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South Dakota Barber — Requirements & Free Practice

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Registered Barber — Certificate of Registration

Individual authority to practice barbering.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under SDCL chapter 36 1D
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by methods determined by the Board; SDCL 36-1D-1 does not identify a particular examination. The competency method remains an applicant condition.
Discipline
No disqualifying act and good standing without discipline, unless the Board determines the act or discipline should not impede licensure.
Fees
Pay applicable Board-established fees.
Prior license
Hold a current license from a jurisdiction whose requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent to or greater than South Dakota requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination with related profession coursework credit

All of the following:

Application
Apply on Board forms under oath with the statutory photographs and fee; the July 2025 examination application requests education information, criminal-history disclosure and supporting court records.
Education
Complete 1,500 hours of education or equivalent credit hours at a Board-approved barber school.
Education credit
The Board may grant related coursework credit up to the individual subject maxima in ARSD 20:39:03:08; complete the remaining approved barber education. The credited courses do not waive the barber examinations.
Exam implementation
The Board allows enrolled South Dakota students to take theory; licensure follows completed education, passed practical and theory examinations, and receipt of the school education record. Out-of-state school graduates must obtain licensure elsewhere and apply for transfer or transfer education to a South Dakota barber school.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing scores
A minimum of 75 percent on each examination under ARSD 20:39:04:03.
Prior professional license
Hold a cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician license.
Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Apply on Board forms under oath with the statutory photographs and fee; the July 2025 examination application requests education information, criminal-history disclosure and supporting court records.
Education
Complete 1,500 hours of education or equivalent credit hours at a Board-approved barber school.
Exam implementation
The Board allows enrolled South Dakota students to take theory; licensure follows completed education, passed practical and theory examinations, and receipt of the school education record. Out-of-state school graduates must obtain licensure elsewhere and apply for transfer or transfer education to a South Dakota barber school.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing scores
A minimum of 75 percent on each examination under ARSD 20:39:04:03.
Expedited licensure for active duty military personnel and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Active-duty United States service member or spouse subject to a military transfer to South Dakota.
Application
Supply a complete application and all documentation requested by the Board; issuance is required within 30 days unless a disciplinary ground is found.
Fee
SDCL 36-1B-4 prohibits application and other Board fees for this route.
Prior license
Hold in good standing the same or similar valid license issued by another United States jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Apply within six months of separation.
Prior status
Qualifying veteran formerly licensed in good standing and lawfully practicing in South Dakota at entry into service, whose status was lost.
Restoration
Restore prior status without examinations or proof of compliance with intervening requirements; only charges current in the application year may be required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the July 2025 renewal form, identifying the license, shop, address and employment and answering the discipline, felony and child-support questions; sign the truthfulness declaration.
Deadline
Renew and pay the required fee on or before May 31; an unrenewed certificate expires June 1.
Fee
Current annual renewal fee is $200 under ARSD 20:39:05:01.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after the statutory three year period

All of the following:

