The state may refuse to grant a license if a student has been convicted of a crime; committed any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit; or committed any act that, if committed by a licentiate of the business or profession in question, would be grounds for the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission or South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy to deny licensure. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission or South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy denies licensure on the grounds that the applicant knowingly made a false statement of fact required to be revealed in the application for such license. Students who are not U.S. citizens or who do not have documented authority to work in the United States will not be eligible to apply to take the state licensure examination. Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City is not responsible for students denied licensure.
state licensing requirements
Cosmetologist License
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board.
- Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
- Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application to the Cosmetology Commission by mail.
- Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
- Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.
Nail Technician License
- Complete 400 hours of nail technology education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board.
- Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
- Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application to the Cosmetology Commission by mail.
- Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
- Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.
Esthetician License
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board or esthetics school.
- Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
- Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application to the Cosmetology Commission.
- Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
- Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.
Instructor Licenses
Cosmetology instructors can teach cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. Nail technology instructors can teach only nail technology. Esthetics instructors can teach only esthetics.
- Complete the Instructor License application.
- Once we receive a completed application, you will be issued a Conditional Instructor’s License, which is valid for 90 days. Within those 90 days, you will need to contact the Commission office to schedule your Instructor Theory Examination to be conducted online at our office in Pierre.
- If you fail the Instructor Theory exam, the conditional instructor license is invalid and the individual may not instruct students until passing the theory examination and being issued an Instructor License.
- Instructor licenses must be renewed each year by the expiration date on the license (date of birth).
- Twelve hours of instructor continuing education on teaching methodology must be completed and proof of education submitted to the Commission office prior to renewing an instructor license.
Massage Licenses
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older, can practice massage therapy in South Dakota. They also need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent and have completed at least 500 of specified education and training in massage therapy from a recognized facility and passed an examination by an approved national certification board. In addition to meeting the educational requirements, the person must also provide proof of at least $250,000 in malpractice insurance with an absence of professional misconduct.