Nail Tech License & Certification Requirements By State

At least 16 years old; 10th grade education

750 hours or 1200 hour apprenticeship within two years; Exam

Valid License; 12th grade education; 1 year in practice+ 650 hour school hours or 1,500 teacher training hours

Renewed every 2 years during your birth month; $80

Request certification to be sent from current state; Contact board for paperwork and exams; $100 fee

Not Required

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.

At least 17 years old; High school education or equivalent

12-hour nail technician course; Advanced Manicurist License: 250 classroom hours + nail technician license; Written exam

Three years as practitioner plus exams OR 1 year of practitioner experience plus 600 hours plus exam

Every odd-numbered year, in August; Manicurist: $135; Instructor: $195

Hold a current license in state from which applicant is moving; Current state must have training requirements equal to those of AK; Full-time work experience may be accepted in lieu of training hours

Not Required

Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
(907) 269-8160
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.

Proof of being at least 23 years of age; 10th grade education or equivalent

600 Hours; Exam

350 hours of instructor training

License expires annually, on licensee’s birthday; $30 Fee

Statement regarding whether or not the applicant’s license has been suspended or revoked;Proof of training hours and graduation; If no license was obtained, applicant may still qualify through education and exam; IN, SC and WA states

Not Required

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

At least 16 years old; 10th grade education

600 hours; Written and practical exams

At least 21 years old; Completed 600 hours of teacher training over 4 months; Passed instructor’s exam from the Department of Health and received instructor license

Every two years, by licensee’s birthday

Have certification of license sent from current state to AR; If applicable, include certification of exam; Include proof of training; $150

Not Required

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.

At least 17 years old; 10th grade education

400 hours; Exam

N/A

Every 2 years; $50

Proof of current license, meeting requirements; License in good standing; Active for 3 of the previous 5 years, with no disciplinary action or a criminal conviction; $35 fee

Not Required

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.

At least 16 years old

20 credit hours; Exam

Hold a current license; Two years of licensed experience

Hold an active license in good standing; Current state must have requirements equivalent to those of CO

Renew by March 31 of even-numbered years; $26; $41 instructor fee

Not Required

Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology
(800) 733-9267
dora_barber-cosmetology@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.

There is no licensure or certification offered or required for nail technicians or estheticians in Connecticut

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Connecticut Department of Public Health – Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians
(860) 509-8000
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.

N/A

300 classroom hours OR 600-hour apprenticeship; Written and practical exam

500 classroom hours of teacher training OR two years of licensed experience plus at least 260 hours of teacher training

By March 31, of every even-numbered year

Method 1: Home state’s training and testing requirements must be equivalent to those of DE; Notarization and testing are not required; Method 2: Option for applicants whose home states’ training and testing requirements are not equivalent to those of DE; Applicant’s employer will need to provide a notarized statement verifying applicant’s license and work experience for at least 5 years; $70 Nail Technician fee; $167 Instructor fee

Not Required

Delaware State Board of Cosmetology & 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.

At least 16 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

240 school hours; HIV/AIDS course completion certificate

At least 16 years old; High school diploma; Board-approved HIV/AIDS course completion certificate; Completed 240 school hrs; Provide official certification of licensure

Every 2 yrs; fee

Available through endorsement; Current state must have education and testing requirements similar to those of FL

16 CEU's

Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology
(850) 487-1395
Link for Email

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.

At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent; Of good moral character

Completed 525 credit hour study course over at least 4 months OR 2,050-hour apprenticeship; Exam

High school diploma or G.E.D., or postsecondary education or college degree; Hold a current license; Completed 250 hours of Board-approved instructor training; Completed one year of work experience; Passed written and practical exam for a instructor in nail care

Nail Technicians: August 31, odd-numbered years; $45 fee; Instructors: June 30, off odd-numbered years; $75

Applicant may be approved if he or she has a license from another state or country with requirements equivalent to those of GA; Provide proof of active licensure from reciprocal state; States not eligible for reciprocity with GA:
-AK, PA, MD, MA, ME and VA; $50

5 CEUS 

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology & Barbers

(844) 753-7825
Link for Email

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.

At least 16 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

350 school hours or 700-hour apprenticeship; Take and pass written exam

Hold a current license for at least 1 year; Completed 600-hour beauty school instructor training; Exam

December 31, every odd-numbered year

Applicants must show completion of education and testing requirements equivalent to those of HI; Applicants may be required to take a written and practical exam

Not Required

Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
(808) 586-2696
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.

