Your Guide to Cosmetology Licensure in Arizona
Cosmetologists wishing to practice in the state of Arizona must meet specific requirements.
Being a licensed cosmetologist in Arizona enhances your professional credibility, aids legal compliance, and improves opportunities for career growth. Learn more about how you can get licensed.
Arizona License Requirements
Basic Requirements:
You must be at least 16 years old with a minimum of 2 years of high school completed OR at least 18 years old to receive a cosmetology, esthetician, or nail technician license in Arizona.
You must have graduated from a schooling course with a minimum of:
- 1,500 hours for cosmetology
- 600 hours for nail technicians
- 600 hours for aesthetics
Is Liability Insurance Required?
Liability insurance is not required to practice cosmetology in Arizona; however, it is still highly recommended to have professional liability insurance.
How to Get Licensed
Steps to get licensed in Arizona:
- Education: Complete 1,500 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school
- Apply: Apply to the Arizona Board of Cosmetology
- Take the Exams: Pass the written and practical exams
- Pay Fees: Pay the application and licensing fees
- Get Licensed: Once you pass the exams and your application is approved, you will be a licensed cosmetologist in Arizona!
Insurance
Professional liability insurance is essential for cosmetologists because it protects them from claims related to their services.
Here are some common mishaps that professional liability insurance would protect you from:
You must be at least 16 years old with a minimum of 2 years of high school completed OR at least 18 years old to receive a cosmetology, esthetician, or nail technician license in Arizona.
You must have graduated from a schooling course with a minimum of:
- Allergic Reactions to Products
- Skin or Scalp Burns
- Injuries from Treatments
- Failure to Deliver Expected Results
- Negligence Claims
- Cross-Contamination Risks
- Breach of Confidentiality
Protect your career and reputation with professional liability insurance designed specifically for you. In the beauty industry, even the smallest mishap—like an allergic reaction, a slip of the scissors, or a chemical burn—can lead to serious consequences and costly legal battles.
Professional liability insurance gives you peace of mind, covering you from claims of negligence, accidental injury, or unsatisfied results. By investing in this protection, you’re not only safeguarding your business but also showing clients you care about their safety and satisfaction.
Don’t leave your future to chance—protect it with reliable coverage that has your back.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Your cosmetology license in Arizona must be renewed every 2 years on the date of your birthday.
- To renew your license, sign into your Arizona state cosmetology dashboard with your license number and password, then select the “renew” button. If you do not have an account you will have to create one.
- The renewal fee is $50
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licenses
Already Licensed in Another State?
Reciprocity makes it easier to transfer your cosmetology license without having to redo full training.
Arizona reciprocity guideline:
- Eligibility: You must have a current cosmetology license from another state.
- Application: Submit an application for reciprocity to the Arizona board of Cosmetology. Include proof of your license, training hours, and work experience.
- Requirements: Arizona compares your home state’s licensing requirements (training hours and exam types) with its own. If they match with Arizona’s, you may not need to complete any additional training or tests.
- Fees: Pay the required application and reciprocity fees.
- Approval: Once the board has accepted your application with the required documents, you will receive your Arizona cosmetology license.
** The Arizona license portal is not compatible with mobile phones. You must sign into your account on a computer. Google Chrome is the preferred browser to use the portal. Arizona has a new license portal as of December 2023, you must create a new account if you have had prior to the date.
FAQs
It typically takes around 9-12 months to achieve 1,500 hours in a cosmetology course and 4-6 months to achieve 600 hours in a esthetician or nail technician course.
For cosmetology, aestheticians, and nail technicians the fees are:
- Written and practical exam fee: $177
- License application fee: $60
- License renewal fee: $60
Overall, if you are looking to receive your first cosmetology, esthetician, or nail technician license the total cost is $237.
The average wage for cosmetologists in Arizona ranges from $40,500-$42,490. However, this can change based on whether you provide high-demand services, such as color treatments and hair extensions.
