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South Dakota Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Cosmetologist License

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Initial licensure by examination after apprenticeship

All of the following:

Age and application
Be at least 18 years old and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15. Submit the application and fees, qualifying identity documentation, a personal photograph taken within the preceding year and proof of qualifications in English under ARSD 20:42:03:04; education transcripts or certification must come directly from the school or licensing authority.
Board school only statement
The current Commission Education page states: Only graduates of a school approved and licensed by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission may sit for the state licensing examination. The higher-ranked SDCL 36-15-17 expressly also recognizes apprenticeship, so the apprenticeship examination route is retained.
Education
Complete 1,500 consecutive hours in an approved licensed apprentice salon under constant licensed-instructor supervision; Commission approval on written good cause is required for a break or salon transfer.
Schedule
SDCL 36-15-47 permits full-time study/practice at 40 hours per week or elected part-time study/practice at a minimum of 20 hours per week; notify the Commission at least 15 days before reverting to full-time.
Reciprocity for a foreign educated cosmetologist

All of the following:

Additional education
In addition to statutory qualifications and reciprocity requirements, complete 225 cosmetology education hours at a Commission-approved school covering federal OSHA/FDA safety requirements, South Dakota safety and infection-control procedures and United States cosmetic products.
Age and application
Be at least 18 years old and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15. Submit the application and fees, qualifying identity documentation, a personal photograph taken within the preceding year and proof of qualifications in English under ARSD 20:42:03:04; education transcripts or certification must come directly from the school or licensing authority.
Equivalence
The originating jurisdiction requirements at the relevant examination must equal or exceed South Dakota requirements, subject to statutory work-experience credit exceptions.
Existing license
Hold a current valid cosmetology license from another state, district, territory or foreign country; supply official certification and Board-required documentation.
Implementation equivalence
The current Reciprocity Checklist requires an active license in good standing and 1,500 education hours plus theory; Commission equivalence review and the higher-ranked statutory work-credit exception govern.
Other exam acceptance
SDCL 36-15-19.2 accepts an examination satisfactory to the Commission; unnamed alternatives and a foreign country’s national examination remain applicant conditions.
Theory waiver
ARSD 20:42:03:14 waives the operator examination if a state-administered or authorized theory examination was passed in another state. The current FAQ says applicants without acceptable theory evidence must take the State Board theory examination. The NIC theory leaf remains because the route involves it for applicants not excused. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition, not a South Dakota leaf.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Apply and pay the appropriate renewal fee on or before the licensee’s birthday; legal name changes require supporting documentation. If timely requirements are met, practice may continue pending issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement or reissuance of a suspended or revoked license

All of the following:

Board discretion
By majority vote the Commission may reinstate on written application establishing existing licensing requirements or on testimony by witnesses. Examination involvement through existing licensing requirements is conditional on the Commission’s chosen restoration basis.
Conditions of reinstatement
The Commission may impose conditions including automatic reinstatement after a fixed period; testimony and discretionary waiver are applicant conditions.
Renewal of a license lapsed no more than five continuous years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Lapse
Submit renewal application and each lapsed year’s renewal and penalty fees; the additional examination alternatives in ARSD 20:42:03:13 apply only after more than five continuous years. Offering or performing licensed services 60 days or more after expiration is subject to discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of a license lapsed more than five continuous years

At least one of the following alternatives:

  • All of the following:

  • Safety and infection control examination (practice unavailable)
Alternative course
If choosing the safety and infection-control examination alternative, first complete a Commission-preapproved review course of at least two hours on South Dakota cosmetology laws, rules and safety procedures.
Implementation statement
The Board License Renewal page states that a license expired more than five years requires theory and state laws/rules examinations; higher-ranked ARSD 20:42:03:13 also permits the review-course plus safety-examination alternative.
Lapse
Submit renewal application and each lapsed year’s renewal and penalty fees.
Expedited issuance for military personnel and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board general statement
The current Board pages generally demand licensing examinations; the higher-ranked military statute prescribes issuance on its specific conditions without an examination requirement. General demands do not add examination leaves to this statutory route.
Existing license
Hold the same or similar valid license in good standing from another state or the District of Columbia; submit a completed application and required documentation; no disqualifying disciplinary conduct.
Military status
Be an active-duty member or spouse subject to military transfer to South Dakota.
Statutory issuance
SDCL 36-1B-1 requires issuance within 30 days notwithstanding other law, on its stated conditions; SDCL 36-1B-4 prohibits licensing-body application or issuance fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior status
Before entering qualifying military service, hold the South Dakota occupational license in good standing and lawfully practice; the status has since been lost.
Timing
Apply within six months of separation from service; SDCL 36-1-1 expressly restores prior status without examinations or other compliance, except current-year fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity with equivalent credentials

