Your guide to cosmetology licensing and certification
As catch-all beauty professionals who work with clients’ hair, skin and nails, cosmetologists must be licensed to ensure that they’ve completed the requisite training to perform their services as well as protect clients’ safety.
Licenses are issued by states, often by a state board of cosmetology or something similar. Each state has its own unique requirements, but they are similar in most places and include minimum education and examination requirements.
Cosmetologists must be licensed, but the requirements to get licensed are a little different in every state. That’s why it’s imperative that you research your state’s licensing laws so you understand exactly what is necessary to become a cosmetologist where you live and wish to work.
States generally have separate licenses for some iteration of each of these professions:
Only two states at the time of this writing (Alaska and Oregon) do not issue licenses specifically for cosmetologists. Cosmetologists must obtain another license depending on what services they primarily perform (barber, hair stylist, esthetician, etc.).
In most places, cosmetologists can do most—if not all—of what those other professionals do since a cosmetologist’s purview includes hair, skin and nails. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that the education requirements for cosmetologists are usually the most extensive out of all those professional licenses.
In order to get licensed as a cosmetologist, states generally require the following:
Age and basic education:
Most states require cosmetologists to meet a minimum age requirement, typically somewhere between 16 and 18 years old. Most states also usually require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Many simply require that you’ve completed high school through the 10th grade.
Cosmetology education:
All states that issue cosmetologist licenses require cosmetologists to complete a cosmetology program. The length of the program is where this requirement varies. Most states require your cosmetology education to be at least 1,500 hours, but some require less and others more.
Examination(s):
The majority of states require cosmetologist to take and pass a written theory exam and a practical exam (which may be in either a written or hands-on format). Most states use the cosmetology exams developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Some states like Texas, Minnesota and Nevada also require cosmetologists to pass a state-specific laws and rules exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of their state’s cosmetology rules, especially their legal scope of practice.
Although the licensing process can vary from state to state, in most places you apply for a license after finishing your education. After reviewing your application, the state board issues you an authorization to test which gives you a window of time to take and pass the relevant licensing examinations. Once the board verifies that you’ve passed, you should be granted your cosmetologist license.
Cosmetology licensing requirements by state
To find out what your state requires for cosmetologist licenses, check out the list below to see their prerequisites, how many hours of education you need and more. State regulations often change, so be sure to check with each state’s licensing agency directly to find the most up-to-date information about everything that is required to obtain a cosmetologist license.
Search esthetician licensing requirements by state
Alabama
Licensing agency:Alabama Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education Education and Training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Alaska
Licensing agency:Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Prerequisites: Alaska does not issue licenses for cosmetologists. Cosmetologists may seek licensure as a hairdresser, hair braider, barber, esthetician or manicurist.
Arizona
Licensing agency:Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 18 years old and at least two years of high school education Education and training: 1,600 hours or an approved apprenticeship program Exams:Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Arkansas
Licensing agency: Arkansas Department of Health Prerequisites: At least 16 years old and at least two years of high school education Education and training: 1,200 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
California
Licensing agency:California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,000 hours Exams: Written exam only Continuing education requirements: None
Colorado
Licensing agency:Colorado Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; high school education not required Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Connecticut
Licensing agency:Connecticut State Department of Public Health Prerequisites: Completion of the 9th grade Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written exam only Continuing education requirements: None
Delaware
Licensing agency:Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Prerequisites: 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
District of Columbia
Licensing agency:Board of Barber and Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 6 hours of CE every two years
Florida
Licensing agency:Florida Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old OR high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,200 hours Exams: Written exam only Continuing education requirements: 10 hours of CE every two years
Georgia
Licensing agency:Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 5 hours of CE every two years
Hawaii
Licensing agency:Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,800 hours or 3,600 for apprenticeships Exams: Written exam Continuing education requirements: None
Idaho
Licensing agency:Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board Prerequisites: At least 16 and a half years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,600 hours or 3,200 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Illinois
Licensing agency:Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 14 hours of CE every two years
Indiana
Licensing agency:Indiana Cosmetology & Barbers Board Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Iowa
Licensing agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 2,100 hours Exams: Written exam only Continuing education requirements: 6 hours of CE every two years
Kansas
Licensing agency:Kansas Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Kentucky
Licensing agency:Kentucky Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Louisiana
Licensing agency:Louisiana Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Licensing agency:Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; 9th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours or a 24-month apprenticeship Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Licensing agency:Michigan Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; 9th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours or two-year apprenticeship Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Minnesota
Licensing agency:Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old Education and training: 1,550 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 8 hours of CE every three years
Mississippi
Licensing agency:Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Missouri
Licensing agency:Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Montana
Licensing agency:Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Nebraska
Licensing agency:Department of Health and Human Services–Cosmetology and Esthetics Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent
Education and training: 1,800 hours Exams: Written exam only Continuing education requirements: 8 hours of CE every two years
Nevada
Licensing agency:Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,600 hours or 3,200 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
New Hampshire
Licensing agency:Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: none
New Jersey
Licensing agency:New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,200 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
New Mexico
Licensing agency:Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Prerequisites: At least 17 years old Education and training: 1,600 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
New York
Licensing agency:New York Department of State Licensing Prerequisites: At least 17 years old Education and training: 1,000 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
North Carolina
Licensing agency:North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners Prerequisites: None Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 8 hours of CE per year
North Dakota
Licensing agency:North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Ohio
Licensing agency:Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 4 hours of CE every two years
Oklahoma
Licensing agency:Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Oregon
Licensing agency:Oregon Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: Oregon does not issue licenses for cosmetologists. Cosmetologists may seek licensure as a barber, esthetician, hair designer, nail technologist or natural hair care practitioner.