At least 16.5 years old; Completed 2 years of high school or equivalent

400 hours or 800-hour apprenticeship; Exam

Completion of 12 college credit hrs or exam; Hold a current license; Completion of 6-month course on cosmetology school instruction OR 2 years of licensed work experience in a registered establishment and completion of a 3-month course on cosmetology school instruction; 5 years of licensed experience immediately preceding application

Annually, on licensee’s birthday; Nail technician fee: $10; Instructor fee: $15

Hold a current license in another state with standards equivalent to those of ID

Not Required

Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, Board of 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.

At least 16 years old; Have at least an 8th grade education with a high school diploma or equivalent, OR take the Ability to Benefit test

350 Hours

Instructor A:
-At least 18 years old
-High school diploma or equivalent
-Holds a current license
-500 hours of teacher training and 2 years of work experience OR 625 hours of teacher traininf
-Passed Department- authorized exam; Instructor B:
-At least 18 years old
-High school diploma or equivalent
-Holds a current license
-250 hours of clinic teacher training OR obtained 2 years of practical experience (30 full-time hours per week) within 5 years preceding exam
-Passed Department- authorized exam
-Demonstrate skills in use of machines in the practice of nail technology

Renew by September 30 of even-numbered years; $25

At least 16 years old; Passed exam; Current state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to those of IL; $45

14 CEU's

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation – Nail Technology
(888) 473-4858
Link for Email

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.

At least 18 years old; Completion of 8th grade or equivalent

450 Hrs; Exam

Hold a current license; 1000 hrs of training

Every 4 years on August 1; Manicurist fee: $40

Current state licensed in must have equivalent requirements to those of IN; If current license jurisdiction doesn’t have equivalent requirements, a combination of education hours and licensed practice; $40

Not Required

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(317) 234-3031
pla12@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.

High school diploma or G.E.D.

325 hours; Pass NIC exam

Hold a current IA license; Completion of 1,000 instructor training hours or 2 years active practice within 6 years before application; Completion of at least 16 hours of instructor methods training course; Proof of 60 hours of practical experience; Pass NIC instructor exam

Renew by December 31 of every even-numbered year; $60

Has held an active license in another jurisdiction for at least 12 of the past 24 months; Provide proof of license(s) from every jurisdiction a license has been held; Provide any disciplinary action taken against licensee; Pass exam:
-If graduated before January 1, 2000, pass written and practical exams from current state
-If graduated after January 1, 2000, pass national theory exam

8 CEUS every 2 years

Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
(515) 281-4416
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.

At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

350 hour; Pass NIC exam

Hold a current license; 350 clock hours plus one year of work experience OR 450 clock hours; Pass written and practical state board exam with a score of at least 75%

On even-numbered years, during licensee’s birth month; $45

At least 17 yrs old; High school diploma or equivalent; Medical confirmation that applicant is free of any infectious or contagious diseases; Hold a current license in good standing; Pass Kansas’ written exam; Board may require applicant to take a practical exam, based on experience

Not Required

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.

High school diploma or G.E.D.

600 hours; Board-approved exam

12th grade education; Has held a current license for at least 1 yr; 1,000 hours of training

Every year, in the month of July; $20 fee for nail technicians; $35 fee for instructors

Instructor License: Holds a current instructor license; Proof of 2 years of current experience; Pass cosmetology instructor exam. Nail Technician License: Holds a comparable in another state that requires at least 600 nail technology hours of curriculum, $100 fee

Not Required

Kentucky Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists
(502) 564-4262
Link for Email

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.

At least 16 years old; 10th grade education from an approved high school

500 hours; State Board exams

Hold a valid license; 50 hours

Every year, on licensee’s birthday; $25

Applicant must be licensed in a state requiring the NIC National Standard Theory exam in order to be considered for reciprocity

Not Required

Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
(866) 257-7901
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.

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

200 hours in no less than 5 week OR 400-hour apprenticeship over at least 10 weeks; Exam

Hold a valid license; Work experience; 1000 hrs of training

Every year in October; $50

Hold a valid license; Current state has requirements equivalent to those of ME; If current state’s requirements aren’t equivalent to those of ME, applicant may qualify for exam if there is proof of having completed satisfactory coursework

Instructors: 14 CEUs per year

Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation – Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
(207) 624-8603
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.

At least 17 years old; 9th grade education or G.E.D.

