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South Dakota Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

US-SD · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Esthetics Apprentice License

Nonrenewable training license for supervised esthetics apprenticeship.

Licensing authority: Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Admission to esthetics apprenticeship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Minimum Age
At least seventeen years old.
Salon
The training salon must be licensed as an apprentice salon and adequately equipped.
Supervision
Submit the certified salon-owner letter naming the instructor; comply with constant instructor supervision and statutory training hours.
Term
Valid for the full apprenticeship and not renewable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

apprentice salon license

License required for a salon to offer apprenticeship education; renewable annually.

Licensing authority: Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Initial establishment licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the applicable Commission application, provide required documents and pay the fee.
Compliance
Meet applicable SDCL Chapter 36-15 and ARSD Article 20:42 school or apprentice-salon requirements.
Inspection
Hold the appropriate salon license and have passed the current-year annual salon inspection before apprenticeship education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Term
Renew annually with required fee and maintain all applicable establishment and educational requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

esthetics salon or booth license

License to operate a booth where only esthetics is practiced; the premises must first have a salon license, and the booth license is not transferable.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

New business license after location or ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Change
Apply and pay the new license fee when address, sole ownership, partnership membership or controlling corporate ownership changes; Commission may issue a ninety-day permit pending inspection.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licensure after permit and inspection
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Inspection
Start with the ninety-day business permit and pass Commission inspection; a home salon must satisfy separation and entrance requirements.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual business license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Renewal
Renew by anniversary date with fee and remain subject to annual inspection.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetics Booth 90-Day Permit

Ninety-day business permit preceding inspection and issuance of the regular business license.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Ninety day initial business permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the salon/booth permit application and applicable fee before opening; post the received permit.
Inspection
Pass premises inspection within ninety days or correct deficiencies before the permit expires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetics Branch School License

License for separate branch-school premises, requiring an accredited school license and at least twenty-five percent of required education hours or equivalent credit hours.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Initial establishment licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the applicable Commission application, provide required documents and pay the fee.
Compliance
Meet applicable SDCL Chapter 36-15 and ARSD Article 20:42 school or apprentice-salon requirements.
Parent School
Hold an accredited school license; the separate premises must offer at least twenty-five percent of required esthetics education hours and meet the statutory qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Term
Renew annually with required fee and maintain all applicable establishment and educational requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Eyelash Extension Education Certification

Commission certification of approved education required before an esthetician may provide eyelash extensions.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Certification of completed approved service specific education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Approval
Submit the provider certificate for Commission approval before services are performed; display the Commission certification in public view while working.
Education
Successfully complete at least 16 education hours covering the service techniques, infection control and safety specified in ARSD 20:42:08:09.
License Held
Maintain an applicable operator license; this educational certification does not replace esthetician licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Booth License — Esthetics Services

Business license for the esthetics services stated in the application; this is distinct from the individual operator license.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

New business license after location or ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Change
Apply and pay the new license fee when address, sole ownership, partnership membership or controlling corporate ownership changes; Commission may issue a ninety-day permit pending inspection.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licensure after permit and inspection
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Inspection
Start with the ninety-day business permit and pass Commission inspection; a home salon must satisfy separation and entrance requirements.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual business license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Renewal
Renew by anniversary date with fee and remain subject to annual inspection.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Salon License — Esthetics Services

Business license for the esthetics services stated in the application; this is distinct from the individual operator license.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

New business license after location or ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Change
Apply and pay the new license fee when address, sole ownership, partnership membership or controlling corporate ownership changes; Commission may issue a ninety-day permit pending inspection.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licensure after permit and inspection
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Inspection
Start with the ninety-day business permit and pass Commission inspection; a home salon must satisfy separation and entrance requirements.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual business license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Renewal
Renew by anniversary date with fee and remain subject to annual inspection.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Microdermabrasion Education Certification

Commission certification of approved education required before an esthetician may provide microdermabrasion services.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Certification of completed approved service specific education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Approval
Submit the provider certificate for Commission approval before services are performed; display the Commission certification in public view while working.
Education
Successfully complete at least 16 education hours covering the service techniques, infection control and safety specified in ARSD 20:42:08:07.
License Held
Maintain an applicable operator license; this educational certification does not replace esthetician licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

esthetics salon or booth license

License to operate a salon where only esthetics is practiced, renewable annually.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

