The Professional Cosmetologist
As a cosmetologist, you are a therapist. When your clients share their dreams and pains, you laugh and cry with them. You hold the power of helping them feel better about themselves after leaving your chair. Whether you are a hairstylist, barber, or beautician, the positive change you make for your clients influences the steady growth of the beauty industry.
As the demand for beauty treatments increases, employment for cosmetologists is expected to grow 13 percent through 2022.
Your clients need you to be protected, so you can continue to change their lives beyond the chair.
Why Do I need Insurance?
The chair will mostly be a place of restoration for your clients. With the blending of training and compassion, you use scissors, makeup, and hair products to uplift appearances and confidence.
Unfortunately, no career is perfect, and the same tools you used to help your clients can potentially harm them.
Common Circumstances that Need Coverage
Slip and Fall
Cuts
Chemical Damage
Burned or Damaged Hair
Unsanitary Instruments
Stolen Equipment
Rental Damage
Paying the average cost to defend a slip and fall lawsuit ($25,000 to $50,000) can put your financial stability and career at severe risk. We want to help you stay protected from these claims so you can continue the work that you do.
Beauty Insurance Plus: Your Peace of Mind
Beauty Insurance Plus members receive the most comprehensive liability insurance program at one of the lowest costs in the industry. Because your career is important to you, Beauty Insurance Plus wants to be a solution to claims that may get in the way of the service you provide to your clients. We work hard to provide you with:
Excellent customer service with live agents available 8:30-8:30 ET Monday through Friday + limited weekend hours
Instant coverage and proof of insurance at checkout
Occurrence form coverage, the industry’s preferred choice
Member benefits like stolen equipment coverage, identity protection, a free website, and exclusive product discounts
Coverage for more than 350 beauty and wellness modalities
Plus a FREE annual subscription to one of six beauty publications:
Beauty Launchpad, DAYSPA, EYELASH, MAN Magazine, NailPro, or The Colorist
Comparison Grid for Beauty Professionals
Associated Hair Professionals |
Salon Spa Professional Trade Association |
Health and Beauty Association (NAMT/ former IMA) |
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|
Professional & General Liability Insurance |
✓ |
$2 Million Per Occurrence
$6 Million Individual Annual Aggregate
|
✓ |
$2 Million Per Occurrence
$3 Million Individual Annual Aggregate |
✓ |
$1 Million Per Occurrence
$3 Million individual aggregate
|
✓ |
$2 Million Per Occurrence
$3 Million Individual Annual Aggregate |
| Occurrence-Form Coverage | ✓ | Yes | ✘ | No | ✘ | No | ✓ | Yes |
|
Product Liability |
✓ |
$2 Million/ occurrence
|
✓ |
$2 Million/ occurrence
|
✘ |
$1 Million
|
✓ | $2 Million/ occurrence |
|
Rental Damage Coverage |
✘ |
100,000 (Fire/Water Legal Liability)
General Liability Limits May Apply |
✓ |
$300,000 |
✘ | $300,000 (Fire and Water only) | ✓ | $100,000 |
| Stolen Equipment | ✘ | Optional—Add $100 | ✓ | $2,000 | ✘ | No | ✓ | $1,000 *$250 deductible |
|
Required CE hours |
✘ |
Yes |
✘ |
Yes |
✓ | No | ✓ | No Hours Required for Insurance |
|
Hour Qualification |
✘ |
Yes |
✘ |
Yes
|
✘ | Yes | ✓ | No Hours Required for Insurance |
| Identity Protection Plan | ✘ | No | ✘ | $15,000 | ✘ | No | ✓ | $25,000 |
|
Annual Fee |
$199/yr |
$229 - $249/yr |
$199/yr |
$159/yr Professional
$25/yr Student |
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| NOTE: The information in this comparison has been gathered from the websites of each organization and other third party sources. No guarantee or assurance is made by Beauty Insurance Plus as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Date that we confirmed this information 5/5/17 | BUY NOW > | |||||||
| AHP?Associated Hair Professionals | SSPTA?Salon Spa Professional Trade Association | HBA?Health and Beauty Association (NAMT/ former IMA) | Beauty Insurance Plus | ||
| Professional & General Liability Insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Occurence- Form Coverage | ✓ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Product Liability | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Rental Damage Coverage | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Stolen Equipment | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Required CE hours | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Hour Qualification | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Identity Protection Plan | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ | |
| Annual Fee | $235 | $199 | $165 | $159 | |
| BUY NOW > | |||||
NOTE: The information in this comparison has been gathered from the websites of each organization and other third party sources. No guarantee or assurance is made by Beauty Insurance Plus as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Date that we confirmed this information 5/5/17
Professional Competitive Rate
Cosmetologists offer multiple services to support their clients, from hair styling and makeup to skin and nail care. With Beauty Insurance Plus, the cost of insurance stays the same, regardless of the amount of disciplines you practice. Click Here to see the complete list of modalities covered.