250 training hours or 8 months as registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon; Apprenticeship:
-complete application and sponsorship form
*signed by licensed senior cosmetologist or 2-year licensed nail technician
-8 months of training
-at least 20 hours of training a week
-mail monthly reports to the Board

Hold a Senior Cosmetologist license:
-2 years of licensed experienced
-Passing grade on the Senior Cosmetologist Exam
-Passing grade on the Cosmetologist Exam

Every 2 years on expiration date; $25 fee

Available by endorsement; Current state must have similar training hour and exam requirements; Provide certification of license; License is current and in good standing

Not Required

Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
(410) 230-6320
barbers.cos@maryland.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.

At least 17 years old; 10th grade education

100 hours; 100 hours of manicure training in a month; Exam

Hold a current license; At least 2 years of work experience OR at least 2 years of experience as a junior assistant

Every two years, by licensee’s birthday; $68 Nail Technician fee; $68 Instructor fee

To transfer, licensee must take MA written and practical board exams; $135 transfer fee

Not Required

Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
(617) 727-0054
cosmetologyandbarberingboard@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.

At least 17 years old; Be of good moral character; Education equivalent to 9th grade level

400 hours of training; Exam

Be of good moral character; High school diploma or equivalent; Hold a current license; Complete at least 300 instructor training hours; Exam

Annually; $24 fee

Licensee must demonstrate that his or her current state’s license requirements are equivalent to those of MI

Not Required

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Cosmetology Department
(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.

High school diploma or GED

350 hours; General (Theory) exam; Minnesota laws/rules test

Hold a current license; 1400 work experience hours; 38 training hours; Exam

Every three years; $75 nail technician fee; $160 instructor fee

Hold a current license; Current state must have equal or greater license requirements; Passed Board-approved theory and practice-based exam; Pass the MN written operator examination; *If an individual doesn’t meet the requirements, he or she must have held an active license for at least 3 years, and passed the Board-approved theory and practice-based exam or MN written operator examination

4 CEUs

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.

At least 17 years old; Have the capability to read, write and speak English; High school education or equivalent

350 hours of training in no less than 9 weeks

At least 21 years old; Capable of reading, writing and speaking English; High school education or equivalent; Hold a current license; Completed 12 semester hours in college courses; 2 years of practical experience OR 1,000 hours of instructor training; 600 hours of instructor training; Attending a mandatory “methods of teaching” seminar from Board, earning 5 CEUs

Every 2 years; $50 Nail Technician fee; $80 Instructor fee

Nail Technician: at least 17 years old; hold a current license; Provide proof that requirements have been met. Instructor: At least 21 years old; Hold a current instructor license; High school education or equivalent; Training received is equivalent to the standards of MS; At least 3 years of experience; Capable of reading, writing and speaking English;Completed 12 hours of semester college courses; Completed at least 5 CEUs in MS board laws, rules and regulations
*If the applicant hasn’t completed the required college course hours, he or she may apply for a one-time temporary teaching permit which is valid for 6 months.
–This must be accompanied with proof of enrollment in college courses

8 CEUs

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.

At least 17 years old; Be of good moral character; 10th grade education or equivalent

400 hours or 800-hour apprenticeship; Exam

Hold a valid license; 600 hours of instructor training; Exam; Three years of experience; 4.5 college credit hours in teaching methodology

Expires in odd-numbered years, on September 30; $30 Instructor fee; $30 Operator fee

Must hold a valid license in a state with training hours comparable to those of Missouri; NIC exam; $100 Operator fee; $100 Instructor fee

Not Required

Missouri Division of Professional Registration
(866) 762-9432
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.

At least 18 years old; High school education or GED

350 hours; Montana Board approved Manicure exam, with a passing score of at least 75%

650 training hours OR 3 years of work experience
*Applicant has 2 years to complete Board-approved coursework pertaining to methodology in order to renew license;Montana Board approved Instructor exam, passing with at least 75% proficiency
*Applicant must have 12 months of continuous work experience in order to take the exam

Every two years, on March 1; $80 Manicurist fee; $95 Instructor fee

Hold an active license in current state; Pass NIC written and practical exams

Instructors: 30 CUEs every 12-month period, totaling 60 CEUs for each renewal period

Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(406) 841-2205
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.

