South Dakota licenses barbers through the Board of Barber Examiners under the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). This is a separate agency from the Cosmetology Commission, which handles cosmetology, esthetician, and nail technician licenses. You need a South Dakota barber license to perform hair cutting, shaving, and grooming services for compensation.
South Dakota requires 1,500 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams. The practical exam is administered by the board only 2 to 4 times per year, so scheduling is critical. No continuing education is required. Annual renewal on May 31. Here is exactly how to get your South Dakota barber license.
South Dakota Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Board of Barber Examiners (DLR) |
| Statutory Authority | SDCL 36-14 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of 10th grade |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes |
| Exam Required | NIC Written (Prov) + Board-administered Practical |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Total Exam + License Fee | ~$150 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$150 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires May 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $75 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | SD Board of Barber Examiners |
| Board Website | dlr.sd.gov/barber |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school. The barbering curriculum covers hair cutting, trimming, tapering, shaving, beard grooming, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, permanent waving, scalp treatments, sanitation and infection control, anatomy, and South Dakota laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 10 to 14 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: Available under a licensed barber. Contact the Board of Barber Examiners for current apprenticeship requirements.
At 1,500 hours, South Dakota’s barber requirement is higher than many states. For a comparison of barber licensing across all states, see our barber license guide and barber vs cosmetology comparison.
Exam Requirements
South Dakota barber exams have a unique structure:
- Written Exam: NIC Barber written exam administered by Prov. Multiple-choice covering barbering theory, sanitation, anatomy, product chemistry, and South Dakota laws.
- Practical Exam: Board-administered — not through Prov. The Board of Barber Examiners conducts practical exams only 2 to 4 times per year. You must coordinate scheduling directly with the board. Plan ahead, as wait times can be significant.
Passing score: 75%. Register for the written exam at Prov. Contact the board directly for practical exam scheduling.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of barber training
- Register for the NIC written exam through Prov
- Pass the written exam
- Schedule and pass the board-administered practical exam (held 2-4x/year)
- Apply through the Board of Barber Examiners
Total: approximately $150.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
South Dakota barber licenses expire annually on May 31. Renewal fee: $75. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Lapsed licenses may require re-examination.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
South Dakota offers endorsement for barbers licensed in other states. Reciprocity fee: $150. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours meeting South Dakota’s 1,500-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.
Recent Legislative Changes
SB 28 (2025): Increased fee caps for the Board of Barber Examiners, allowing adjustments to exam, license, and renewal fees.
HB 1214 (2024): Updated apprenticeship requirements and pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a barber license in South Dakota?
1,500 hours at a licensed barber school. Full-time students complete training in about 10 to 14 months.
Why is the barber practical exam only offered a few times per year?
South Dakota’s Board of Barber Examiners administers the practical exam directly (not through Prov), and it is held only 2 to 4 times per year. Plan ahead and contact the board for the next available date.
How much does it cost to get a barber license in South Dakota?
Approximately $150 total in exam and license fees paid to the Board of Barber Examiners.
Does South Dakota require continuing education for barbers?
No. South Dakota does not require CE for barber license renewal.
Is the South Dakota barber board the same as the cosmetology board?
No. South Dakota has two separate agencies: the Board of Barber Examiners handles barber licenses, and the Cosmetology Commission handles cosmetology, esthetician, and nail technician licenses. Both are under the Department of Labor and Regulation.
Official Resources
- South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (official website)
- Prov Exam Registration (written exam only)
- Board Contact: 605.773.6193 | barber@state.sd.us
- Address: 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501