Cosmetology License Requirements by State

Alabama

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• 3000 apprentice hours within 3 years
• Written and Practical Exams

Instructor License

• 12th grade education
• 1 year in practice
• 650 hour teacher training course and exams

Renewal

• Renewed every 2 odd number years during your birth month
• $80 fee

Reciprocity

• Request certification to be sent from current state
• Contact board for paperwork and exams
• $25

CEUs

• 8 CEUs for renewal
• 16 CEUS for instructor renewal

State Board

Alabama Board of Cosmetology
(800) 815-7453
cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Alaska

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• High school education or equivalent

Training

• 1650 school hours / 2000 apprentice hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Hold a valid license, 1 year in practice + 3 years of practice OR 1 year of practice in another state and 600 hours of student instructor training
• Pass written and practical exams

Renewal

• Renew by Aug. 31 of odd-numbered years
• $160 fee / $240 instructor fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in a state with equivalent requirements
• 1 year of full-time employment + 1500 school hours, OR 2 years of full-time employment

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
(907) 465-2547
license@alaska.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Arizona

Prerequisites

• 16 years old with atleast 2 years of highschool education
• OR 18 years old

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• 1 year of licensure + 650 hours of training

Renewal

• Renew every two years on the date of your birthday
• $60 fee

Reciprocity

• At least 1 year of practice in current state of licensure within the five years prior to application

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
(480) 784-4539
azboard@azboc.gov

Learn about Arizona cosmetology license requirements and how to get certified here.

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Arkansas

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• 600 hours in cosmetology teaching courses + exam + current license

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by the practitioner’s birthday
• $80 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a valid cosmetology license
• Have certification of licensure and training
• Pass a state law exam

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology
(501) 682-2168
Cosmo@arkansas.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

California

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1600 school hours / 3200 apprentice hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Valid License, certification through post-secondary education
• $50 fee

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years, in odd-numbered years, by the original licensing date
• $50 fee

Reciprocity

• Must hold a cosmetology license in good standing in home state
• Must be licensed 3 out of the last 5 years

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
(800) 952-5210
barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Colorado

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license +2 years of experience

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years, in odd- or even-numbers years, by April 30
• $32 fee / $47 reinstate fee

Reciprocity

• Submit an application for licensure by endorsement
• Hold a valid license from home state with equivalent requirements

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology
(303) 894-7427
Barber-Cosmetology@dora.state.co.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Connecticut

Prerequisites

• At last 9th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written exam

Instructor License

• Valid License: cosmetology instructor examination
• $20 fee

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by the last day of your birth month
• $100 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a valid license from a state with equivalent requirements
• Pass a written exam

CEUs

• 10 CEUs for renewal

State Board

Connecticut Department of Public Health: Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians
(860) 509-7603
dph.hairdresserteam@ct.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Delaware

Prerequisites

• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours
• Theory and practical exams

Instructor License

• 500 training hours + cosmetology license, OR 250 training hours + 2 years of experience

Renewal

• Renew by Oct. 31 of even-numbered years

Reciprocity

• Method 1: Must be licensed in a state with equal requirements
• Method 2: Submit a notarized statement from an employer certifying that you have been working for at least 5 years

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
(302) 744-4500
customerservice.dpr@state.de.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Florida

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• High school diploma

Training

• 1200 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Attend a cosmetology school that offers a certification program

Renewal

• Renew by October 31
• Group 1 licenses: odd-numbered years, $40 fee
• Group 2 licenses: even-numbered years, No fee

Reciprocity

• Hold an active license in another state with equal requirements
• Otherwise, must complete additional training hours to qualify for endorsement

CEUs

• 10 board-approved CEUs for renewal

State Board

Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology
(850) 478-1395
Click for Contact Form

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Georgia

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old

Training

• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours in 18 months
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 750 training hours + exams

Renewal

• Renew biennially by March 31 of even-numbered years
• $50 fee

Reciprocity

• Must be licensed in a state or country that has similar requirements and grants reciprocity to Georgia licensees