Board retesting
Retake the written theory and state practical exams, as the Board licensing page requires for three or more years. At the exact three-year point the separate statutory fee-restoration route records the conflict.
Lapse period
The certificate has lapsed beyond the three-year restoration period in SDCL 36-14-25.
Passing scores
At least 75 percent on each examination.
Restoration within the statutory three year period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board boundary statement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Renewal — lapsed licenses","name":"Licensing","quote":"If you have let your license lapse for less than three years, you may reinstate it by paying the lapsed license fees. If you have let your license lapse for three or more years, you must re-take the practical and written exams.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"36589babc105257959368a9f79bd03001cb965c39280c12b22385024a870c848"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/licensing.aspx","version":"Official Board implementation page, read October 2, 2026; licensing requirements corroborated by July 2025 forms and pre-evaluation rules"}],"value":"If you have let your license lapse for less than three years, you may reinstate it by paying the lapsed license fees. If you have let your license lapse for three or more years, you must re-take the practical and written exams."}
Lapse period
SDCL 36-14-25 allows restoration within three years. The Board page describes fee-only reinstatement for less than three years and retesting for three or more years. At the exact three-year boundary the statute controls; retain the Board statement as an applicant condition.
Payment
Pay the restoration fee, $25 for each expired year, and the annual renewal fee under ARSD 20:39:05:01.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer from equivalent licensing jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply under SDCL 36-14-18 and pay the current $225 transfer fee in the July 2025 form. Supply identification, photo and certifications of every current or prior license directly from the licensing authority.
Board testing statement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"July 2025 transfer application, item 3","name":"Reciprocity","quote":"3. TESTING: Barbers must have passed a state theory and state hands-on practical test in a prior state. A certification is needed\nfrom the other state board(s) showing testing information.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"bf506ad15de50c90fe6b6009c992a6d3384b0b30d79a6d2df6d41c8c814e6281"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/forms/BarberReciprocityApplication_fillable.pdf","version":"Board transfer application and checklist, July 2025 revision"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"July 2025 transfer checklist, item 3","name":"Reciprocity","quote":"3. TESTING - South Dakota administers the NIC Barber Styling Theory examination and South Dakota\n developed practical examination. If you have taken State Board examinations in another state, you are not\n required to retest in South Dakota.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"bf506ad15de50c90fe6b6009c992a6d3384b0b30d79a6d2df6d41c8c814e6281"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/forms/BarberReciprocityApplication_fillable.pdf","version":"Board transfer application and checklist, July 2025 revision"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Reciprocity Applicants — Board demand","name":"Exams","quote":"Reciprocity Applicants:\n If you are an applicant for reciprocity licensure, you \nmay\n be eligible for an examination waiver for the written theory examination. Please submit your reciprocity licensure application, fee, and all required documents to be considered for a waiver.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"54bdbc66a5948bab9e901b983a279f410d22410dd3478ce080b79c41b14b70f5"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/exams.aspx","version":"Official Board implementation page, read October 2, 2026; licensing requirements corroborated by July 2025 forms and pre-evaluation rules"}],"value":"SDCL 36-14-14 directs issuance after qualification and payment, without requiring a South Dakota examination. The Board form additionally asks for prior-state theory and hands-on testing certification and says prior State Board exams avoid South Dakota retesting; the Board exam page states applicants may qualify for a theory waiver. These lower-ranked implementation statements are retained as applicant conditions. Other states' own examinations are conditions, not South Dakota route leaves."}
Education credit
If prior licensing required fewer than 1,500 education hours, receive 50 education hours of credit per month practiced as a licensed barber. Foreign schooling requires the professional evaluation requested by the July 2025 checklist.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Qualification
Hold a barber license or registration from a jurisdiction with substantially the same licensing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer based on five years of barber practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply under SDCL 36-14-18 and pay the current $225 transfer fee in the July 2025 form. Supply identification, photo and certifications of every current or prior license directly from the licensing authority.
Board current license statement
The July 2025 Board checklist additionally requires a current license and certification; this demand is preserved as a condition without erasing the statutory experience alternative.
Board testing statement
{"sources":[{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"July 2025 transfer application, item 3","name":"Reciprocity","quote":"3. TESTING: Barbers must have passed a state theory and state hands-on practical test in a prior state. A certification is needed\nfrom the other state board(s) showing testing information.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"bf506ad15de50c90fe6b6009c992a6d3384b0b30d79a6d2df6d41c8c814e6281"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/forms/BarberReciprocityApplication_fillable.pdf","version":"Board transfer application and checklist, July 2025 revision"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"July 2025 transfer checklist, item 3","name":"Reciprocity","quote":"3. TESTING - South Dakota administers the NIC Barber Styling Theory examination and South Dakota\n developed practical examination. If you have taken State Board examinations in another state, you are not\n required to retest in South Dakota.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"bf506ad15de50c90fe6b6009c992a6d3384b0b30d79a6d2df6d41c8c814e6281"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/forms/BarberReciprocityApplication_fillable.pdf","version":"Board transfer application and checklist, July 2025 revision"},{"carrierClass":"implementation","checkedAt":"2026-10-02","locator":"Reciprocity Applicants — Board demand","name":"Exams","quote":"Reciprocity Applicants:\n If you are an applicant for reciprocity licensure, you \nmay\n be eligible for an examination waiver for the written theory examination. Please submit your reciprocity licensure application, fee, and all required documents to be considered for a waiver.","sourceFile":{"sha256":"54bdbc66a5948bab9e901b983a279f410d22410dd3478ce080b79c41b14b70f5"},"url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/barber/exams.aspx","version":"Official Board implementation page, read October 2, 2026; licensing requirements corroborated by July 2025 forms and pre-evaluation rules"}],"value":"SDCL 36-14-14 directs issuance after qualification and payment, without requiring a South Dakota examination. The Board form additionally asks for prior-state theory and hands-on testing certification and says prior State Board exams avoid South Dakota retesting; the Board exam page states applicants may qualify for a theory waiver. These lower-ranked implementation statements are retained as applicant conditions. Other states' own examinations are conditions, not South Dakota route leaves."}
Education credit
If prior licensing required fewer than 1,500 education hours, receive 50 education hours of credit per month practiced as a licensed barber. Foreign schooling requires the professional evaluation requested by the July 2025 checklist.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Qualification
Prove by affidavits at least five years of barber practice in another jurisdiction. SDCL 36-14-14 makes this an alternative to equivalent licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
Format
Hands-on practical demonstration
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each examination under ARSD 20:39:04:03
Examination sources

National Barber Styling Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply principles of infection control: Sanitation/Cleansing; Disinfection; Sterilization; Contamination and cross-contamination
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies (e.g., CDC, OSHA, EPA)
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify bones related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Neck, shoulders, and upper back
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Understand the functions of body systems: Nervous system; Circulatory system; Endocrine system; Integumentary system
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin: Types; Treatments
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair: Types; Treatments
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand the chemical pH scale
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand purpose and effects of products, ingredients, and their interactions
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand interactions among chemicals
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering — Understand chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn, inhalation)
  • Implements and Equipment Used in Barbering (10% of items) (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drape, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g. clippers, blow dryers)
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (40% of items) (40%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Analyze condition of client’s hair and scalp (i.e., assessment)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Determine hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services — Document and maintain client records for hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, hair cutting)
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care — Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for scalp treatments and scalp massage/manipulation
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair cutting: Shaping; Outlining; Neck shave
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures and safety of hair styling: Wet styling; Blowdry styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding, locks)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety of hair enhancements
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of preparation, procedures, and safety for head shaving
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Understand preliminary tests (e.g., purposes, uses, applications): Predisposition; Strand test
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair coloring (including facial hair)
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Hair lightening
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Foiling
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical hair relaxing/restructuring and curl reduction: Hydroxide; Thio; Keratin
    • Hair design — Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for chemical services — Chemical waving/texturizing: Alkaline; Acid; Non-thio
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of items) (15%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Evaluate client’s skin (e.g., type, condition)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Identify contraindications: Disorders; Diseases
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Determine facial hair services and/or products
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services — Document and maintain client records for facial hair services (e.g., consultation card, service history, medical history)
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Complete shave service with required strokes
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial hair design
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services — Facial (e.g., cleansing, steaming, mask)
    • Electrotherapy and light therapy — Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Examination sources