How to Become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old (SDCL 36-15-15). Apprentices may start at 17.
• You must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education in a licensed South Dakota school, or a 1,500-hour apprenticeship in a licensed apprentice salon.
• You must pass the NIC written theory exam and the South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules exam.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a licensed South Dakota cosmetology school (you get a $15 student license), or get a $25 apprentice license and train in a licensed apprentice salon.
2. Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education. Students still enrolled in a South Dakota school may register for the theory exam before they finish.
3. Complete the Commission's contact information form, create an online account, and pay the $120 examination application fee.
4. Wait for the Commission's email with a coupon code, then register with Prov (provexam.com) for the NIC theory exam. Remote online testing is available.
5. Pass the NIC written theory exam and the South Dakota Laws and Rules exam with a score of 75% or higher.
6. Complete the license agreement form. Once you pass and the Commission has your school's student education record, your license is mailed within about 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 1,500 hours of cosmetology education (or equivalent credit hours) in a South Dakota school licensed by the Commission, or a 1,500-hour apprenticeship in the same licensed apprentice salon under the constant supervision of a licensed instructor (at least 40 hours a week, or 20 hours a week part-time). Apprentices may not be charged a fee for their education. Hours can transfer between a school and an apprenticeship. Graduates of out-of-state schools cannot take the South Dakota theory exam; they must get licensed in their state and apply by reciprocity, or transfer into a South Dakota school, which audits their transcript to decide how many hours transfer.

Exam: The NIC (National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) written theory exam, scheduled through Prov, plus the South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules exam. First-time candidates take the exam online at a time they choose; you have 90 minutes once you start. You need 75% or higher to qualify. If you fail, you may retake without Commission approval; the retake fee is $90 and retakes are given in person in Pierre. You may not work until you pass. Cancel or reschedule at least 3 business days before the exam or you forfeit the fee.

What it costs in South Dakota

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew every year on or before your birthday. The renewal fee is $45; a $30 penalty applies if paid late. There is no general continuing education for cosmetologists, but CE is required to offer microdermabrasion, eyelash extensions or electric nail filing. If a license has lapsed, pay the renewal fee and $30 penalty for each lapsed year. If it has lapsed more than 5 years, you must also either pass the current licensing exams or take a Commission-approved review course of at least 2 hours on South Dakota laws, rules and safety and pass the Commission's safety and infection control exam.

Good to know in South Dakota

Other licenses: Nail technician (400 hours) and esthetician (600 hours) licenses are separate. Barbers are licensed by the Board of Barber Examiners.

Licensed in another state: Apply by reciprocity ($120). The theory exam is waived if you passed a state-approved theory exam for your license type, but every reciprocity applicant must pass the South Dakota Laws and Rules exam. Up to 750 of the 1,500 education hours can be credited from work experience (2 work hours = 1 school hour). Review can take up to 15 business days once all documents arrive.

Work while you wait: School graduates who pass (with a student education record on file) get a printable Provisional Work Authorization to use until the license arrives. Temporary licenses have been discontinued.

After the exam: First-time exams can be taken online, but retake exams are given in person in Pierre. If you pass and the Commission has your school's student education record, you can print a Provisional Work Authorization to post at your workstation while your license is mailed. If you fail, you may not work until you pass.

Sources

• SD Cosmetology Commission - Licensing & Examinations
• SD Cosmetology Commission - Examinations
• SD Cosmetology Commission - License Renewal
• SDCL 36-15-17 - Application for cosmetologist examination
• SDCL 36-15-45 - Required period of apprenticeship
• SDCL 36-15-19.2 - Licensure by reciprocity
• ARSD 20:42:03:03 - Fees
• ARSD 20:42:03:06.01 - Reciprocity credit for work experience
• South Dakota Cosmetology Commission – Frequently Asked Questions
• SD Cosmetology Commission – Prov Examination Registration Instructions
• ARSD 20:42:03:13 – Requirements for renewal of a lapsed license