Cosmetology License Requirements by State
Updated
Training hours, exam requirements, application fees, and renewal periods for cosmetology licensure in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Jump to your state ↓What You Need to Get a Cosmetology License
Every state requires cosmetologists to meet education, examination, and application requirements before practicing professionally. While specifics vary, the core process is consistent across all 50 states.
-
1
Complete Cosmetology School
-
2
Pass the State Exam
-
3
Submit Your Application
-
4
Renew on Schedule
1
Complete Cosmetology School
Training hour requirements range from 1,000 to 2,100 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school. Most states require around 1,500 hours.
2
Pass the State Exam
Nearly all states require both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical exam, commonly administered by PSI Exams or Pearson VUE.
3
Submit Your Application
Apply to your state board with proof of training completion, exam results, and applicable fees. Processing times vary by state.
4
Renew on Schedule
Most licenses renew every 1–2 years and require continuing education (CE) hours in topics such as sanitation, safety, and state law.
What to Expect Across All 50 States
1,000–2,100 hrs
Required Training Hours
State requirements range from 1,000 hours in some states up to 2,100 hours in others. The national average is roughly 1,500 hours at a state-approved school.
2 Exams
Written + Practical Required
Nearly all states require both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical exam, most often administered by PSI Exams or Pearson VUE.
1–2 Years
Typical Renewal Cycle
Most cosmetology licenses renew every one to two years, and many states require continuing education hours in sanitation and safety topics.
All 50 States — License Requirements
| State | Training Hours | Application Fee | Renewal Period | CE Hours | Exam Provider | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,500 hrs | $50 | 2 years (birth month, odd-numbered years) | None | PSI | View → |
| Alaska | 1,650 hrs | $150 | 2 years (expires August 31 of odd-numbered years) | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) | View → |
| Arizona | 1,500 hrs | $60 | 2 years (birthday) | None | Virtual Inc. / PCS (NIC) | View → |
| Arkansas | 1,500 hrs | $20 | 2 years | None | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| California | 1,000 hrs | $75 | 2 years | None | PSI | View → |
| Colorado | 1,500 hrs | $32 | 2 years (1 yr cosmetologist) | None | PSI Exams | View → |
| Connecticut | 1,500 hrs | $100 | 2 years (expires last day of birth month) | None | Prometric | View → |
| Delaware | 1,500 hrs | $128 | 2 years | None | Prometric (NIC) | View → |
| District of Columbia | 1,500 hrs | $65 | 2 years (expires April 15 of even-numbered years) | 6 hrs | PSI | View → |
| Florida | 1,200 hrs | $50 | 2 years | 10 hrs | Pearson VUE | View → |
| Georgia | 1,500 hrs | $30 | 2 years | 5 hrs | PSI Exams | View → |
| Hawaii | 1,800 hrs | $20 | 2 years | None | PSI Services LLC | View → |
| Idaho | 1,600 hrs | $25 | 1 year | None | ProV, Inc. | View → |
| Illinois | 1,500 hrs | $45 | 2 years | 14 hrs | Continental Testing Services / PSI | View → |
| Indiana | 1,500 hrs | $40 | 4 years | None | PSI Examination Services | View → |
| Iowa | 1,550 hrs | $60 | 2 years | 6 hrs | NIC (via PROV) | View → |
| Kansas | 1,500 hrs | $60 | 2 years | None | Ergometrics | View → |
| Kentucky | 1,500 hrs | $50 | 1 year | None | PSI | View → |
| Louisiana | 1,500 hrs | $35 | 1 year | None | LSBC / NIC (via IQT Testing) | View → |
| Maine | 1,500 hrs | — | Annual (expires October 31) | None | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| Maryland | 1,500 hrs | $28 | 2 years | 6 hrs | PSI Services | View → |
| Massachusetts | 1,000 hrs | $68 | 2 years | None | PSI | View → |
| Michigan | 1,500 hrs | $63 | 2 years | None | PSI Services LLC (NBCP) | View → |
| Minnesota | 1,550 hrs | $195 | 3 years (expires last day of birth month) | 8 hrs | PSI Exams | View → |
| Mississippi | 1,500 hrs | $50 | 2 years | None | NIC | View → |
| Missouri | 1,500 hrs | $40 | 2 years (expires Sept 30, odd years) | None | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| Montana | 1,500 hrs | $80 | 2 years | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) | View → |
| Nebraska | 1,800 hrs | $95 | 2 years | 8 hrs | PSI (NIC written exam) | View → |