Pennsylvania
Licensing agency:State Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education (unless applicant is over 35 years old or a veteran) Education and training: 1,250 hours or 2,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Combined theory and procedural exam Continuing education requirements: None
Rhode Island
Licensing agency:Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing and Barbering Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; high school diploma or equivalent OR 25 years of experience Education and training: 1,000 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
South Carolina
Licensing agency:South Carolina Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education
Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 4 hours of CE every two years
South Dakota
Licensing agency:South Dakota Cosmetology Commission Prerequisites: Be at least 18 years old Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Tennessee
Licensing agency:Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,500 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Texas
Licensing agency:Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation–Barbering and Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 17 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,000 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: 4 hours of CE every two years
Utah
Licensing agency:Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Board Prerequisites: No age or minimum high school education requirements Education and training: 1,600 hours or 2,500 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Vermont
Licensing agency:Vermont Office of Professional Regulation: Barbers & Cosmetologists Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,000 hours or 1,500 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Virginia
Licensing agency:Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Prerequisites: None Education and training: 1,500 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Washington
Licensing agency:Washington State Department of Licensing–Cosmetology Program Prerequisites: At least 17 years old Education and training: 1,600 hours or 3,000 for apprenticeships Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
West Virginia
Licensing agency:West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Prerequisites: At least 18 years old; high school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,800 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Wisconsin
Licensing agency:Department of Safety and Professional Services Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent Education and training: 1,550 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Wyoming
Licensing agency:Wyoming Board of Cosmetology Prerequisites: At least 16 years old; 10th grade education Education and training: 1,600 hours Exams: Written and practical exams Continuing education requirements: None
Continuing education requirements
The majority of states in the U.S. do not require licensed cosmetologists to complete continuing education (CE) in order to maintain their license. Those that do require cosmetologists to complete a certain number of hours each time they renew their license, which is typically every two years. Hours can be accumulated through things like taking in-person or online classes, watching webinars, attending trade shows and other networking events and more.
Even if it’s not required, continuing education is a must in the beauty industry. Between ever-changing beauty trends and new types of services being offered all the time, cosmetologists must keep up with developments in the field to ensure that they can offer the services that their clients want.
Cosmetology certifications
Cosmetologists have the option to pursue an array of voluntary certifications. Certifications can validate certain skills and enhance your credibility as a beauty professional. This could potentially lead to better jobs and better pay.
Certifications can validate certain skills and enhance your credibility as a beauty professional.
Professional organizations offer certifications which are typically obtained by passing an exam and/or having a certain number of years of experience in the field. Some certifications that a cosmetologist might consider include:
Board Certified Haircolorist: This certification from the Board of Certified Haircolorists (BCH) consists of a three-part assessment of the candidate’s hair coloring proficiency. There are no prerequisites for taking the exam.
NCEA Certified credential: This credential from the National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA) validates a cosmetologist or esthetician’s skincare knowledge and skills. The exam is designed to include everything an esthetician should know upon completion of a 1200-hour program.
Professional, Master or Legacy Barber Certificates: These credentials from the American Barber Association (ABA) recognize experienced barbers in their field. You don’t need to take an exam, but you must have a certain number of years of barbering experience to qualify for each tier of certificate.
Beauty qualifications from CIDESCO: CIDESCO is a non-profit, international beauty organization committed to establishing standards of excellence within the field. Part of that mission includes offering a range of in-person and online diploma and certificate courses, including courses in skincare, makeup artistry, professional nail services and more.
Reciprocal licensing
Getting licensed in one state does not authorize someone to work anywhere. If you are moving or have any other reason to practice in another state, you’ll need to get licensed there, too.
To do this, you’ll have to apply for a license by reciprocity (or by endorsement as it is known in some places). Although each state’s licensing procedures can vary, the process generally consists of providing proof of your existing license(s) within your application. The board of cosmetology—or whichever regulatory body issues cosmetologist licenses in your state—usually verifies that the requirements for licensure in the state that you are already licensed meets or exceeds their own standards. If they don’t—for example, if the original state only required 1,200 hours of education and the new state requires 1,500—you may have to take additional education courses. Some states accept a certain number of years of experience to make up for any shortcomings in your education, but this all depends on each state’s individual policies.
