South Dakota licenses estheticians through the Cosmetology Commission under the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). The Cosmetology Commission handles cosmetology, esthetician, and nail technician licenses (barber licensing is administered separately by the Board of Barber Examiners). You need a South Dakota esthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, makeup application, and hair removal for compensation.
South Dakota requires 600 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. No continuing education is required. Annual renewal on your birth date. Total initial cost is approximately $100. Here is exactly how to get your South Dakota esthetician license.
South Dakota Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Cosmetology Commission (DLR) |
| Statutory Authority | SDCL 36-15 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam + License Fee | $100 (combined) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$100 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires on birth date) |
| Renewal Fee | $45 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | SD Cosmetology Commission |
| Board Website | dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 600 hours at a licensed esthetics school. The curriculum covers facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology of the skin, product chemistry, and South Dakota laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: Available under a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. Apprenticeship pathways were updated by HB 1214 (2024).
At 600 hours, South Dakota matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Esthetics exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (55%), Skin Care and Services (45%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills including facials, skin analysis, makeup application, and hair removal.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training
- Register for NIC exams through Prov
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through the Cosmetology Commission ($100 combined exam and license fee)
Total: approximately $100 — among the lowest total costs in the country.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
South Dakota esthetician licenses expire annually on your birth date. Renewal fee: $45. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Lapsed licenses may require re-examination depending on the length of lapse.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
South Dakota offers endorsement for estheticians licensed in other states. Reciprocity fee: $125. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours meeting South Dakota’s 600-hour requirement. A South Dakota Laws & Rules exam may be required.
Military Provisions
South Dakota issues licenses within 30 days for active-duty members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states under SDCL 36-1B-1. All licensing fees are waived for military applicants. Military training and experience may be credited toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in South Dakota?
600 hours at a licensed school. Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in South Dakota?
Approximately $100 total (combined exam and license fee paid to the Cosmetology Commission). This is among the lowest total costs in the country.
Does South Dakota require continuing education for estheticians?
No. South Dakota does not require CE for esthetician license renewal.
When does my South Dakota esthetician license expire?
Annually on your birth date. Renewal fee is $45.
Official Resources
- South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (official website)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Commission Contact: 605.773.6193 | cosmetology@state.sd.us
- Address: 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501