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South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Exam Schedule

The Commission will be administering State Board exams as shown below. Dates and locations may change during the year, but sufficient notice will be given regarding any date changes to the exam schedule.

Administration of State Board Examinations has been suspended until at least June 1, 2020, due to the current Coronavirus pandemic. Applicants will be notified when exam administration resumes. Applicants who have completed their required education or who are applying for a South Dakota cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician license through reciprocity from another state may apply for a temporary license if you have a confirmed job lined up. All required documents must be received by the Commission office prior to the issuance of a temporary license. The $6 temporary license fee is being waived until exam administration resumes.

If you have completed your education in South Dakota, use the Exam and Temporary License Application (also available from our Forms page) for the examination and temporary license.

If you have already applied for State Board examinations and now have a job lined up, use the Temporary License Application.

If needed, the commission will add additional days as needed to accommodate school graduations. Dates may change, but sufficient notice will be given regarding any changes.