New business license after location or ownership change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Change
Apply and pay the new license fee when address, sole ownership, partnership membership or controlling corporate ownership changes; Commission may issue a ninety-day permit pending inspection.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licensure after permit and inspection
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Inspection
Start with the ninety-day business permit and pass Commission inspection; a home salon must satisfy separation and entrance requirements.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual business license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Booth
A booth is an independent business in a licensed salon; the premises must have a salon license before a booth license is issued.
Ownership
The license is specific to its original owner and address and is not transferable.
Renewal
Renew by anniversary date with fee and remain subject to annual inspection.
Services
Specify esthetics services and maintain the required applicable facilities, equipment, sanitation and posted licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetics Salon 90-Day Permit

Ninety-day business permit preceding inspection and issuance of the regular business license.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Ninety day initial business permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the salon/booth permit application and applicable fee before opening; post the received permit.
Inspection
Pass premises inspection within ninety days or correct deficiencies before the permit expires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetics School License

License to operate a school offering the complete esthetics educational program.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Initial establishment licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the applicable Commission application, provide required documents and pay the fee.
Compliance
Meet applicable SDCL Chapter 36-15 and ARSD Article 20:42 school or apprentice-salon requirements.
Education
Offer the complete esthetics program of at least 600 hours or equivalent credit hours; have no violations with another cosmetology board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual establishment license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Term
Renew annually with required fee and maintain all applicable establishment and educational requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

student license

License to receive esthetics education in a licensed school.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Enrollment in licensed esthetics school
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply within ten days after enrollment with the school name/location, qualifications and fee; the license covers completion of the enrolled course.
Minimum Age
At least seventeen years old.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer or reenrollment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
A school transfer requires a new application and fee; withdrawal followed by reenrollment in the same or a different school/course requires the fee again.
Out Of State Credit
Commission-approved equivalent prior education may be credited under SDCL 36-15-34 and ARSD 20:42:06:16.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Esthetician License

Temporary practice license for a graduate of an approved school or completed apprenticeship pending the next examination and results.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Temporary license — completed apprenticeship
Application
Submit the complete Commission application, fee, photograph taken within the preceding year and written qualification evidence; educational certifications must be transmitted as ARSD 20:42:03:04 requires.
Duration
Valid until the next applicable scheduled examination; extended through mailing of results if taken on time. An unexcused absence or failure invalidates the license and it cannot be extended or reissued.
Education
Complete the statutory esthetics apprenticeship and establish qualifications and completion to the Commission.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old; submit acceptable identity evidence under SDCL 36-15-15 and ARSD 20:42:03:04.
Statutory Wording
SDCL 36-15-50 includes estheticians in the authorization and the next scheduled examination clause, although item (4) says "cosmetologist or nail technician examination, as applicable". The esthetician examination is identified by SDCL 36-15-2.3 and 36-15-19.5; that is the applicable examination for this route.
Temporary license — completed approved school education
Application
Submit the complete Commission application, fee, photograph taken within the preceding year and written qualification evidence; educational certifications must be transmitted as ARSD 20:42:03:04 requires.
Documents
Provide proof of completed education, temporary fee, examination application and fee, and the intended practice location.
Duration
Valid until the next applicable scheduled examination; extended through mailing of results if taken on time. An unexcused absence or failure invalidates the license and it cannot be extended or reissued.
Education
Complete the approved licensed school course; an out-of-state school must be shown comparable to the Commission.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old; submit acceptable identity evidence under SDCL 36-15-15 and ARSD 20:42:03:04.