CEUs

• 5 CEUS every 2 years for renewal

State Board

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
(478) 207-2440
Click for Contact Form

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Hawaii

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• High school education or equivalent

Training

• 1800 school hours / 3600 apprentice hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 600 teacher training hours

Renewal

• Renew by December 31 every odd-numbered year
• $100 fee

Reciprocity

• Completed similar or equivalent education requirements
• May be required to take written and practical exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
(808) 586-3000
barber_cosm@dcca.hawaii.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Idaho

Prerequisites

• At least 16.5 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1600 school hours / 4000 apprentice hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 2 years experience + 1000 student teaching hours, or cosmetology license + 2-5 years experience + 500 student teaching hours

Renewal

• Must be licensed 3 of the last 5 years to qualify for endorsement
• Hold an active license in a state with similar requirements, or complete additional hours to meet minimum

Reciprocity

• No reciprocity program
• Must have had an active license for 3 of the last 5 years
• Proof of having taken practical and written exam
• Meet Idaho training requirements
• Qualify for endorsement

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses: Cosmetology
(208) 334-3233
bol@ibol.idaho.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Illinois

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours or 2 years of experience + 500 training hours

Renewal

• Renew by Sept. 30 of each odd-numbered year
• $25 fee per year

Reciprocity

• Submit an application for licensure by endorsement
• Provide certification of licensure from current state board

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 14 CEUs every 2 years
• Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation: Cosmetology
(800) 560-6420
Click for Contact Form

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Indiana

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every 4 years by August 1
• $40 fee

Reciprocity

• Must be licensed in a state that requires 1500 training hours
• At least 70% passing on written and practical exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency: Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(317) 234-3031
pla14@pla.in.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Iowa

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 2100 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000 teacher training hours or 2 years of experience in last 6 years

Renewal

• Renew by December 31 of even-numbered years
• $60 fee

Reciprocity

• Transfer through endorsement
• Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements for 12 of the last 24 months

CEUs

• 6 CEUS every 2 years

State Board

Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
(515) 218-0254
rosemary.bonanno@idph.iowa.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Kansas

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 300 training hours + 450 teaching hours

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years in the month of original licensure
• $60 fee

Reciprocity

• Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements
• Must pass an open book exam

CEUs

• Not required

State Board

Kansas Board of Cosmetology
(785) 296-3155
kboc@kboc.ks.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Kentucky

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 12th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written & practical

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license for 1 year + 750 training hours + instructor exams

Renewal

• Renew every year between July 1-31
• $50 fee

Reciprocity

• Must have a certification of license from state board that issued the license
• May be required to take exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
(502) 564-4262
Maxine.Baxter@ky.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Louisiana

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• State board exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license +500 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every year by licensee’s birthday
• $25 fee

Reciprocity

• Applicants in WI, VT, TX, TN, NY, NY, MN, MI, MA, MD, KS, HI, FL, CT and CO must take exams (NIC, state theory, practical)

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
(225) 756-3404
steve.young@la.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Maine

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + work experience + 1000 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every year in October
• $20 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements
• If requirements differ, must pass state exams

CEUs

• Instructors: 14 CEUs per year

State Board

Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation: Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
(207) 624-8579
barbercosm.lic@maine.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Maryland

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 9th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours or 24-month apprenticeship
• Exams

Instructor License

• 2 years of experience + senior cosmetologist exam + cosmetologist exam

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years
• $25 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements
• Provide certification that license is current and in good standing

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
(410) 230-6320
cos@dllr.state.md.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Massachusetts

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1000 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 2 years as junior instructor

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by licensee’s birthday
• $68 fee

Reciprocity

• Must pass the state’s written and practical board exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Board of Registration of Cosmetologists
(617) 727-9940
kim.m.scully@state.ma.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Michigan

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 9th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours / 2-year apprenticeship
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 500 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by the end of August
• $48 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a valid license in another state with similar or greater requirements

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs: Cosmetology
(517) 241-8720
bcslic@michigan.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Minnesota