All of the following:

Age and application
Be at least 18 years old and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15. Submit the application and fees, qualifying identity documentation, a personal photograph taken within the preceding year and proof of qualifications in English under ARSD 20:42:03:04; education transcripts or certification must come directly from the school or licensing authority.
Equivalence
The originating jurisdiction requirements at the relevant examination must equal or exceed South Dakota requirements, subject to statutory work-experience credit exceptions.
Existing license
Hold a current valid cosmetology license from another state, district, territory or foreign country; supply official certification and Board-required documentation.
Implementation equivalence
The current Reciprocity Checklist requires an active license in good standing and 1,500 education hours plus theory; Commission equivalence review and the higher-ranked statutory work-credit exception govern.
Other exam acceptance
SDCL 36-15-19.2 accepts an examination satisfactory to the Commission; unnamed alternatives and a foreign country’s national examination remain applicant conditions.
Theory waiver
ARSD 20:42:03:14 waives the operator examination if a state-administered or authorized theory examination was passed in another state. The current FAQ says applicants without acceptable theory evidence must take the State Board theory examination. The NIC theory leaf remains because the route involves it for applicants not excused. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition, not a South Dakota leaf.
Reciprocity using relevant work experience for a non equivalent license

All of the following:

Age and application
Be at least 18 years old and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15. Submit the application and fees, qualifying identity documentation, a personal photograph taken within the preceding year and proof of qualifications in English under ARSD 20:42:03:04; education transcripts or certification must come directly from the school or licensing authority.
Equivalence
The originating jurisdiction requirements at the relevant examination must equal or exceed South Dakota requirements, subject to statutory work-experience credit exceptions.
Existing license
Hold a current valid cosmetology license from another state, district, territory or foreign country; supply official certification and Board-required documentation.
Implementation equivalence
The current Reciprocity Checklist requires an active license in good standing and 1,500 education hours plus theory; Commission equivalence review and the higher-ranked statutory work-credit exception govern.
Other exam acceptance
SDCL 36-15-19.2 accepts an examination satisfactory to the Commission; unnamed alternatives and a foreign country’s national examination remain applicant conditions.
Theory waiver
ARSD 20:42:03:14 waives the operator examination if a state-administered or authorized theory examination was passed in another state. The current FAQ says applicants without acceptable theory evidence must take the State Board theory examination. The NIC theory leaf remains because the route involves it for applicants not excused. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition, not a South Dakota leaf.
Work credit
The Board may accept relevant work credit for a non-equivalent cosmetology-related license: no more than 750 of the 1,500 cosmetology education hours, with two work hours equaling one school hour. Work earned more than five years before application requires a Commission-approved safety and infection-control procedures course; a required course is not the separate reinstatement examination.
Initial licensure by examination after school education

All of the following:

Age and application
Be at least 18 years old and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15. Submit the application and fees, qualifying identity documentation, a personal photograph taken within the preceding year and proof of qualifications in English under ARSD 20:42:03:04; education transcripts or certification must come directly from the school or licensing authority.
Education
Enroll in or complete 1,500 hours or equivalent credits in an approved and licensed cosmetology school. The license is issued only after completion and certification of the required education.
Out of state education
The current Board Examinations page instructs an out-of-state graduate either to become licensed in the originating jurisdiction and use reciprocity, or transfer to a South Dakota school after Commission transcript and education-certification review.
Timing
Currently enrolled South Dakota students may take theory before graduation; passing before applying or graduating remains an examination requirement.
Licensure by endorsement under SDCL Chapter 36 1D

All of the following:

Competency
Demonstrate competency by methods determined by the Commission; its current operator licensing page identifies NIC theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. Applicable waivers remain applicant conditions.
Discipline
No disqualifying act or discipline and good standing in the issuing jurisdiction, unless the Commission exercises the statutory discretion to accept the applicant notwithstanding that act or discipline.
Existing license
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Commission finds substantially equivalent to or greater than South Dakota requirements.
Fees
Pay Board-established fees. SDCL 36-1D-1 supersedes conflicting reciprocity provisions while preserving Board competency assessment.

