Illinois Cosmetology License Requirements

Illinois requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training and passage of a computerized examination before licensure. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues all cosmetology licenses under the BCENT Act of 1985.

1. Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in an Illinois cosmetology program.
2. Enroll in an IDFPR-licensed cosmetology school. Verify school licensure at IDFPR License Lookup.
3. Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. You may apply to sit for the exam after completing 1,200 hours (pre-graduation filing), but you must complete all 1,500 hours to be licensed.
4. Complete Abnormal Skin Growth Education. All new applicants since January 1, 2026 must complete the free "Skinny on Skin" course by Impact Melanoma.
5. Apply to Continental Testing Services. Submit your application and $195 exam fee at continentaltesting.net. Your school transcript showing graduation and 1,500 hours is required.
6. Pass the computerized cosmetology exam. After CTS approves your application, PSI sends scheduling instructions. You have 60 days to schedule and take the exam. A minimum score of 70% is required.
7. Apply to IDFPR for your license. After receiving your official results letter from CTS, apply to IDFPR with the $45 application fee to receive your Illinois cosmetology license.

Illinois cosmetology schools must be licensed by IDFPR. The 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum covers these required subject areas under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175:

• Hair services: Cutting, coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, thermal styling, and training on different hair types and textures (required as of 2025 rule changes)
• Skin care: Facials, waxing, makeup application, hydro-therapy facials, superficial microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
• Sanitation and infection control: Disinfection procedures, bloodborne pathogens, and chemical safety
• Illinois laws and rules: BCENT Act of 1985, IDFPR administrative rules, scope of practice, and salon regulations

Licensed barbers may complete a 500-hour supplemental cosmetology program instead of the full 1,500 hours. Licensed estheticians and nail technicians may receive credit for coursework common to both their profession and cosmetology. Out-of-state training from programs that substantially comply with Illinois requirements may be accepted.

Illinois cosmetology examinations are administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS) and delivered through PSI testing centers. There is no separate practical exam — Illinois uses a single computerized examination.

Computerized Cosmetology Exam — $195

The exam is a computerized multiple-choice test covering cosmetology sciences, Illinois state laws, sanitation, and practical knowledge. A minimum score of 70% is required. The exam is available in English and Spanish at PSI testing centers across Illinois. A Chinese-language written version is available in Chicago for $50.

Exam Process

1. Apply online at continentaltesting.net and submit your school transcript.
2. After CTS approves your application, PSI sends a scheduling email (support@psionline.com).
3. You have 60 days from the eligibility email to schedule and take your exam.
4. Bring valid government-issued photo ID (US driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or consular ID).

Retakes

Wait for your official result letter from CTS before reapplying. A 30-day waiting period applies between attempts. After 3 failed attempts, a refresher course is required before scheduling again. Your application remains valid for 3 years.

All Illinois cosmetology licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education and a $30 fee.

14-Hour CE Breakdown

• 1 hour — Sexual Harassment Prevention (required each renewal)
• 1 hour — Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Awareness (one-time requirement, effective Jan 2017)
• Abnormal Skin Growth Education — "Skinny on Skin" by Impact Melanoma (one-time, free online, required for renewals after Jan 1, 2026)
• Remaining hours — Approved topics: advanced product chemistry, machine/implement use, sanitary procedures, exposure minimization, anatomy of skin/scalp/hair/nails, human relations, management and marketing

Up to 7 of 14 hours may be self-study/online. The remaining 7 hours must be live instruction from a BCENT-approved CE sponsor.

How to Renew

1. Complete 14 CE hours before September 30 of the renewal year.
2. Visit online-dfpr.micropact.com (renewal opens 2–3 months before expiration).
3. Certify CE compliance and pay the $30 renewal fee.

First-time renewal is exempt from the CE requirement. If you miss the renewal window, you must apply for reinstatement.

IDFPR issues the following license types under the BCENT Act of 1985 (225 ILCS 410):

Licensed barbers may obtain a cosmetology license through a 500-hour supplemental program. As of 2026, licensees with teacher's licenses in one profession can add a teacher license in another profession by completing only the non-overlapping coursework — significantly reducing crossover training requirements.

Illinois does not have a separate practical exam for any BCENT profession. All examinations are computerized and administered through Continental Testing Services at PSI testing centers.