South Dakotaesthetician license & exam requirements
NIC national examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in South Dakota: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official South Dakota board.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 600
- Written exam
- NIC national exam
- Exam vendor
- Prov (CBT written exams); SD Cosmetology Commission proctors practical
Exam details & notes
NIC National Esthetics Theory exam (110 questions, 100 scored, 90 minutes, pass 75) plus a mandatory South Dakota Laws & Rules exam for ALL applicants including reciprocity (pass 75); both written exams delivered at Prov CBT centers after commission approval. NIC practical is also reported as required and commission-proctored, but the board's own pages returned HTTP 503 repeatedly so the practical requirement could not be verified directly (board's licensing page snippet lists only 'NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules' for estheticians). $120 exam/reciprocity fee includes first license. Board hosts the NIC esthetics theory CIB on its own site, confirming NIC content.
Some details for South Dakota were ambiguous on the official board site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check the specifics with the board before you rely on them.
Preparing for the South Dakota exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. That's exactly what South Dakota's NIC exam tests. Study your South Dakota law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →South Dakota esthetician license FAQ
Does South Dakota use the NIC esthetician exam?
Yes. South Dakota uses the NIC national esthetics theory examination, administered by Prov.
How many training hours does South Dakota require for an esthetician license?
600
How do I get an esthetician license in South Dakota?
Complete the required training hours (600), satisfy the written exam requirement (NIC national exam, vendor Prov), and apply through the South Dakota board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the South Dakota esthetician or cosmetology-related board exam?
PrepTempo's Esthetician State Board course covers the NIC national theory core (infection control, skin science, analysis, and treatments) with free sample questions and free Chapter 1. Study South Dakota law-and-rules from your board on top of the core.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the South Dakota board. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state board, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), or any exam vendor, and they do not endorse this product.