Provisional Endorsement Cosmetologist License

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Provisional endorsement pending completion of remaining requirements

All of the following:

Competency
Demonstrate competency by methods determined by the Commission; its current operator licensing page identifies NIC theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. Applicable waivers remain applicant conditions.
Discipline
No disqualifying act or discipline and good standing in the issuing jurisdiction, unless the Commission exercises the statutory discretion to accept the applicant notwithstanding that act or discipline.
Existing license
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Commission finds substantially equivalent to or greater than South Dakota requirements.
Fees
Pay Board-established fees. SDCL 36-1D-1 supersedes conflicting reciprocity provisions while preserving Board competency assessment.
Provisional status
The Commission may issue a provisional endorsement while remaining endorsement requirements are satisfied. Practice ends on denial, Board-established expiration, or failure to comply with provisional terms. Remaining examination timing or excuse is an applicant condition.

Provisional Work Authorization

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Interim work authority after passing examinations

All of the following:

Duration
After passing examinations, print and post the authorization while waiting for the paper license to arrive; failure means no provisional work authorization.
Graduate status
Only school graduates with a Student Education Record already on file qualify.

Temporary Cosmetologist License

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Statutory temporary individual practice pending examination

All of the following:

Current implementation
The current Commission Examination Registration Instructions state: Plan Ahead: Temporary licenses have been discontinued. The statutory form is retained under the higher-ranked law; applicants should see this stated operational restriction.
Duration
Valid until the next scheduled applicable examination and extended until results are mailed when taken; unexcused absence or failure invalidates the temporary credential with no extension or reissue.
Examination application
Submit examination application and applicable temporary and examination fees. Examination involvement after temporary issuance remains in the requirement tree.
Qualification
Successfully complete the statutory apprenticeship and satisfy SDCL 36-15-15.
Statutory temporary individual practice pending examination

All of the following:

Current implementation
The current Commission Examination Registration Instructions state: Plan Ahead: Temporary licenses have been discontinued. The statutory form is retained under the higher-ranked law; applicants should see this stated operational restriction.
Duration
Valid until the next scheduled applicable examination and extended until results are mailed when taken; unexcused absence or failure invalidates the temporary credential with no extension or reissue.
Examination application
Submit examination application and applicable temporary and examination fees. Examination involvement after temporary issuance remains in the requirement tree.
Qualification
Complete a course at an approved licensed South Dakota school or a licensed out-of-state school the Commission finds comparable.

Temporary Permit for Out-of-State Cosmetologist

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Statutory temporary individual practice pending examination

All of the following:

Current implementation
The current Commission Examination Registration Instructions state: Plan Ahead: Temporary licenses have been discontinued. The statutory form is retained under the higher-ranked law; applicants should see this stated operational restriction.
Duration
Valid until the next scheduled applicable examination and extended until results are mailed when taken; unexcused absence or failure invalidates the temporary credential with no extension or reissue.
Examination application
Submit examination application and applicable temporary and examination fees. Examination involvement after temporary issuance remains in the requirement tree.
Qualification
Hold a current valid cosmetologist license from another state or foreign country and establish SDCL 36-15-15 and 36-15-19.2 qualifications.

South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination

Examination outline
  • South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 36-15 — Cosmetologists, Estheticians and Nail Technicians
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:01 — Definitions
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:03 — Licensure and Licensure Renewal
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:04 — Salon and Booth Requirements
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:05 — Individual Licensee Infection Control Requirements
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:06 — School Requirements
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:07 — Apprentices
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:08 — Instructor Education and License Specific Education Requirements
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:09 — Inspections
Examination sources

Safety and infection control examination

Examination outline
  • Safety and infection control procedures
Examination sources

National Cosmetology 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 has 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 cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources