New Jersey Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in New Jersey are issued and regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. This page covers what it takes to get licensed, what renewal costs, how the board handles license transfers, and how to reach it.
Training Hours
1,200 hrs
Minimum Age
17 years old
Exam Provider
ISO Quality Testing (IQT)
Application Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$90
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
None
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Phone
(973) 504-6400Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Office Hours
No walk-in service. In-person visits to the Newark office are by appointment only, booked through the board's online scheduler; specific phone and email support hours are not published on the board's site.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling sits inside the Division of Consumer Affairs, itself a unit of the state Department of Law and Public Safety. The board licenses and disciplines cosmetologist-hairstylists, manicurists, skin care specialists, and teachers, along with the shops, mini-suites, and schools where they practice and train. It also continues to renew Barber and Beautician licenses that predate a 1984 reorganization that folded New Jersey's separate barbering and beauty-culture boards into a single agency, and it administers Hair Braider registrations for that specialty. The board's stated mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by confirming that licensees meet the state's education requirements and by investigating and prosecuting violations of New Jersey's cosmetology law.
The board's office is at 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 (mail is addressed to P.O. Box 45003, Newark, NJ 07101). In-person visits are by appointment only through an online scheduler — there is no walk-in service. General questions can be directed to Executive Director Martina Mikic-Bokan's office by phone at (973) 504-6400 or by email at cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov; renewal-specific questions can go to RenewalApplications@dca.njoag.gov, and initial-application questions to InitialApplications@dca.njoag.gov. The Division's general Consumer Service Center hotline, (973) 504-6200 (toll-free in-state at (800) 242-5846), can route callers to the right unit.
New Jersey issues four current personal license disciplines to new applicants: Cosmetologist-Hairstylist (1,200 training hours), Manicurist (300 hours), Skin Care Specialist (600 hours), and Teacher (500 hours plus a separate 30-hour teaching-methods course, on top of holding an active Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license and six months of shop employment). Barber and Beautician are legacy titles no longer issued to first-time applicants — anyone newly entering the trade is licensed as a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist — but existing Barber and Beautician licensees keep renewing under those names. The board separately licenses cosmetology shops, barber shops, manicuring shops, skin care specialty shops, hair braiding shops, and schools.
Every personal license in New Jersey runs on a two-year cycle that ends on a fixed statewide date for that license category, rather than on the licensee's birthday — for example, Cosmetologist-Hairstylist, Manicurist, Skin Care Specialist, and Teacher licenses in the most recent cycle expired September 30, 2026, while shop licenses on a separate cycle expired July 31, 2026. The board does not publish a continuing education requirement for renewing a personal license.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in New Jersey
New Jersey requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-licensed school, a high school diploma or GED, and passage of a two-part licensing examination. The minimum age is 17. Here are the steps to get licensed:
- Meet the age and education requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. New Jersey is one of the states that explicitly requires proof of high school completion — submit a copy of your diploma or certified transcript with your application.
- Enroll in a Board-licensed cosmetology school. Only schools licensed by the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling or accredited by the NJ Board of Education are accepted. The Board maintains a list of licensed schools on its website. Hours from unlicensed programs are not recognized.
- Complete 1,200 hours of training. Your school tracks and reports your hours to the Board upon program completion. As of January 2026 (P.L.2025, c.207), all programs must include training on textured hair of all types and patterns.
- Submit your examination application and fee. Submit your application to the Board with the $50.00 examination fee (includes application fee per N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1). Include two passport-style photos, proof of age, high school documentation, and school certification of hours.
- Pass the theory examination. The computer-based theory exam is administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) at testing centers throughout New Jersey. It covers cosmetology sciences, NJ state laws, and sanitation. Minimum passing score: 75%. You must pass theory before taking the practical.
- Pass the practical examination. The Board-administered practical exam tests hands-on competency in cosmetology services. You receive up to two attempts per examination fee. If you fail twice, submit a new $50.00 fee to reschedule.
- Pay the initial license fee and receive your license. After passing both exams, pay $90.00 (if in the first year of the renewal cycle) or $45.00 (second year). The Board issues your cosmetologist-hairstylist license. Licenses renew biennially at $90.00 with no CE requirement.
Training Requirements
New Jersey requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a school licensed by the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. The Board does not accept hours from any entity other than Board-licensed schools or NJ Board of Education–accredited vocational programs.
Curriculum Requirements (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29)
The 1,200-hour cosmetology-hairstyling curriculum includes:
- Hair theory and practice: Haircutting, coloring, chemical services (permanent waves, relaxers), braiding, and styling
- Textured hair services: As of January 2026 (P.L.2025, c.207), all students must be trained to provide services to individuals with hair of all types, textures, and porosities — including tightly coiled, coiled, curly, wavy, and straight hair
- Skin care: Facials, makeup application, and basic skin analysis
- Nail services: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
- Sanitation and infection control: Disinfection procedures and NJ-specific health regulations
- New Jersey state laws: Board rules (N.J.A.C. 13:28), scope of practice, and professional conduct standards
Clinical Work Prerequisites
Under N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.27, students may not perform clinical work on patrons until prerequisite classroom hours are completed. Schools track clinical and theory hours separately to ensure compliance.