| Nevada | 1,600 hrs | $125 | 2 or 4 years (expires on date of birth) | None | Pearson VUE (theory); Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (practical and state law) | View → |
| New Hampshire | 1,200 hrs | $82 | 2 years (from date of issuance) | None | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| New Jersey | 1,200 hrs | $50 | 2 years | None | ISO Quality Testing (IQT) | View → |
| New Mexico | 1,600 hrs | $100 | 2 years | None | Professional Credentialing Services (PCS) | View → |
| New York | 1,000 hrs | $40 | 4 years | None | NY Division of Licensing Services | View → |
| North Carolina | 1,500 hrs | $49 | 3 years | 8 hrs | NIC / Prov | View → |
| North Dakota | 1,500 hrs | $50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) and Board Office | View → |
| Ohio | 1,500 hrs | $45 | 2 years | 4 hrs | Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board | View → |
| Oklahoma | 1,500 hrs | $40 | 2 years | None | Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering | View → |
| Oregon | 1,110 hrs | $30 | 2 years | None | Oregon Health Licensing Office (in-office walk-in) | View → |
| Pennsylvania | 1,250 hrs | $26 | 2 years | None | Pearson VUE | View → |
| Rhode Island | 1,000 hrs | $25 | 2 years (expires September 30 of every other year) | None | PSI | View → |
| South Carolina | 1,500 hrs | $45 | 2 years (expires March 10 of odd-numbered years) | 4 hrs | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| South Dakota | 1,500 hrs | $120 | 1 year (expires on birthday) | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) | View → |
| Tennessee | 1,500 hrs | $60 | 2 years | None | PSI | View → |
| Texas | 1,000 hrs | $50 | 2 years | 4 hrs | PSI | View → |
| Utah | 1,600 hrs | $60 | 2 years | None | NIC (via PROV) | View → |
| Vermont | 1,000 hrs | $120 | 2 years | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) | View → |
| Virginia | 1,000 hrs | $120 | 2 years | None | Prov, Inc. | View → |
| Washington | 1,600 hrs | $35 | 2 years | None | Prov (NIC exams) | View → |
| West Virginia | 1,800 hrs | $35 | 1 year | None | Prov | View → |
| Wisconsin | 1,550 hrs | $11 | 2 years (expires March 31, odd years) | None | DL Roope Administrations Inc. | View → |
| Wyoming | 1,600 hrs | $48 | 2 years | None | Prov, Inc. (NIC) | View → |
Alabama
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (birth month, odd-numbered years)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Alaska
- Training Hours
- 1,650 hrs
- Application Fee
- $150
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires August 31 of odd-numbered years)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC)
Arizona
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $60
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (birthday)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Virtual Inc. / PCS (NIC)
Arkansas
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $20
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
California
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $75
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Colorado
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $32
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (1 yr cosmetologist)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI Exams
Connecticut
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $100
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires last day of birth month)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prometric
Delaware
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $128
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prometric (NIC)
District of Columbia
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $65
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires April 15 of even-numbered years)
- CE Hours
- 6 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Florida
- Training Hours
- 1,200 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 10 hrs
- Exam Provider
- Pearson VUE
Georgia
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $30
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 5 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI Exams
Hawaii
- Training Hours
- 1,800 hrs
- Application Fee
- $20
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI Services LLC
Idaho
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $25
- Renewal Period
- 1 year
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- ProV, Inc.