At least 17 years old; High school education or equivalent

300 hours; Pass licensure exam with score of at least 75%

Hold a current license; Completed high school education; Must have the ability to identify and respond to emergency situations that could occur in the practice of cosmetology; Complete an instructor program consisting of 925 hours in no less than 6 months;Pass exam with score of at least 75%

By December 31, of every odd-numbered year; $118 nail technician fee; $50 instructor fee

Hold a current license in another jurisdiction; At least 17 years old; Complete high school or equivalent; Completed at least 300 hours of nail technology studies; Take NE written exam if written exam wasn’t required by current jurisdiction; Practiced nail technology for at least 12 months

Instructors: 12 CEUs

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.

At least 18 years old; Completed at least a 10th grade high school education

600 hours; Exam

Hold a current license; 500 hours with provisional instructor license OR 1,000 hours

Every two years, on licensee’s birthday; Take and pass online infection control test; $70 fee

Certification must be sent to NV Board; License must be current and in good standing; Passed a nationally sponsored written exam (NIC)
*if applicant hasn’t passed exam, he or she will be required to take the national exam in NV; $200 fee

Instructors: 30 CEUs

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
(702) 486-6542
info@nvcosmo.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.

At least 18 years old

300 hours; Exam

Hold a current license; 8 years of work experience OR 500 hours plus one year of work experience OR 800 hours with no work experience

Every two years, in licensee’s birth month; $40 fee

Must be licensed in a state with requirements similar to those of NH

Instructors: 28 CEUs

Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
(603) 271-3608
peter.danles@oplc.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.

At least 17 years old; Completion of high school or equivalent

300 hours; Take and pass Board administered exam

At least 18 years old; Completion of high school or equivalent; Hold a current license; Complete a 500-hour teacher training course; Complete a 30-hour teaching methods course; Complete 6 months of employment in a licensed shop in NJ; Take and pass Board administered exam

Every 2 years, in even-numbered years; $60 fee

Available through endorsement; Hold a current license; Must meet licensure requirements

Not Required

New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
(973) 504-6400
Askconsumeraffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.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.

At least 17 years old; Completed second year of high school

350 hours; Exam

Holds a current license; Completed high school education; 1,000 training hours; Exam

Instructors renew yearly, on March 31; $50 fee; Operators renew every year, during licensee’s birth month; $50 fee

Provide affidavit from current state’s regulatory agency; Hold a current license in good standing; Must have completed training hours equivalent to those required by NM
*If applicant doesn’t meet NM’s training hour requirement, up to 150 hours of work experience may be substituted in lieu of the minimum training hours; $200

Instructors: 12 CEUs per year

New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(505) 476-4622
barber.cosmoboard@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.

At least 17 years old

250 hours; Exam

Hold a current license; Meet work experience requirement

Every 4 years; $40 fee

Available through endorsement in AK; AR; CO; Washington, DC; ME; MA; NM; NH; NC; OR; PA; TN; UT and WY

Not Required

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.

N/A

300 hours; Pass State Board exam with a score of at least 75%

High school diploma or equivalent; Hold a current license; 320-hour Manicurist school teacher program OR proof of 2 years of full-time work experience in a cosmetic shop
*work experience must be immediately prior to application; Pass State Board exam with score of at least 85%

Every year; $20 Fee

Applicants from AR, KS, KT, MS, NH, OK or WV: Have current state send certification by email or mail to NC Board; Applicants from other states:
-Submit application to Board by email or mail; $35 Fee

8 CEUs per year of licensure, totalling 24 in a 3-year period

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.

High school diploma or G.E.D.

350 hours; Manicure Practical Exam; Written Exam:
– National Theory Test
– North Dakota Law & Sanitation Test

Hold a valid license; One year of work experience; 160 training hours

Manicurist: Renew annually, by December 31; $20 fee; Instructor: Annually, by December 31; Written application to the board; Proof of attendance at Board-approved seminar during previous year; $20 Fee

High school diploma or G.E.D.; Proof of licensure; sent directly from current state’s Board of Cosmetology; Reciprocity application; If approved:
-Take and pass North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations test
-$105 fee

Instructor: 8 CEUs

North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
(701) 224-9800
info@ndcosmetology.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.

At least 16 years old; Be of good moral character; Completed equivalent of an Ohio public school 10th grade education

200 hours; Exam

At least 18 years old; Be of good moral character; Completed equivalent of an Ohio public school 12th grade education; Hold a current, valid managing manicurist or managing cosmetologist license; Practiced manicuring in licensed nail salon OR practiced cosmetology in licensed beauty salon for at least 2,000 hours

Every odd-numbered year, by January 31; $45 Fee

At least 18 years old; Of good moral character; Exam; Current state must have equivalent requirements to those of OH

Manicurist: 8 CEUs; Instructor: 8 CEUs

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
(614) 466-3834
ohiocos@cos.ohio.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.

