South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Important Notice: The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission only accepts training and education documentation from schools or providers licensed or certified by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The Commission also accepts training and education documentation certified by another state licensing board or public institution of higher education (subject to review).
View list of approved South Dakota education providers.
Education
South Dakota requires 1,500 hours of education for cosmetologists, 600 hours for estheticians and 400 hours for nail technicians. The basic education requirements for various licenses are listed in Licensing Requirements.
In order to renew a cosmetology, esthetician or nail technician license that has been expired for more than five years, you are required to pass the State Board Examination or take a Commission approved safety and infection control course and pass a safety and infection control exam.
Only graduates of a school approved and licensed by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission may sit for the state licensing examination. A list of approved education providers is available below.
Apprenticeships
Cosmetology apprenticeships are covered by South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 36-15-42 through 36-16-50 and Administrative Rule of South Dakota (ARSD) 20:42:07. There are several required steps before an apprenticeship is approved by the Commission and allowed to start.
Contact the Commission office at 605.773.6193 or by email for further information or questions on apprenticeships.