All states · South Dakota
Licensing in South Dakota
In South Dakota, beauty licenses are issued by the Cosmetology Commission, barbers by the Board of Barber Examiners, and electricians and plumbers by the Electrical and Plumbing Commissions (all under the Department of Labor & Regulation). Massage therapists are licensed by the Board of Massage Therapy and nurses by the Board of Nursing.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Annually, by your birthday |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Annually, by your birthday |
| Nail Technician | 400 hours | Annually, by your birthday |
| Registered Barber | 1,500 hours | Annually, by May 31 |
- Exams: NIC theory and a state laws and rules exam. No CE is required for regular licenses; eyelash extensions and microdermabrasion require extra training (16 hours).
- Barbers take written and practical exams, 75% minimum on each.
| License | Training | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 500 hours | Annually, by September 30 | 8 to renew in 2026 |
- A national certification exam is required. The renewal fee is $65.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | South Dakota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | South Dakota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | South Dakota Board of Nursing | State exam |
- South Dakota is in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor’s Excise Tax License | Department of Revenue | Required; no fee |
| Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Contractor | Electrical Commission | Apprenticeship — 4 years, 8,000 hours |
| Plumber, Plumbing Contractor | Plumbing Commission | Plumber — 4-year apprenticeship |
- There is no separate statewide general contractor license.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | South Dakota Secretary of State | Articles of Organization — $150 online; annual report — $55 online |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
South Dakota specifics
- Renewal on your birthday. Beauty licenses — annually, $45.
- No CE for beauty. Except instructors and add-on services.
- Barber — 1,500 hours. Annual renewal by May 31.
- Massage — 500 hours. Annual renewal by September 30.
- Contractor’s excise tax license. Required and free.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in South Dakota
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 hours; esthetician — 600, nail technician — 400.
Is CE required to renew a beauty license?
Not for regular licenses. Instructors need 12 hours a year.
Does a contractor need a state license?
There is no general contractor license, but a free excise tax license from the Department of Revenue is required.
How much does an LLC cost?
$150 online to file and $55 for the annual report.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy, South Dakota Board of Nursing, South Dakota Department of Revenue, South Dakota Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.