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or GED

Training

• 1550 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 2700 work hours + exams

Renewal

• Renew every 3 years
• $81 fees

Reciprocity

• Verification of current licensure, high school diploma, completion of exams and an application for reciprocity

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 8 CEUs every 3 years
• Instructors: 45 CEUs every 3 years

State Board

Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners
(651) 201-2742
bceboard@state.mn.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Mississippi

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
• High school education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours (9 months)
• Exams

Instructor License

• Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to read, write and speak English. Must possess a current Mississippi practitioner’s license. Must have completed 6 semester hours in college courses approved by the Board. Must have successfully completed a course of training for which application for licensure is being made + 1000 hours in training

Renewal

• Submit an application and an affidavit/ certification of training that meets Mississippi’s reciprocity requirements
• Appear for an application eligibility interview

Reciprocity

• Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years
• Master cosmetologists: 16 CEUs every 2 years

CEUs

• 24 every two years

State Board

Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
(601) 359-1820
lmontgomery@msbc.state.ms.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Missouri

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours
• Theory and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 600 training hours

Renewal

• Renew by September 30 of odd-numbered years
• $30 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in a state with substantially similar or superior requirements
• Practiced cosmetology for 2 consecutive years in another state

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
(573) 751-1052
cosbar@pr.mo.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Montana

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• High school education or GED

Training

• 1500 school/ course hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 650-hour teacher training course + 1 year of work experience

Renewal

• Renew biennially by March 1
• $80 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a license in a state with comparable training and testing requirements
• May be required to take additional training hours plus national exams

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 30 CEUs every 2 years
• Instructors: 60 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(406) 841-2202
dlibsdcos@mt.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Nebraska

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old; High school education or equivalent
• Basic first aid class

Training

• 1800 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 600 training hours

Renewal

• Renew biennially by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years
• $118 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in another jurisdiction issued on the basis of a written and practical examination
• Complete a cosmetology course consisting of at least 2100 hours

CEUs

• 8 CEU hours biennially

State Board

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services: Cosmetology
(402) 471-2117
Kris.Chiles@nebraska.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Nevada

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1600 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 500 training hours with a provisional instructor license OR 700 hours without

Renewal

• Renew by June 30, in every odd-numbered year
• $70 fee

Reciprocity

• Must have a current license (in good standing) in another state
• Must have passed a NIC written exam in state of licensure, or take the exam in Nevada

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 4 CE hours in Infection Control every 2 years
• Instructors: 30 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
(702) 486-6542
cosmo@nvcosmobd.nv.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

New Hampshire

Prerequisites

• High school education or equivalent
• Good professional character

Training

• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours within 18 months
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 8 years of experience or 500 training hours + 1 year of experience or 800 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by the last day of the licensee’s birthday month
• $40 fee

Reciprocity

• Must have completed 1500 training hours in home state
• Pass a hands-on practical exam and a national written exam in English

CEUs

• Instructors: 28 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics
(603) 271-3608
kira.hageman@nh.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

New Jersey

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent

Training

• 1200 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 6 months of employment + 500 school hours + 30-hour teaching methods course

Renewal

• Renew by Sept. 30 of even-numbered years
• $60 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in another state with satisfactory requirements
• Otherwise, must submit an “out-of-state” application and required documentation, and pass exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hair Styling
(973) 504-6400
Askconsumeraffairs@dca.com

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

New Mexico

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1600 school hours
• Written, practice and board jurisprudence exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years in licensee’s birthday month
• $50 fee

Reciprocity

• Provide verification of licensure in another state with similar or superior requirements
• May substitute 150 credit hours for each 6 full months of licensed experience

CEUs

• Instructors: 12 CEUs per year

State Board

New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(505) 476-4622
barberscosmetologists@state.nm.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

New York

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old

Training

• 1000 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 2 years of experience + Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W) exam

Renewal

• Renew every 4 years
• $40 fee

Reciprocity

• Must be currently licensed from a state on NY’s reciprocity list
• In some instances, must have 1+ years of licensure in order to qualify