Cosmetology Liability Insurance
$159annually
Program Benefits
Professional and general liability insurance
$2 million per occurrence
$3 million individual annual aggregate
$2 million in product coverage
$100,000 in rental damage insurance
$1,000 in stolen equipment insurance
Identity protection plan
PLUS free professional website
PLUS exclusive member discounts
Coverage for 350+ modalities
What Cosmetology Services Do We Cover?
- Hair STYLISTS
- ESTHETICIANS
- Nail technicians
Acrylic | Glitter | Painting |
Airbrush designs | Instruction | Paraffin pedicures |
Charms | Manicures | Pedicures |
False nails | Micro needling | Polish |
Foot scrubs | Nail art | Stencil designs |
Gel | Nail extensions | Varnish |
Gems | Nail repair | Youth |
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Beauty Student Competitive Rate
Beauty Insurance Plus offers first-year policies for students, available at only $25 for the first 12 months. We want to make sure that during the time you are training for your profession, you are insured with the full benefits of our professional program at a discounted rate. Coverage is provided for 12 full months, even after graduation.
Click here to learn more about our insurance for cosmetology students. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (800) 941-3583 so we can help you in your journey.
Cosmetologist State Requirements
State |
Prerequisites |
Cosmetology License |
Cosmetology Instructor License |
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) |
License Renewal |
License Reciprocity (Transfer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama » Alabama Board of Cosmetology (334) 242-1918 cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov |
• At least 17 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours in 3 years • Written and practical exams |
12th grade education + 1 year in practice + 650-hour teacher training course + exams | • Master license: 8 CEUs for renewal • Instructor license: 16 CEUs for renewal |
• Renew every 2 odd-numbered years in the applicant’s birthday month • $80 fee |
• Submit current state certification • Complete paperwork and pass necessary exams |
| Alaska » Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers (907) 465-2547 cynthia.spencer@alaska.gov |
• At least 17 years old • High school education or equivalent |
• 1650 school hours / 2000 apprentice hours • Written and practical exams |
Exams + 3 years in practice OR 1 year in practice + 600 training hours | Not required | • Renew by Aug. 31 of odd-numbered years • $160 fee / $240 instructor fee |
• 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 |
| Arizona » Arizona State Board of Cosmetology (480) 784-4539 |
• At least 23 years old • 2 years of high school education or equivalent |
• 1600 school hours • Written and practical exams |
1 year of licensure + 650 hours of training | Not required | • Renew every year by the practitioner’s birthday • $30 fee |
• At least 1 year of practice in current state of licensure within the five years prior to application |
| Arkansas » Arkansas Department of Health – Cosmetology (501) 682-2168 |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Written and practical exams |
600 hours in cosmetology teaching courses + exam | Not required | • Renew every 2 years by the practitioner’s birthday • $80 fee |
• Hold a valid cosmetology license • Have certification of licensure and training • Pass a state law exam |
| California » California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (800) 952-5210 barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1600 school hours / 3200 apprentice hours • Written and practical exams |
N/A | Not required | • Renew every 2 years, in odd-numbered years, by the original licensing date • $50 fee |
• Must hold a cosmetology license in good standing in home state • Must be licensed 3 out of the last 5 years |
| Colorado » Colorado Office of Barber & Cosmetologist Licensing (303) 894-7427 Barber-Cosmetology@dora.state.co.us |
• At least 16 years old | • 1800 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 2 years of experience | Not required | • Renew every 2 years, in odd- or even-numbers years, by April 30 • $32 fee / $47 reinstate fee |
• Submit an application for licensure by endorsement • Hold a valid license from home state with equivalent requirements |
| Connecticut » Connecticut Department of Public Health – Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians (860) 509-7603 dph.hairdresserteam@ct.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 8th grade education |
• 1500 school hours • Written exam |
N/A | 10 CEUs for renewal | • Renew every 2 years by the last day of your birth month • $100 fee |
• Hold a valid license from a state with equivalent requirements • Pass a written exam |
| Delaware » Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering(302) 744-4500 customerservice.dpr@state.de.us |
10th grade education or equivalent | • 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours • Theory and practical exams |
500 training hours + cosmetology license, OR 250 training hours + 2 years of experience | Not required | • Renew by Oct. 31 of even-numbered years | • 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 |
