SD · Last reviewed 2026-08-27
Requirements can change. Confirm the current candidate bulletin and licensing-board instructions before scheduling or purchasing supplies.
Written: foundation preview
Practical: unavailable
South Dakota requires the NIC national written theory examination and the South Dakota Laws and Rules examination. The board identifies 75 percent as the passing score and offers computer-based testing through Prov, including remote online testing.
The board eliminated the cosmetologist practical examination. Current licensing requirements list only the NIC theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules examinations.
State-selected sample
This sample is general cosmetology preparation. It is not represented as a recalled or official South Dakota exam question.
AWrap it
BClean off visible debris
CStore it overnight
DApply oil
Reference: CDC Standard Precautions and NIC Infection Control outline ↗Official sources
Research compilation: Echo Craft, LLC editorial team. Professional subject-matter review is still pending and is disclosed as a launch gap.
Known gaps
! The board-hosted NIC theory bulletin is effective May 2016; candidates should confirm that its 110-item, 90-minute format remains unchanged when scheduling.
! The current board pages do not publish the South Dakota Laws and Rules question count or time limit.
! South Dakota is recorded as requiring a written examination, but Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a state-specific written content pack. The launch experience provides general foundation practice only; users must confirm current content, timing, scoring, and procedures with the official board or testing provider.
! South Dakota's practical requirements are listed from reviewed public sources, but Beauty Exam Studio does not yet have a state-specific practical task pack for this jurisdiction. The New York sequence and timers are never substituted for another state.
Beauty Exam Studio is an independent educational product. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by South Dakota, its licensing board, or its examination providers. Practice results do not guarantee licensure or exam performance.