Can I Become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota Through an Apprenticeship?

Yes, you can become a cosmetologist through an apprenticeship in South Dakota! Your cosmetology apprenticeship needs to last for at least 1500 consecutive hours. This means you can't take time off from your apprenticeship without a written request that shows good cause. You can opt to take your apprenticeship full-time (40+ hours per week) or part-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week). If you want to change from full- to part-time, you need to let the commissions know at least 15 days before you start working those hours.

You need to have a license to work as an apprentice, and the salon you work in can't have more than eight apprentices, with no more than two apprentices per instructor. Your trainers must provide all required educational materials, including textbooks, at no cost to you. In fact, your apprenticeship needs to be free altogether – your work is the only compensation they can receive.

If you start an apprenticeship and want to change to a cosmetology school (or vice versa), you may be able to apply your completed hours to the new program. Your school or apprenticeship supervisor just needs to sign off.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in South Dakota

To get your South Dakota cosmetology license, you need to pass your 1500-hour school or apprenticeship program, pass a cosmetology theory and state law exam, be at least 18, submit a license agreement form, and pay the related fee. The initial license fee is $120.

South Dakota Cosmetology Exams

South Dakota requires a passing score on a written cosmetology and state law exam, which you'll take simultaneously—no practical exam needed! Until 2026, you could only take the exam remotely. However, Prov—which administers the tests—has set up exam locations in Brookings, Rapid City, and Watertown. The expectations are essentially the same as for the remote exam (which is still an option), except you aren't responsible for setting up the entire space.

If you go the remote route, you need to create a distraction-free, well-lit environment with reliable internet. There will be a video of you taking the test, so you need to have a computer (Mac, PC, or compatible Chromebook – no tablets or phones). You can't have extra people or unnecessary items, including things like a hoodie or any electronics. If you have a disability that requires examination accommodations, fill out an ADA Form as early as possible so you can have your needs met.

You need to pre-register for your exam, at which time you'll pay your exam fee. Registering for the exam can be a bit complicated, so the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission has created a registration instructions document to help you out. But one important thing to know is that you will pay the $100 exam fee up front, and if you register for the wrong exam, you will need to register for the correct one and pay the fee again. So be careful!

The National-Interstate Cosmetology Commission (NIC) exam lasts 90 minutes and comprises 110 questions. Of those, 100 are scored. The test breaks down into sections:

• Scientific Concepts: 35%
• Hair Care and Services: 45%
• Skin Care and Services 10%
• Nail Care and Services: 10%

You need to score at least 75% on your cosmetology exams. If you don't pass the first time, you don't need the Commission's permission to try again.

The test covering state laws and rules is taken at the same time as the NIC test, and it covers the current cosmetology rules in the state.

South Dakota Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you're currently a licensed cosmetologist in another state, you might not need to take classes or pass the NIC exam in South Dakota. Reciprocity may be available if you meet these qualifications:

• Your state has similar license requirements to South Dakota
• You have an active license in that state, validated by your state via email or mail
• You have passed the state laws and rules exam
• You've submitted a reciprocity application and paid a $120 fee

Cosmetology Specialties in South Dakota

Cosmetology allows you to practice a wide range of treatments, but what if you want to narrow your focus? Or maybe you want to add a specific skill to your repertoire. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission regulates cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, as well as additional certifications in lash extension, microdermabrasion, and the use of electric nail files. Certifications are only available to licensed professionals who would be operating within their scope if they used them, so cosmetologists are eligible for all of them. Each of these options requires unique training.

• Esthetician License: 600 hours
• Nail Technician License: 400 hours
• Eyelash Extension Certification: 16 hours
• Microdermabrasion Certification: 16 hours
• Electric Nail Files: 8 hours

If you work as a natural hair braider in South Dakota, you don't need to get a license. You must restrict your services to licensed services, so no chemical treatments are permitted.

Cosmetology Licensure Renewal in South Dakota

To keep practicing cosmetology in South Dakota, you need to renew your license by your birthdate every year. You can apply to renew your license online or by mail. Either option comes with a $45 renewal fee. Late renewal incurs a $30 penalty, and you may face disciplinary action if your license has lapsed for more than 60 days.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in South Dakota