| Florida » Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology (850) 487-1395 |
• At least 16 years old • High school diploma |
• 1200 school hours • Exams |
16 board-approved CEUs for renewal | • Renew by October 31 • Group 1 licenses: even-numbered years / Group 2 licenses: odd-numbered years • $55 fee |
• Hold an active license in another state with equal requirements • Otherwise, must complete additional training hours to qualify for endorsement |
|
| Georgia » Georgia State Board of Cosmetology (478) 207-2440 |
• At least 17 years old | • 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours in 18 months • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 750 training hours + exams | 5 CEUS every 2 years for renewal | • Renew bienally by March 31 of even-numbered years • $50 fee |
Must be licensed in a state or country that has similar requirements and grants reciprocity to Georgia licensees |
| Hawaii » Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (808) 586-3000 barber_cosm@dcca.hawaii.gov |
• At least 16 years old • High school education or equivalent |
• 1800 school hours / 3600 apprentice hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 600 teacher training hours | Not required | • Renew by March 31 of odd-numbered years • $100 fee |
• Completed similar or equivalent education requirements • May be required to take written and practical exams |
| Idaho » Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, Board of Cosmetology (208) 334-3233 ibol@ibol.idaho.gov |
• At least 16.5 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 2000 school hours / 4000 apprentice hours • Exams |
Cosm. license + 2 years experience + 1000 student teaching hours, ORcosm. license + 2-5 years experience + 500 student teaching hours | Not required | • Renew every year by applicant’s birthday • $20 fee |
• 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 |
| Illinois » Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation – Cosmetology (800) 560-6420 |
• At least 18 years old • High school diploma or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Exams |
Cosm. license + 1000 training hoursOR 2 years of experience + 500 training hours | • Cosmetologists: 14 CEUs every 2 years • Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years |
• Renew by Sept. 30 of each odd-numbered year • $25 fee per year |
• Submit an application for licensure by endorsement • Provide certification of licensure from current state board |
| Indiana » Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners (317) 234-3031 pla12@pla.in.gov |
• At least 18 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours | Not required | • Renew every 4 years by August 1 • $40 fee |
• Must be licensed in a state that requires 1500 training hours • At least 70% passing on written and practical exams |
| Iowa » Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (515) 281-4416 rosemary.bonanno@idph.iowa.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 2100 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000 teacher training hours OR 2 years of experience in last 6 years | 8 CEUS every 2 years | • Renew by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years • $60 fee |
• Transfer through endorsement • Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements for 12 of the last 24 months |
| Kansas » Kansas Board of Cosmetology (785) 296-3155 kboc@kboc.ks.gov |
• At least 17 years old • High school diploma or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 300 training hours + 450 teaching hours | Not required | • Renew every 2 years in the month of original licensure • $60 fee |
• Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements • Must pass an open book exam |
| Kentucky » Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (502) 564-4262 |
• At least 17 years old • 12th grade education |
• 1800 school hours • Apprentice examination, written & practical |
Cosmetology license for 1 year + 1000 training hours + instructor exams | Not required | • Renew every year between July 1-31 • $20 fee |
• Must have a certification of license from state board that issued the license • May be required to take exams |
| Louisiana » Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (225) 756-3404 steve.young@la.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1500 school hourss • State board exams |
Cosmetology license + 500 training hours | Not required | • Renew every year by licensee’s birthday • $25 fee |
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) |
| Maine » Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation – Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing (207) 624-8579 barbercosm.lic@maine.gov |
• At least 17 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1500 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + work experience + 1000 training hours | Instructors: 14 CEUs per year | • Renew every year in October • $50 fee |
• Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements • If requirements differ, must pass state exams |
| Maryland » Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (410) 230-6320 cos@dllr.state.md.us |
• At least 17 years old • 9th grade education |
• 1500 school hours / 24-month apprenticeship • Exams |
2 years of experience + senior cosmetologist exam + cosmetologist exam | Not required | • Renew every 2 years • $25 fee |
• Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements • Provide certification that license is current and in good standing |
| Massachusetts » Board of Registration of Cosmetologists(617) 727-9940 kim.m.scully@state.ma.us |
• At least 17 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1000 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 2 years as junior instructor | Not required | • Renew every 2 years by licensee’s birthday • $68 fee |
Must pass the state’s written and practical board exams |
| Michigan » Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Cosmetology Department (517) 241-8720 bcslic@michigan.gov |
• At least 17 years old • 9th grade education |
• 1500 school hours / 2-year apprenticeship • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 500 training hours | Not required | • Renew every 2 years by the end of August • $48 fee |
Hold a valid license in another state with similar or greater requirements |
| Minnesota » Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (651) 201-2742 bceboard@state.mn.us |
High school diploma or GED | • 1550 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 1400 work hours + 38 training hours + 3 exams | • Cosmetologists: 4 CEUs every 3 years • Instructors: 45 CEUs every 3 years |
• Renew every 3 years • $81 fees |
Verification of current licensure, high school diploma, completion of exams and an application for reciprocity |
| Mississippi » Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology (601) 359-1820 |
• At least 17 years old • Must be able to read, write and speak English • High school education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours (9 mos.) • Exams |
Cosm. license + 12 board-approved college hours + 750 instructor training hours with 2+ years of experience OR 2,000 training hours with 2 years of experience | • Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years • Master cosmetologists: 16 CEUs every 2 years |
• Renew every 2 years • $50 fee |
• Submit an application and an affidavit/ certification of training that meets Mississippi’s reciprocity requirements • Appear for an application eligibility interview |
| Missouri » Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (573) 751-1052 cosbar@pr.mo.gov |
• At least 17 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours • Theory and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 600 training hours | Not required | • Renew by Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years • $30 fee |
• Hold a current license in a state with substantially similar or superior requirements • Practiced cosmetology for 2 consecutive years in another state |
| Montana » Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (406) 841-2202 dlibsdcos@mt.gov |
• At least 18 years old • High school education or GED |
• 2000 school/ course hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 650-hour teacher training course + 1 year of work experience | • Cosmetologists: 30 CEUs every 2 years • Instructors: 60 CEUs every 2 years |
• Renew biennially by March 1 • $80 fee |
• Hold a license in a state with comparable training and testing requirements • Otherwise, may be required to take additional training hours plus national exams |
| Nebraska » Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Cosmetology (402) 471-2117 Kris.Chiles@nebraska.gov |
• At least 17 years old • High school education or equivalent • Basic first aid class |
• 2100 school hours (2000 credits) • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 925 training hours | 8 CE hours biennially | • Renew biennially by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years • $118 fee |
• 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 |
| Nevada » Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (702) 486-6542 cosmo@nvcosmobd.nv.gov |
• At least 18 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1800 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 500 training hours with a provisional instructor license OR 1000 hours without | • Cosmetologists: 4 CE hours in Infection Control every 2 years • Instructors: 30 CEUs every 2 years |
• Renew by June 30, in every odd-numbered year • $70 fee |
• 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 |
| New Hampshire » New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics (603) 271-3608 |
• High school education or equivalent • Good professional character |
• 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours within 18 months • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 8 years of experience OR 500 training hours + 1 year of experienceOR 800 training hours | Instructors: 28 CEUs every 2 years | • Renew every 2 years by the last day of the licensee’s birthday month • $40 fee |
• Must have completed 1500 training hours in home state or 3000 hours of work experience • Pass a hands-on practical exam and a national written exam in English |
| New Jersey » New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling (973) 504-6400 |
• At least 17 years old • High school diploma or equivalent |
• 1200 school hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 6 months of employment + 500 school hours + 30-hour teaching methods course | Not required | • Renew by Sept. 30 of even-numbered years • $60 fee |
