Commission, Definitions and Scope of Practice

About 5 of every 30 questions on a South Dakota Laws and Rules practice exam come from this topic.

Sources checked November 14, 2026

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.

What to know

The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission has five members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms: three currently licensed cosmetologists and two lay people who are not licensed by the Commission, and not all may belong to the same political party. No member may serve more than three consecutive full terms, but filling an unexpired term does not count as a full term. Each professional member must be a South Dakota resident, at least 25, actively practicing cosmetology for the three years just before appointment and licensed while serving, and no member or Commission employee may be connected with any school. The Commission elects a president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer at its first meeting after July 1 each year, any three members are a quorum, and meetings may be called by the president or any two members. Cosmetology covers hair care, nail technology, esthetics and nonpermanent hair removal; esthetics is limited to noninvasive care of the nonliving cells of the stratum corneum, includes brow and lash arching and tinting, and excludes scalp treatments and scalp massage. Nail technology covers nails, artificial nails and massage and exfoliation of hands, arms, feet and legs, but not hair removal, cutting nail beds, or treating corns or calluses. Electrolysis is not cosmetology, and neither is a retailer's free make-up demonstration with disposable applicators when the retailer offers no other cosmetology service. A person who does only natural hair braiding is exempt, and listed professionals such as nurses, morticians and barbers are exempt only when exclusively practicing their own profession.

Where it comes from

• SDCL 36-15-1
• SDCL 36-15-1.1
• SDCL 36-15-2
• SDCL 36-15-2.1
• SDCL 36-15-2.2
• SDCL 36-15-3
• SDCL 36-15-4
• SDCL 36-15-4.1
• SDCL 36-15-5
• SDCL 36-15-6
• SDCL 36-15-11
• SDCL 36-15-13
• SDCL 36-15-13.2
• SDCL 36-15-16
• SDCL 36-15-16.1
• SDCL 36-15-17.2
• ARSD 20:42:01:01
• ARSD 20:42:02:04
• ARSD 20:42:02:05
• ARSD 20:42:02:11
• ARSD 20:42:02:16

Try a practice question

Ready for a full run? The South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules Practice Test is 30 questions in 60 minutes, scored at 75%. For the official exam's details, see South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules Exam Requirements.