Illinois
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $45
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 14 hrs
- Exam Provider
- Continental Testing Services / PSI
Indiana
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $40
- Renewal Period
- 4 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI Examination Services
Iowa
- Training Hours
- 1,550 hrs
- Application Fee
- $60
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 6 hrs
- Exam Provider
- NIC (via PROV)
Kansas
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $60
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Ergometrics
Kentucky
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 1 year
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Louisiana
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $35
- Renewal Period
- 1 year
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- LSBC / NIC (via IQT Testing)
Maine
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- —
- Renewal Period
- Annual (expires October 31)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
Maryland
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $28
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 6 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI Services
Massachusetts
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $68
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Michigan
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $63
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI Services LLC (NBCP)
Minnesota
- Training Hours
- 1,550 hrs
- Application Fee
- $195
- Renewal Period
- 3 years (expires last day of birth month)
- CE Hours
- 8 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI Exams
Mississippi
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- NIC
Missouri
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $40
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires Sept 30, odd years)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
Montana
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $80
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC)
Nebraska
- Training Hours
- 1,800 hrs
- Application Fee
- $95
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 8 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI (NIC written exam)
Nevada
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $125
- Renewal Period
- 2 or 4 years (expires on date of birth)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Pearson VUE (theory); Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (practical and state law)
New Hampshire
- Training Hours
- 1,200 hrs
- Application Fee
- $82
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (from date of issuance)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
New Jersey
- Training Hours
- 1,200 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- ISO Quality Testing (IQT)
New Mexico
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $100
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Professional Credentialing Services (PCS)
New York
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $40
- Renewal Period
- 4 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- NY Division of Licensing Services
North Carolina
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $49
- Renewal Period
- 3 years
- CE Hours
- 8 hrs
- Exam Provider
- NIC / Prov
North Dakota
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 1 year (expires December 31)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC) and Board Office
Ohio
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $45
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 4 hrs
- Exam Provider
- Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
Oklahoma
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $40
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Oregon
- Training Hours
- 1,110 hrs
- Application Fee
- $30
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Oregon Health Licensing Office (in-office walk-in)
Pennsylvania
- Training Hours
- 1,250 hrs
- Application Fee
- $26
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Pearson VUE
Rhode Island
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $25
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires September 30 of every other year)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
South Carolina
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $45
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires March 10 of odd-numbered years)
- CE Hours
- 4 hrs
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
South Dakota
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $120
- Renewal Period
- 1 year (expires on birthday)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC)
Tennessee
- Training Hours
- 1,500 hrs
- Application Fee
- $60
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Texas
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $50
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- 4 hrs
- Exam Provider
- PSI
Utah
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $60
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- NIC (via PROV)
Vermont
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $120
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC)
Virginia
- Training Hours
- 1,000 hrs
- Application Fee
- $120
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc.
Washington
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $35
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov (NIC exams)
West Virginia
- Training Hours
- 1,800 hrs
- Application Fee
- $35
- Renewal Period
- 1 year
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov
Wisconsin
- Training Hours
- 1,550 hrs
- Application Fee
- $11
- Renewal Period
- 2 years (expires March 31, odd years)
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- DL Roope Administrations Inc.
Wyoming
- Training Hours
- 1,600 hrs
- Application Fee
- $48
- Renewal Period
- 2 years
- CE Hours
- None
- Exam Provider
- Prov, Inc. (NIC)
No states match your search.
Helpful Resources
Apprenticeship Programs
Skip cosmetology school in states that let you train under a licensed professional instead.
Learn more →License Renewal
Already licensed? See renewal fees, deadlines, and portals for every state.
Learn more →Continuing Education
Find out how many CE hours your state requires to keep your license current.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Moving states? Learn how to transfer a license you've already earned.
Learn more →Getting licensed is only the first step
Meeting the requirements above gets you licensed, but it doesn't keep you licensed. Most states require continuing education before every renewal, and a lapsed license can mean starting the process over. If you already hold a license and are relocating, reciprocity rules — not the requirements above — determine what you'll need to practice in your new state. And in states that allow it, an apprenticeship can satisfy some or all of these training hours without a classroom.