At least 16 years old; Completed the 8th grade

600 hours or equivalent number of credit hours; Written and Practical Exam

At least 16 years old; High school diploma or G.E.D.; Hold a current cosmetology license; Complete 1,000 study hours OR 300 hours with 2 years of recent licensed experience; Pass written and practical exam

Annually, on last day of licensee’s birth month; $25 Manicurist fee; $30 Instructor fee

Applicant’s education and work experience must be equal to or greater than those required by OK; 3 years of currently licensed work experience; *If applicant meets only one of the previous requirements, he or she may take the OK board exams; $65 Fee

Not Required

Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and 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.

N/A

350 hours; Practical and written exam

N/A

Every two years, on last day of month two years from issuance date; $40 online or in-person fee; $45 by mail fee

Hold an active license in another state, with no current/pending disciplinary action; Current state’s requirements must be equivalent to those of OR; Complete and pass Board-approved written exam, including OR laws and rules exam, within 2 years before application date

Instructors: 30 CE hours for renewal of teacher registration

Oregon Health Licensing Office - Board of 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.

At least 16 years old; Completed 10th grade education OR received training from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Department of Labor and Industry

At least 18 years old; Hold a current PA limited cosmetology license; 500 hours in a teacher curriculum; 12th grade education or equivalent; State Board exam

18 years old; 12th grade education or equivalent; Hold a current cosmetologist license; 500 hours of a cosmetology teacher curriculum; Teacher exam

Every two years, by January 31; $35 practitioner fee; $55 instructor fee

Complete application; Hold a current license in another state; PA doesn’t have a reciprocity understanding with AL, CT, CO, FL, GA, HI, MS, NJ, NM, RI, SC, TN, UT or WV; Have 2 years of licensed employment experience

Not Required

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.

U.S. citizen or eligible for employment in U.S.; Of good moral character; High school graduation or equivalent

300 hours; Written and practical exams, with passing score of at least 70%

Has held a license for at least three years preceding the date of application for instructor’s license; Completed 300 hours of Department approved teacher training; Passed Department approved exam

300 hours; Written and practical exams, with passing score of at least 70%

Current state must have requirements equivalent to those of RI; Current/recent state boards need to submit statement regarding applicant’s license status during time licensed in said state; Have passed written and practical exam

Not Required

State of Rhode Island Department of Health
(401) 222-2828
doh.elicense@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.

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

300 hours; Exam

High school diploma or G.E.D.; Holds a current license; Two years of work experience; 750 instructor training hours; 45 training hours in a teaching methods course; Pass instructor’s exam by the Board

Every 2 years

Operator:
-Hold current license in another state or U.S. territory
-License in good standing; Instructor:
-Hold a current license, as an instructor, in good standing, in a state with a nationally endorsed exam
-Two years of licensed practice
-Completed instructor training equivalent to the requirements of SC

12 CEUs

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.

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

400 hours; NIC national written exam; NIC national practical exam; SD state laws/rules exam

Junior Instructor License: Hold a current license; Complete 1,000 hours of salon experience; Complete a 12 clock hour instructor education course; Pass SD Instructor Laws/Rules written test; Enroll in 1,000-hour instructor education program; Senior Instructor License: Hold a current license; Complete 1,000 hours of salon experience; Complete 1,000-hour instructor education program;Pass SD Instructor Laws/Rules written test

Annually; $20 Operator fee; $25 Instructor fee

At least 18 years old; High school diploma or G.E.D.; Hold a current license with requirements equal to or greater than those of SD (400 hours of training); If applicant doesn’t meet the 400 education hours, work hours may be added, with a max of 200 hours allowed; SD written laws and rules test; NIC theory exam; NIC hands-on practical exam; $100 fee

Instructors: attend Commission’s Instructor Seminar OR 12-hour pre-approved instructor education course

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.

At least 16 years old

600 hours; Written and practical exam

High school diploma or G.E.D.; Hold a valid license; Completed Board-approved instructor training of 300 hours or more within 6 months as an instructor trainee OR completed service as a junior instructor for at least one year; Written and practical (including lesson plan) exam

Every two years; $50 manicurist fee; $60 instructor fee

Must meet TN required 600 hours of training and provide five-year work history; If unable to meet these requirements, manicurist must submit a reciprocity application to the board

Instructors: 16 CEUs

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(800) 480-9285
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.

