South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules Exam Requirements
Who must pass South Dakota's Laws and Rules exam, how you take it, what passes and how retakes work.
| Exam | Who takes it | Given by | Questions | Time | Pass | Fee | Sources checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam | South Dakota cosmetologist, nail technician and esthetician license candidates, including reciprocity and out-of-state applicants | The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission | Not published | Not published | 75% | Check with the agency |
The Commission doesn't publish the length, time limit or outline of its Laws and Rules exam. This practice exam's 30 questions, 60-minute timer and section weights are our estimate; the 75% pass mark is official.
Who has to pass the South Dakota Laws and Rules exam?
Cosmetologist, nail technician and esthetician applicants must pass the NIC written theory exam and the South Dakota Laws and Rules exam, and so must every reciprocity and out-of-state student applicant (Commission licensing page).
How do I take it?
The Commission emails a link to the Laws and Rules exam after the exam is paid for, and pass or fail shows in the online licensee portal within 72 hours (Commission examinations page and FAQ).
What score passes?
A score of 75% or greater (Commission examinations page).
What if I fail?
Retakes are given in person in Pierre. Your first two attempts are unrestricted; the third and fourth must be two weeks apart, the fifth and sixth two months apart, and any later attempt needs a Commission vote (Commission FAQ and Examination Retake Policy, adopted August 11, 2025).
How many questions does it have?
The Commission doesn't publish the exam's length, time limit or outline. Our practice exam's 30 questions and 60-minute timer are an estimate.