flashcards →

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General Requirements

Minimum Age

18 yearsVerified

Education

Valid government ID required (18+)Verified

Background Check

RequiredVerified

Not sure if you need a esthetician license? Check whether your state requires one.

Scope of Practice

Mostly verified

Allowed Services

✓Facials and skin treatments
✓Waxing and hair removal
✓Makeup application
✓Skin analysis and consultation
✓Exfoliation and masks
✓Superficial chemical peels
✓Body treatments and wraps

Restricted Services

✗Injectable treatments (Botox, fillers) — medical professionals only
✗Deep chemical peels — physician supervision required
✗Laser treatments — restricted to medical professionals or master estheticians in some states
✗Prescribing medications or making medical diagnoses

Chemical Peels

Microdermabrasion

Laser Treatments

Advanced Services Supervision

Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Amount	Confidence
Application Fee Contact board for current fee schedule	Included in the $120 examination/reciprocity fee	Verified
License Fee Contact board for current fee schedule	Included in the $120 examination/reciprocity fee	Verified
Exam Fee Exam fee paid to NIC written + SD laws	$120	Verified
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per 2 years	$20	Verified
Total Initial Fees Estimated total initial licensing costs	$120	Verified

Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.

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Renewal & Continuing Education

Renewal & CE Requirements

Verified

2 years

Renewal Period

CE Hours Required

$20

Renewal Fee

No CE Requirement

Verified

Renewal fee per 2 years

Regulatory Board

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Reciprocity & Transfer

Out-of-State Reciprocity

Verified

Accepts Out-of-State Licenses

Transfer Type

Reciprocity

Verified

Hours Comparison Required for Transfer

Verified

Additional Requirements for Transfer

•Must submit application to South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
•Must provide proof of current license in good standing from another state
•Must have completed at least 600 hours of training (or state equivalent)
•Must pass background check

Most states require estheticians to meet the destination state's training hour requirements when transferring a license. If your original state required fewer hours, additional training may be needed.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

Compare South Dakota with other states →

See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.

Special Notes

★

South Dakota's $120 examination fee includes the cost of the first license. The state passed SB 27 in 2025 authorizing fee increases effective July 2025.

•

South Dakota requires 600 hours of esthetician training

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Exam fee of $120 includes first license

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NIC written theory and SD laws/rules exams required

•

No continuing education required for renewal

•

Fee increases may apply per SB 27 (2025 session)

•

There is no interstate compact for estheticians.