6.43 South Dakota Requirements
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- South Dakota requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the South Dakota licensing board before scheduling.
South Dakota Cosmetology License Requirements
South Dakota requires 1,500 training hours and uses NIC written exams plus a state laws exam.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written + South Dakota Laws Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $75-100 |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every year |
| CE Required | No |
Examination Requirements
South Dakota requires:
- NIC national written theory exam
- South Dakota Laws and Rules exam
Note: South Dakota does NOT require a practical examination.
Annual Renewal
South Dakota requires annual license renewal.
State Board Contact
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
- Website: dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology
- Phone: (605) 773-6193
Exam Focus
For South Dakota, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license.
Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.