StateLicensed

Esthetician License Requirements in South Dakota

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
600 hrs
Upfront cost
—
Exam
NIC Written Theory Examination (Esthetics), South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old. No criminal background check or fingerprinting requirement is mentioned in the Commission's published exam/licensure requirements. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. 600 hours must be completed at a Commission-approved school, shown by transcript; out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board or esthetics school. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Written Theory Examination (Esthetics)

    Pass the NIC Written Theory Examination (Esthetics). written, online No separate exam-only fee is published; a combined $120 examination/reciprocity fee covers exam registration and the first license (see fees.value.other). [2]

  4. 4

    South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination

    Pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination. written Required of all applicants for examination/licensure in addition to the NIC theory exam; passing score is 75%. Fee bundled into the $120 combined examination/reciprocity fee. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. Typical processing time: Reciprocity applications: up to 15 business days for the Commission to review a complete application and issue a license, once all required documents are received.. [4]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, South Dakota Cosmetology Commission issues your Esthetician for South Dakota.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] None specified
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] $45
NIC Written Theory Examination (Esthetics) [2] None specified
South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination [2] None specified
Examination/Reciprocity Fee (includes first license) [1] $120

South Dakota does not publish separate application, exam, and license-issuance amounts for new applicants; a single $120 examination-or-reciprocity fee covers exam registration and issuance of the first license.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year.

Renewal is annual, due on the licensee's birth date. No continuing education is required for a standard esthetician renewal; CE applies only to instructors (12 hours/year) or licensees seeking add-on certification (eyelash extensions, microdermabrasion, electric nail filing).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

South Dakota issues reciprocity licenses to estheticians licensed in good standing in another state; applicants submit a Reciprocity Application plus a Certification of Licensure from the issuing state. The State Laws & Rules exam is always required; the NIC theory exam is waived only if the applicant already passed an approved theory exam elsewhere. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not confirmed as operational, and its coverage of estheticians in South Dakota is unconfirmed as of this research date, so no compacts are listed.

3 state-approved training providers in South Dakota — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Frequently asked questions

How many education hours are required for an esthetics license?

Estheticians must earn 600 Commission-approved education hours (compared to 1,500 for cosmetologists and 400 for nail technicians).

When can I take the State Board examination?

Students with an active enrollment status at a Commission-approved school may take the State Board examination at any time, though the Commission strongly encourages completing at least 50 percent of required education hours first.

How will I know when I am scheduled to take the examination?

Examination applicants receive a confirmation email (and optional text message) from the examination vendor, Prov, with the date, time, and instructions for completing the exam.

I am moving to South Dakota; how can I transfer my license?

If you hold an active Cosmetology, Esthetics, or Nail Technology license in good standing in another state, you may apply for a reciprocity license by submitting the online Reciprocity Application and requesting that your issuing state send a Certification of Licensure to the Commission.

Will I have to take an exam if I apply by reciprocity?

All reciprocity applicants must take the State Laws & Rules examination. If you have not already taken and passed a state-approved theory examination for your license type, you must also take the South Dakota State Board (NIC theory) examination.

Sources

  1. [1] dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/licensing_requirements.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/exams.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/license_renewal.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/documents/Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11