• Hold a current license in another state with satisfactory requirements • Otherwise, must submit an “out-of-state” application and required documentation, and pass exams |
| New Mexico » New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (505) 476-4622 barberscosmetologists@state.nm.us |
• At least 17 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1600 school hours • Written, practice and board jurisprudence exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours | Instructors: 12 CEUs per year | • Renew every 2 years in licensee’s birthday month • $50 fee |
• 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 |
| New York » New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services – Cosmetology (518) 474-4429 licensing@dos.ny.gov |
At least 17 years old | • 1000 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 2 years of experience + Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W) exam | Not required | • Renew every 4 years • $40 fee |
• 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 |
| North Carolina » North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners(919) 733-4117 nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com |
• 1500 school hours • Board exams |
Cosmetology license + 800-hour training program ORproof of 5 years full-time work in a cosmetic art shop | • Cosmetologists: 24 CE hours every 3 years • Instructors: 8 CEUs every year |
• Renew every 3 years by Oct. 1 • $23 fee |
• Hold a current license in good standing, meaning no disciplinary actions • Licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina |
|
| North Dakota » North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology (701) 224-9800 cosmo@midconetwork.com |
High school diploma | • 1800 school hours • Written, practical and state law exams |
Cosmetology license + 1 year of experience + 160 training hours | Instructors: 8 board-approved CEUs every year | • Renew every year by Dec. 31 • $15 fee |
• 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 |
| Ohio » Ohio State Board of Cosmetology (614) 466-3834 sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1500 school hours • Exams |
Managing cosmetology license + 1000 training hours OR 1 year of salon experience | 8 board-approved CEUS every 2 years | • Renew by Jan. 31 of every odd-numbered year • $45 fee |
• Does not offer reciprocity • Must take and pass Ohio’s practical, theoretical and manager exams |
| Oklahoma » Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering (405) 521-2441 mhays@cosmo.ok.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 8th grade education |
• 1500 school hours or 3000 apprentice hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + exams + 1000 training hoursOR 500 hours + 2 years of recent licensed work experience | Not required | • Renew annually, on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month • $25 fee |
• 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 |
| Oregon » Oregon Health Licensing Agency – Board of Cosmetology (503) 378-8667 hlo.info@state.or.us |
None | • 1800 school hours • 150 hours of safety/ infection control + 100 hours of career development • Written and state law exams |
2 years of training + 1 year of work experience as a certified practitioner following licensure + teacher registration (issued by the Department of Education) | Instructors: 30 CE hours for renewal of teacher registration | • Renew every 2 years by the last day of the month of issuance • $40 fee |
• Submit an affidavit of licensure and a qualifying application • Pass the written exam, which includes the Oregon Laws & Rules exam |
| Pennsylvania » Pennsylvania Department of State – Board of Cosmetology (717) 783-7130 st-cosmetology@pa.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1250 school hours / 2000 approved apprentice hours in 8 months • Theory and practical exams |
12th grade education + cosmetology license + 500 training hours + exams | • Renew every 2 years, in even/odd-numbered years, by Jan. 31 • $67 fee |
• Hold a current license • Have 2 years of working experience from the original licensure dates |
|
| Rhode Island » State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Barbering & Hairdressing (401) 222-2828 maureen.slowik@health.ri.gov |
• At least 18 years old • Of good moral character • U.S. citizen / legal entry • High school education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license for at least 3 years + 300 hours of teacher training + exams | Not required | • Renew every 2 years by Sept. 30, on an odd-even year basis • $67 fee |
• Hold a license in another state with equivalent educational requirements (work experience may be considered) • Pass licensing exams |
| South Carolina » South Carolina Board of Cosmetology(803) 896-4588 BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Exams |
High school diploma or GED + cosmetology license + 45-hour teaching methods course + 2 years in practice OR750-hour instructor training program | • Cosmetologists: 12 CEUs biennially • Instructors: 24 CEUs biennially |
• Renew every 2 years by March 10 • $52 fee |
• Hold a current license, which is in good standing, in another state • Must have passed a nationally recognized exam |