Temporary Permit for Out-of-State Esthetician

Temporary practice authorization for a qualified holder of a current license from another state or foreign country.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission · Application information

Temporary permit — qualified licensed reciprocity applicant
Application
Submit the complete Commission application, fee, photograph taken within the preceding year and written qualification evidence; educational certifications must be transmitted as ARSD 20:42:03:04 requires.
Certification
The current reciprocity checklist requests home-state certification, active good-standing licensure, 600 education hours and theory examination.
Duration
Valid until the next scheduled applicable examination, extended until results are mailed if taken. Unexcused absence or examination failure invalidates the permit.
Implementation Testing Eligibility
The checklist says: "You must have graduated from a South Dakota cosmetology school in order to be eligible to take the South Dakota theory examination." Submit the reciprocity materials to obtain a waiver determination.
License Held
Hold a current license from another state, district, territory or foreign country and establish qualifications under SDCL 36-15-15 and 36-15-19.2.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old; submit acceptable identity evidence under SDCL 36-15-15 and ARSD 20:42:03:04.
Practice Location
State the salon name and address under ARSD 20:42:03:06(5).
Prior Examination
Provide the passing result of an examination acceptable to the Commission in esthetics. A foreign or another state own examination is applicant evidence, not a South Dakota requirement leaf.
Theory Waiver
ARSD 20:42:03:14 waives the prescribed theory examination for an applicant who passed a state-administered or authorized theory examination in another state. The Commission reviews the application and supporting documents for the waiver; the state laws exam remains required.

National Esthetics Theory Examination

Provider
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); administered by Test Administration companies and States upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Theory examination of four-option multiple-choice items, only one option correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS (55%) (55%)
    • Basic knowledge of microbiology (i.e., bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi)
    • Apply knowledge of infection control procedures related to: — Levels of infection control (i.e., sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
    • Apply knowledge of infection control procedures related to: — Methods of infection control (i.e., heat, chemical agents)
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Standard (Universal) Precautions
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Blood exposure procedures
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (e.g., manufacturer’s labeling)
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Handling of chemicals
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Cells and their functions
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Tissues (i.e., epithelial, connective, nerve, muscular)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Organs and their function (e.g., skin, lungs, heart)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Systems and their functions (e.g., muscular, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, skeletal)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the layers of the skin
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the glands
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Functions of the skin (e.g., protection, temperature regulation, absorption)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sebaceous gland (e.g., acne, milia, seborrhea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sudoriferous gland (e.g., hyperhidrosis, bromhydrosis, anhidrosis)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Contagious diseases (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, herpes simplex, tinea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin inflammations (e.g., dermatitis, eczema, rosacea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin pigmentation (i.e., hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin growths (e.g., skin tags, moles, keratoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin cancers (i.e., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Primary and secondary skin lesions
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Structure of the hair and its follicle
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Growth cycles
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Abnormal hair growth (e.g., hirsutism, hypertrichosis)
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Ingredients
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Labeling
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Function (e.g., hydration, protection, cleanse)
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Acidity/Alkalinity (i.e., pH)
  • SKIN CARE AND SERVICES (45%) (45%)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Apply knowledge of client protection (i.e., draping of head and body)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Skin analysis (e.g., Fitzpatrick skin types/conditions/characteristics)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Contraindications for skin services
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Treatment protocol
    • Demonstrate an understanding of basic facial procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of cleansing procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of steaming procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of exfoliation procedures (i.e., chemical, mechanical/manual)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of massage movements
    • Demonstrate an understanding of methods of extraction
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and applications of masks related to clay/mud (e.g., cream, gel, clay/mud)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Treat/moisturize (e.g., treatment cream, serum)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Sun protection
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Home care (i.e., after care)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the use of electrical equipment used in skin services
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Principles (e.g., color theory)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Product selection (e.g., lipstick, foundation)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Application (e.g., contouring, highlighting, blending)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Safety (e.g., bracing)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Infection control (e.g., disposables, disinfection of tools)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Facial services (e.g., aromatherapy, pre- and post-surgical/medical treatments, ultrasonic)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Body treatments (body wraps, body scrubs, sunless tanning)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Eyelash and eyebrow services (e.g., lash and brow tinting, artificial lashes, lash lifting/perming)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Demonstrate an understanding of hair removal methods and procedures (i.e., waxing, tweezing)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Wellness programs
    • Demonstrates basic knowledge of advanced topics and treatments (e.g., dermaplaning, nano infusion, microdermabrasion)
Examination sources

South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination

Examination outline
  • SDCL Chapter 36-15 — Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, and Salons
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:01 — Definitions
  • ARSD Chapter 20:42:02 — Organization of commission
  • 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