South Dakota Cosmetology State Requirements

Step-by-Step South Dakota Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

South Dakota’s cosmetology licensing process is rooted in straightforward standards with a strong focus on safety, education, and practical skills. Whether you're training in nail technology, esthetics, or full cosmetology, the state supports your path through licensed schools and clear-cut exam expectations.

Unlike some states, South Dakota does not currently require continuing education for standard license renewals, though instructors must meet additional education criteria. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission maintains rigorous oversight, making sure that all beauty professionals, from Rapid City to Sioux Falls, are trained to meet both the technical and ethical standards set forth by South Dakota codified law.

This guide breaks down each step required to obtain a South Dakota cosmetology license, from enrolling in a licensed South Dakota school to completing your cosmetology practical exam. It’s your roadmap to becoming a licensed cosmetologist in the heart of the Midwest.

South Dakota Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In South Dakota, becoming a licensed cosmetologist means following a clear set of state-regulated steps, all overseen by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. From education to examination, these requirements confirm that every beauty professional meets the safety, sanitation, and technical standards established in South Dakota codified law.

Licensing Criteria

To legally provide cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology services in South Dakota, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Complete the required education hours from a licensed South Dakota school or through prior authorization for credit transfers.
• Apply for and hold a student license before beginning training.
• Complete a cosmetology program that meets the required hours for your chosen path (cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology).
• Submit the completed application, all supporting documents, and the required fee to the South Dakota Department of Health.
• Pay the application fee and any associated costs.

Students who are also seeking to transition from another beauty discipline, such as barbering, may be eligible for partial credit, depending on review by the cosmetology commission.

Examination Requirements

To receive licensure in South Dakota, all applicants must:

• Complete 1,500 education hours in cosmetology, 600 hours in esthetics, or 400 hours for a nail technician license.
• Pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) written theory examination and the cosmetology practical exam, both proctored by the state board or its approved partners.
• Achieve a passing score as defined by the state.
• Reapply or retest if failing; retesting options are available with applicable fees.

Continuing Education

Currently, South Dakota does not require continuing education for license renewals for cosmetologists. However, instructor education programs may have separate continuing education or renewal conditions. License renewals occur biennially on the licensee’s birth date, and a renewal fee must be submitted to remain in good standing.

Apprenticeship Programs

Unlike some other states, South Dakota does not offer apprenticeship programs as an alternative to formal cosmetology school training. To receive licensure, you must complete the full number of required hours at a licensed cosmetology school in South Dakota or an approved equivalent.

License Reciprocity

Reciprocity licensure is available for out-of-state students or professionals with a current license. To qualify:

• You must hold a current license from another U.S. state with equal or greater hours and training requirements.
• You must submit a completed application, including proof of licensure, transcripts, and an official certification from your home state board.
• If requirements differ, additional training or testing may be needed.
• Reciprocity applicants may be asked to pass the South Dakota laws and rules exam before receiving their South Dakota cosmetology license.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in South Dakota, you must:

• Hold a current South Dakota cosmetologist license in good standing.
• Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of instructor training at a licensed school.
• Pass the designated instructor exams, including both theory and practical components.
• Meet all state board application requirements and pay the associated fees.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone wishing to perform skin care and facial treatments in South Dakota must receive an esthetician license through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The following minimum requirements apply:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Enroll in and complete an approved esthetician program from a licensed South Dakota school.
• Fulfill the 600-hour education requirement in cosmetology esthetics.
• Pass the theory and cosmetology practical exams, as state board guidelines require.
• Submit the required application and documents and pay the required fee.

All training must take place under the supervision of licensed professionals in a school authorized by the South Dakota Department of Health.

Examination Requirements

To receive licensure as an esthetician in South Dakota, applicants must:

• Complete 600 hours of instruction in skin care and infection control.
• Pass both the NIC (National Interstate Council) written state theory exam and the practical demonstration.
• Receive a passing score as set by the cosmetology commission.
• If needed, request a re-examination or appeal in the event of a failed attempt.
• Pay the application fee and any other costs after successful completion.

License Reciprocity

Reciprocity applicants who hold an active esthetician license from another state may be eligible for licensure in South Dakota if:

• The license is current and unrestricted, with no disciplinary actions.
• The applicant has completed the equivalent of the required hours of education and training.
• Supporting documents, transcripts, and verifications are submitted to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission.
• The applicant passes the South Dakota laws and rules exam if required.

If coming from a state with fewer hours or different training standards, additional schooling or examination may be necessary for reciprocity licensure.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In South Dakota, hairstylists and barbers must be licensed under the authority of the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission or Board of Barber Examiners, depending on the chosen pathway. To legally perform hair services, whether in Rapid City or a smaller town like Mobridge, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Enroll in and graduate from a licensed South Dakota school with an approved barbering or cosmetology program.
• Fulfill the required hours for barbering or hairstyling (typically 1,500 hours for cosmetology; 1,500 hours for barbering).
• Submit the full application and pay the required fee to the South Dakota Department of Health or Barber Board, depending on your license type.

Licensed cosmetologists may take a crossover course to receive barbering credentials, as permitted by South Dakota laws.

Examination Requirements

To get a barber or cosmetologist license, South Dakota requires candidates to:

• Complete the necessary training hours (1,500 for barbers or hairstylists).
• Pass both a written theory examination and a cosmetology practical exam through the National Interstate Council (NIC) or a state-approved agency.
• Receive a passing score determined by state board standards.
• Reapply or appeal if a score does not meet passing criteria.
• Submit the application fee upon passing all tests.

License Reciprocity

Reciprocity applicants seeking a South Dakota barber or hairstyling license must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing from another U.S. state.
• Provide documentation verifying completion of equivalent education hours and training.
• Submit official transcripts and license verification with the application to the appropriate cosmetology commission or barber board.
• If training hours or content differ, additional education or passing the South Dakota laws and rules exam may be required.

Instructor Licensing

To become an instructor in barbering or hairstyling in South Dakota, you must:

• Hold a valid South Dakota cosmetology license or barber license.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor education from a licensed school.
• Pass both the written and practical exams approved by the state.
• Submit the required documents and pay the application fee.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally provide nail care and nail technology services in South Dakota, you must receive a nail technician license through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The following licensing criteria must be met:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Complete 400 hours of training in nail technology from a licensed South Dakota school.
• Submit a student license application before beginning training.
• Pass both the state theory examination and the cosmetology practical exam.
• Provide all required documentation and pay the application fee upon applying.

This pathway applies to those looking to provide services like manicures, pedicures, artificial nail applications, and infection control practices in places ranging from downtown Rapid City salons to mobile beauty businesses in South Dakota’s smaller towns.

Examination Requirements

To earn your South Dakota cosmetology license in nail technology, candidates must:

• Complete 400 required hours in a licensed nail program focused on nail care, sanitation, and safety.
• Pass both the written theory and practical demonstration exams administered by the state board or the National Interstate Council (NIC).
• Meet the passing score set by the cosmetology commission.
• Reapply or appeal in the event of a failing score.
• Submit payment of the required fee once all parts are successfully completed.

License Reciprocity

Reciprocity applicants with a valid nail technician license from another U.S. state may be eligible for reciprocity licensure if:

• The license is current and unrestricted, and the applicant is in good standing.
• The applicant has completed equivalent or greater education hours in nail technology.
• Supporting documentation is provided, including transcripts and license verification.
• The applicant may be required to pass the South Dakota laws and rules exam if their training hours do not align with South Dakota cosmetology laws.

If reciprocity conditions are not met, applicants will need to follow the standard licensure process through education and examination.

Instructor Licensing

To teach nail technology services in South Dakota, instructors must:

• Hold a current cosmetologist license or nail technician license in South Dakota.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor education at a licensed school.
• Pass both theory and practical instructor exams as outlined by the state board.
• Pay all application and examination fees and submit the proper documents for approval.

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Makeup Artists

In South Dakota, makeup artists are regulated under the licenses for either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the type of services they offer. If a makeup artist performs only basic makeup application, a cosmetologist license or esthetician license is still required, as outlined by South Dakota cosmetology state requirements.

Anyone offering services involving skin care, facial treatments, or body treatments, even for special events like weddings in Sioux Falls or photo shoots in Rapid City, must complete the required education hours through a licensed school, pass both the theory examination and practical exam, and obtain licensure through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission.

For more detailed guidance on how to receive licensure as a makeup artist in South Dakota, or to determine if your services fall under cosmetology esthetics, contact the South Dakota Department of Health or the cosmetology commission directly.

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