| South Dakota » South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (605) 773-6193 cosmetology@state.sd.us |
• At least 18 years old • High school diploma or GED |
• 2100 school hours • NIC written, NIC practical and state law exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000 hours of salon experience + 1012 clock-hour instructor education program | Instructors: 12 CE hours of a commission-approved course per year | • Renew on or before the licensee’s birth date every year • $20 fee |
• 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 |
| Tennessee » Tennessee Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners (615) 741-2515 Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education |
• 1500 school hours • Written and practical exams |
High school diploma or GED + cosmetology license + 300 hours of instructor training in 6 months OR 1 year of junior instruction | Instructors: 16 CEUs every 2 years | • Renew every 2 years before license expiration date • $50 fee |
• Provide proof of a current license from another state with equal requirements • May substitute with proof of 5 years of work experience |
| Texas » Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – Board of Cosmetology (800) 803-9202 CS.Cosmetologists@tdlr.texas.gov |
• At least 17 years old • High school diploma or equivalent |
• 1500 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Operator license + 750 hours of instructor trainingOR 1 year of work experience + 500 hours of instructor training | 4 CE hours through department-approved courses | • Renew every 2 years by date of original licensure • $53 fee |
• Licensed in a state with substantially equivalent requirements • In some cases, work experience may be credited |
| Utah » Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing – Cosmetology & Barbering (801) 530-6628 doplweb@utah.gov |
• At least 17 years old • Of good moral character |
• 1600 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000-hour instructor training program OR 3000 hours of experience | Not required | • Renew by Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years • $52 fee |
• Submit verification of current license • Must meet educational or experience requirements and exam requirements |
| Vermont » Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (802) 828-1134 kshangraw@sec.state.vt.us |
• At least 18 years old • High school diploma or GED |
• 1500 school hours / 24-month apprenticeship • Theory, practical and state law exams |
Cosmetology license + 3 years of full-time experience + exams | Instructors: 24 CEUs every 2 years | • Renew by Nov. 30 of odd-numbered years • $130 fee |
• Hold a license in a state whose requirements are equal or superior to Vermont’s • Pass a state law exam |
| Virginia » Virginia Board for Barbers & Cosmetology(804) 367-85098 BarberCosmo@dpor.virginia.gov |
None | • 1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + post-secondary course in teaching techniquesOR board-approved instructor training course ORcosmetology instruction exam | Not required | • Renew every 2 years by date of original licensure • $40 fee |
• Have a current license in a state with substantially similar training requirements • Submit application for endorsement and proof of licensure |
| Washington »Washington State Department of Licensing – Cosmetologists (360) 664-6626 plssunit@dol.wa.gov |
• At least 17 years old | • 1600 school hours / 2000 apprentice hours • Written and performance exams |
Cosmetology license + 500 classroom hours + exams | Not required | • Renew every 2 years • $55 fee |
• Have a current license in good standing in another state • If licensed in another country, must pass state exams |
| West Virginia »West Virginia State Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (304) 558-2924 adam.l.higginbotham@wv.gov |
• At least 18 years old • High school education • Of good moral character |
• 1800 school hours • Written and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 5 years of recent salon experience + interview + exam | 4 CEUs per year | • Renew annually • $35 fee |
• If licensed in a NIC state, must pass state law exam • If licensed in a non-NIC state, submit an application for review |
| Wisconsin »Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board (608) 266-2112 dsps@wisconsin.gov |
• At least 18 years old • High school diploma or equivalent |
• 1550 school hours in no less than 10 months / 3712 apprentice hours + 288 hours of theory instruction • Exams |
Cosmetology license + 4000 hours of practiceOR 2000 hours of practice + 150 training hours | 4 board-approved CEUs every 2 years | • Renew in March of odd-numbered years • $82 fee |
• Currently licensed in another state • Completed at least 4,000 hours of licensed practice |
| Wyoming »Wyoming Board of Cosmetology (307) 777-3534 brenda.mathre@wyo.gov |
• At least 16 years old • 10th grade education |
• 2000 school hours • Theory and practical exams |
Cosmetology license + 1000 hours of instructor training | Not required | • First renewal occurs after one year of acquisition; then, renew every 2 years in the licensee’s birthday month • $96 fee |
• Currently licensed in a state with equal requirements • Must have graduated from a state-recognized school and taken board-administered exams |
