South Dakota Barber License & Training Requirements

Obtaining Your South Dakota Barbering School License

When you imagine a typical Midwest barbershop, you’re likely to envision a classically striped barber pole outside and a row of no-nonsense barber chairs lined up inside. Those shops still exist, but so do full-service shops decked out with flat panel TVs, essential men’s reading, salted peanuts, and other guy friendly amenities.

Whichever type of shop you see yourself in, now is a great time to enter the field of professional barbering. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting barber demand projected to see double-digit growth through 2026, a South Dakota barber license could be the foundation for a successful career providing the hair grooming and facial hair services that keep clients looking their best.

If you’re ready to start your own barbering career in South Dakota, you will first need to achieve licensure through the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners. Licensed South Dakota barbers have successfully passed exams that test their ability to cut and style hair, shave with a straight razor and provide other barbering services.

South Dakota Barbering School and Apprenticeship Training Options

To complete your South Dakota barber apprentice program, the state Board requires you to earn at least 1,500 hours of training in the following barber courses:

• Scientific fundamentals for barbering
• Hygiene
• Bacteriology as applied to barbering
• Structure of the head, face, and neck
• Elementary chemistry
• Sterilization and antiseptics
• Diseases of the skin and hair
• Massaging and manipulating
• Haircutting
• Shaving
• Arranging
• Dressing, coloring, bleaching, and tinting hair

Once you meet or exceed the barber licensing requirements for the path you chose and complete your barbering courses, you’re eligible to apply to take both your theory and practical exams. If you pass both successfully, the Board will issue your South Dakota barber license.

Submitting your South Dakota Barber License Application

U.S. citizens who are least 18 years old and meet the state Board’s education requirements may submit an application to take their written and practical exams and receive their South Dakota barber licensing. Your application should include the following:

• A South Dakota Application for License to Practice as a Registered Barber
• A current passport-sized photo
• Exam fees

South Dakota Barbering Exam and Licensing Specifics

The South Dakota Board requires you to pass both of your exams with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive your barber license.

Written Examination

Your 90-minute written exam will test your knowledge on a variety of barbering subject areas, including:

• Electricity and Light
• Skin Histology
• Shaving Procedures
• Facial Hair Design
• Sanitation and Infection Control
• Chemistry
• Hair and Scalp Disorders
• Facial Treatments
• Head Shaving
• Hairpieces

State Practical Examination

The South Dakota Board holds these practical exams two to four times annually, depending on applicant demand. You will schedule this exam with the Board, which will grade you on your ability to perform these tasks:

• Sanitation
• Dying hair
• Rolling hair
• Haircut and style
• Facial shave

Once you pass both exams with a score of 75% or better, you’ll pay your final barber licensing fee at the practical exam location. When the Board receives this fee, you will receive your South Dakota barber license.

Requirements for Renewing Your South Dakota Barber License

Unlike many states, South Dakota requires you to renew your barber license by June 30th annually. To complete the process, submit a Board of Barber Examiners renewal form along with your renewal fee before the June 30th deadline.

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