At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

Passed exam measuring individual’s ability to benefit from training; 600 hours

At least 18 years old; High school diploma or equivalent certificate; Completed 750 hours of instruction in methods of teaching; Complete at least one year of verifiable work experience; Completed 500 cosmetology hours in a commission-approved training program;Completed 15 semester hours in education courses within 10 years before application date; Hold a degree in education from accredited college or university; Pass required exam

Every two years, on issued date of license or certification; For first renewal, licensee must:
-Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
-Passed exam measuring licensee’s ability to benefit from training; $50 fee

Based on whether current state has equivalent or greater education and testing requirements to those of TX; No reciprocity with FL HI, IL, IN, IA, NJ, NY, OR, or PN; If applicant is from one of the mentioned states, he or she should contact the board regarding special exams or additional training hours;$100 fee

4 CEUs
*applicants with licenses expired before September 1, 2012 will be required to fulfill 6 CEUs

Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – Board of Cosmetology
(800) 803-9202
cs.cosmetologists@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.

At least 17 years old; Of good moral character

300 hours OR 375 apprenticeship hours over a period of at least 3 months; Exam

Hold a current license; Be of good moral character; Complete 1,000-hour instructor training program OR 3,000 hours of licensed experience; Exam requirement

Every two years, on September 30 in odd-numbered years; $60 fee for both Nail Technicians and Instructors

Available through endorsement

Not Required

Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing – Cosmetology & Barbering
(801) 530-6633
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.

At least 18 years old; High school diploma

400 school hours OR apprenticeship, no shorter than 6 months and no longer than 12 months, with 600-hour minimum and 900-hour maximum; Exam

Hold a current license; 3 years of work experience; Instructor exam

Every two years, on November 30 in odd-numbered years; $130 fee

Must be licensed or certified in a jurisdiction with requirements equal to those of VT

Instructors: 24 CEUs

Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
(888) 287-5006
ashley.cota@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.

N/A

150 training hours OR 2000-hour apprenticeship; Exam

Hold a current license; Complete 12 months of student instruction

Expires two years from issued date, on the last day of the month license was issued; $105 nail technician fee; $150 instructor fee

Applicant must have completed the amount of training hours and exams required by VA; $140 Fee

Not Required

Virginia Board of Barbers & 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.

At least 17 years old

600 school hours OR 800 apprenticeship hours; NIC Exam

Hold a current license; 500 classroom hours; Pass state-approved written and performance exams

Every two years, on license issued date; $55 nail technician and instructor fee

Nail Technician:
-At least 17 years old
-Hold a current license in another state or foreign country, in good standing
-Pass both written and practical exams OR provide proof of license being in good standing; Instructor:
-Hold a current instructor license in another state or foreign country, in good standing
-Proof of passing state-approved written and performance exams
-Proof that current license is in good standing; $50 Fee

Not Required

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.

At least 18 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

400 hours; Exam; Take a TB test

Hold a current license; 5 years of licensed work in a salon

Every year, on January 1; $35 Nail Technician/ Manicurist fee; $50 Instructor fee

Applicants from states required to take the NIC national written and practical exam will need to take the WV State Law exam after the Board reviews; Current NIC states: AL, AZ, AR, DE, GA, ID, ME, MO, NH, NC, NV, OH, PA, SC, SD, UT AND WY; Applicants from states not requiring the NIC exam are still eligible; the Board will review the applicant’s application, and after review and approval, the applicant will be scheduled to take State Law Exam;WV doesn’t accept reciprocity from CA

4 CEUs per year

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(304) 558-2924
danielle.j.cordle@wv.org

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.

At least 18 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

Hold a current license; 150 training hours; 2,000 hours of work experience

Hold a current license; 2,000 hours of practice; 150 hours of instructor training; State exam

On or before March 31 of every odd-numbered year

Applicant must have 4,000 hours of licensed experience; Follow the WI license transfer application process; If applicant doesn’t have 4,000 hours of work experience he or she will need to take the WI board exams

Not Required

Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board
(608) 266-5511
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.

N/A

400 training hours; Nationally standardized theory and practical exam

Hold a current license; 1,000 hours

Every 2 years, in month of licensee’s birthday

Home state’s required training hours must be equivalent to or greater than those of WY; If applicant doesn’t meet training requirement, he or she may be required to take the written and practical exam; One year of work experience may lower the license hour requirements to 1600 hours; $273 fee

Not Required

Wyoming Board of Cosmetology
(307) 777-3534
betty.abernethy@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.