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services: Cosmetology
(518) 474-4429
licensing@dos.ny.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

North Carolina

Prerequisites

• N/A

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Board exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 800-hour training program or proof of 5 years full-time work in a cosmetic art shop

Renewal

• Renew every 3 years by Oct. 1
• $23 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in good standing, meaning no disciplinary actions
• Licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 24 CE hours every 3 years
• Instructors: 8 CEUs every year

State Board

North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
(919) 733-4117
nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

North Dakota

Prerequisites

• High school diploma

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written, practical and state law exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1 year of experience + 160 training hours

Renewal

• Renew every year by Dec. 31
• $15 fee

Reciprocity

• Provide a letter of certification from current state board and a copy of the state’s licensing requirements
• Must take the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam

CEUs

• Instructors: 8 board-approved CEUs every year

State Board

North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
(701) 224-9800
cosmo@midconetwork.com

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Ohio

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Managing cosmetology license + 1000 training hours or 1 year of salon experience

Renewal

• Renew by Jan. 31 of every odd-numbered year
• $45 fee

Reciprocity

• Does not offer reciprocity
• Must take and pass Ohio’s practical, theoretical and manager exams

CEUs

• 8 board-approved CEUS every 2 years

State Board

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
(614) 466-3834
sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Oklahoma

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 8th grade education

Insurance Requirements

• N/A

Training

• 1500 school hours or 3000 apprentice hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + exams + 1000 training hours or 500 hours + 2 years of recent licensed work experience

Renewal

• Renew annually, on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month
• $25 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license in a state with equal or higher requirements
• At least 3 years of recent, licensed work experience
• May be required to take exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering
(405) 521-2441
mhays@cosmo.ok.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Oregon

Prerequisites

• N/A

Training

• 1800 school hours
• 150 hours of safety/ infection control + 100 hours of career development
• Written and state law exams

Instructor License

• 2 years of training + 1 year of work experience as a certified practitioner following licensure + teacher registration (issued by the Department of Education)

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by the last day of the month of issuance
• $40 fee

Reciprocity

• Submit an affidavit of licensure and a qualifying application
• Pass the written exam, which includes the Oregon Laws & Rules exam

CEUs

• Instructors: 30 CE hours for renewal of teacher registration

State Board

Oregon Health Licensing Agency: Cosmetology
(503) 378-8667
hlo.info@state.or.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Pennsylvania

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1250 school hours or 2000 approved apprentice hours in 8 months
• Theory and practical exams

Instructor License

• 12th grade education + cosmetology license + 500 training hours + exams

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years, in even/odd-numbered years, by Jan. 31
• $67 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license
• Have 2 years of working experience from the original licensure dates

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
(717) 783-7130
st-cosmetology@pa.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Rhode Island

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• Of good moral character
• U.S. citizen / Legal entry
• High school education or equivalent

Training

• 1200 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license for at least 3 years + 300 hours of teacher training + exams

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by Sept. 30, on an odd-even year basis
• $67 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a license in another state with equivalent educational requirements (work experience may be considered)
• Pass licensing exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

State of Rhode Island Department of Health: Barbering & Hairdressing
(401) 222-2828
maureen.slowik@health.ri.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

South Carolina

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• High school diploma or GED
• Pass Written and Practical exams
• Hold a license, and have practiced for at least 2 years
• Complete a 750-hour teacher training program
• Complete a Board approved 45-hour method of teaching program

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by March 10
• $52 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license, which is in good standing, in another state
• Must have passed a nationally recognized exam

CEUs

• Cosmetologists: 4 CEUs biennially
• Instructors: 12 CEUs biennially

State Board

South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
(803) 896-4588
BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

South Dakota

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or G.E.D.

Training

• 1500 school hours
• NIC written, NIC practical and state law exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000 hours of salon experience + 1012 clock-hour instructor education program

Renewal

• Renew on or before the licensee’s birth date every year
• $25 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a current license from a state with equal or greater requirements
• Work experience may be considered (2 work hrs = 1 school hr)
• Pass SD laws and rules exam

CEUs

• Instructors: 12 CE hours of a commission-approved course per year

State Board

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
(605) 773-6193
cosmetology@state.sd.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Tennessee

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• High school diploma or GED + cosmetology license + 300 hours of instructor training in 6 months or 1 year of junior instruction

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years before license expiration date
• $60 fee

Reciprocity

• Provide proof of a current license from another state with equal requirements
• May substitute with proof of 5 years of work experience

CEUs

• Instructors: 16 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(615) 741-2515
Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Texas

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Operator license + 750 hours of instructor training or 1 year of work experience + 500 hours of instructor training

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by date of original licensure
• $53 fee

Reciprocity

• Licensed in a state with substantially equivalent requirements
• In some cases, work experience may be credited

CEUs

• 4 CEU hours through department-approved courses

State Board

Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation: Cosmetology
(800) 803-9202
CS.MassageTherapy@tdlr.texas.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Utah

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old
• Of good moral character

Training

• 1600 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 1000-hour instructor training program OR 3000 hours of experience

Renewal

• Renew by September 30th of odd-numbered years
• $52 fee

Reciprocity

• Submit verification of current license
• Must meet educational or experience requirements and exam requirements

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing: Cosmetology & Barbering
(801) 530-6628
doplweb@utah.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Vermont

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED

Training

• 1500 school hours / 24-month apprenticeship
• Theory, practical and state law exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 3 years of full-time experience + exams

Renewal

• Renew by November 30th of odd-numbered years
• $130 fee

Reciprocity

• Hold a license in a state whose requirements are equal or superior to Vermont’s
• Pass a state law exam

CEUs

• Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
(802) 828-1134
kshangraw@sec.state.vt.us

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Virginia

Prerequisites

• N/A

Training

• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + post-secondary course in teaching techniques or board-approved instructor training course or cosmetology instruction exam

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years by date of original licensure
• $40 fee

Reciprocity

• Have a current license in a state with substantially similar training requirements
• Submit application for endorsement and proof of licensure

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetology
(804) 367-8590
BarberCosmo@dpor.virginia.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Washington

Prerequisites

• At least 17 years old

Training

• 1600 school hours / 2000 apprentice hours
• Written and performance exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 500 classroom hours + exams

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years
• $55 fee

Reciprocity

• Have a current license in good standing in another state
• If licensed in another country, must pass state exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Washington State Department of Licensing: Cosmetologists
(360) 664-6626
plssunit@dol.wa.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

West Virginia

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• High school education
• Of good moral character

Training

• 1800 school hours
• Written and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 5 years of recent salon experience + interview + exam

Renewal

• Renew annually
• $35 fee

Reciprocity

• If licensed in a NIC state, must pass state law exam
• If licensed in a non-NIC state, submit an application for review

CEUs

• 4 CEUs per year

State Board

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(304) 558-2924
adam.l.higginbotham@wv.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Wisconsin

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent

Training

• 1550 school hours in no less than 10 months / 3712 apprentice hours + 288 hours of theory instruction
• Exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 2000 hours of practice + 150 training hours

Renewal

• Renew in March of odd-numbered years
• $82 fee

Reciprocity

• Currently licensed in another state
• Completed at least 2,000 hours of licensed practice

CEUs

• 4 board-approved CEUs every 2 years

State Board

Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board
(608) 266-2112
dsps@wisconsin.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

Wyoming

Prerequisites

• At least 16 years old
• 10th grade education

Training

• 1500 school hours
• Theory and practical exams

Instructor License

• Cosmetology license + 500 hours of instructor training

Renewal

• First renewal occurs after one year of acquisition
• Then, renew every 2 years in the licensee’s birthday month
• $96 fee

Reciprocity

• Currently licensed in a state with equal requirements
• Must have graduated from a state-recognized school and taken board-administered exams

CEUs

• Not Required

State Board

Wyoming Board of Cosmetology
(307) 777-3534
brenda.mathre@wyo.gov

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.