Out-of-State and Foreign Training
Applicants trained in another state or country must provide certification from the original licensing authority demonstrating substantially equivalent training. Alternatively, applicants licensed in another jurisdiction for at least three years may submit a notarized affidavit of work experience plus a letter of certification from that jurisdiction's licensing authority (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(e)3). Contact the Board at (973) 504-6400 or email COSCertVerification@dca.lps.state.nj.us for out-of-state credential evaluation.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
New Jersey requires passage of a two-part licensing examination: a computer-based theory test and a Board-administered practical exam. Both parts must be passed for licensure. The combined examination fee is $50.00 (paid to the Board; includes application fee per N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1).
Theory Examination (Computer-Based)
The theory exam is administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) at testing centers throughout New Jersey. Register at isoqualitytesting.com or call IQT toll-free at 1-866-773-1114. The exam covers:
- Cosmetology sciences (hair, skin, and nail theory)
- New Jersey state laws and Board regulations (N.J.A.C. 13:28)
- Sanitation, disinfection, and safety procedures
- Textured hair knowledge (required under P.L.2025, c.207)
Minimum passing score: 75%. You must pass the theory exam before you are eligible to take the practical exam. The IQT computer-based test fee is paid directly to IQT in addition to the $50.00 Board examination fee.
Practical Skills Examination
The practical exam is administered by the Board and tests hands-on competency in cosmetology services appropriate to the license type sought. Your $50.00 examination fee entitles you to up to two attempts at the practical exam. If you fail both attempts or fail to appear twice, submit a new $50.00 fee to reschedule.
Hair Braider Examination
The theory portion for hair braiding applicants is paper-based and administered directly by the Board (not through IQT), unless a Board-approved vendor becomes available.
Retake Policy
If you fail the theory exam, submit written notice to the Board and a new $50.00 examination fee to reschedule. There is no mandated waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the fee each time.
How to Renew Your New Jersey Cosmetology License
$90
Renewal Fee
2 years (fixed date)
Renewal Period
New Jersey cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. The renewal fee is $90.00 for individual licenses (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1). New Jersey does not require continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal — one of the few states with no CE mandate. Simply pay the renewal fee before your license expires.
Renewing Online
Renew online through the Division of Consumer Affairs' mylicense portal at newjersey.mylicense.com. Log in with your license credentials, confirm your contact information and public address of record, and pay the $90.00 fee by credit card. Your license record is updated immediately upon payment.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license expires, you may not legally practice cosmetology in New Jersey until it is renewed or reinstated. Fees for late or lapsed licenses:
- Late fee: $30.00 (in addition to the $90.00 renewal fee)
- Reinstatement fee: $50.00 (for licenses lapsed beyond the late renewal window, plus the renewal fee)
Contact the Board at (973) 504-6400 or cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov if your license has been expired for an extended period to confirm your specific reinstatement requirements.
Inactive Status
New Jersey offers inactive renewal status for licensees not currently practicing. The fee for inactive status is determined by the Director of Consumer Affairs. Contact the Board for current inactive renewal fees.
Address of Record
New Jersey law requires you to maintain a public address of record. The Division cannot disclose your residential address without consent, but you must provide an address that may be released publicly. Keep this current in the mylicense system to receive renewal notices.
Does New Jersey Take Part in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Not a member stateNew Jersey has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, and a state has to pass it into law before its licensees can take part.
In practical terms, that means a New Jersey license cannot be converted into a multistate license, and a multistate license issued elsewhere will not authorize you to work in New Jersey. If you are moving into or out of New Jersey, you will go through the normal reciprocity or endorsement route: applying directly to the receiving state's board, documenting your training hours, and meeting whatever additional requirements that state sets.
It is worth noting that even in the 12 states that have enacted the compact, multistate licenses are not being issued yet — the Commission is still building the system that will administer them. So at the moment, a New Jersey licensee is not at a practical disadvantage compared with one in a member state.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist |
1,200 hrs | $90 | $90 |
|
Manicurist |
300 hrs | $90 | $90 |
|
Skin Care Specialist |
600 hrs | $90 | $90 |
|
Teacher |
500 hrs | $90 | $90 |
|
Shop License |
— | $150 | $200 |
|
School License |
— | $250 | $300 |
Notes
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist: Full scope of hair, skin, and nail services; the license issued to all new personal-license applicants.
Manicurist: New Jersey's nail technician license.
Skin Care Specialist: New Jersey's esthetician license.
Teacher: Plus a 30-hour teaching-methods course; requires an active Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license and six months of shop employment.
Shop License: $150 application fee includes inspection; a further $200 initial license fee ($100 if issued in the cycle's second year) is due on approval.
School License: $250 application fee includes inspection; a further $300 initial license fee ($150 if issued in the cycle's second year) is due on approval.
Other Cosmetology License Types in New Jersey
New Jersey offers several cosmetology-related license types, each with distinct training hour requirements and an authorized scope of practice. All individual licenses renew biennially at $90.00.
| License Type | Training Hours | Min. Age | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist-Hairstylist | 1,200 | 17 | Full scope — hair, skin, and nail services |
| Beautician | 1,100 | 17 | Beauty culture services (legacy category) |
| Barber | 900 | 17 | Hair cutting, shaving, and grooming services |
| Skin Care Specialist | 600 | 17 | Facials, waxing, makeup application, skin treatments |
| Teacher | 500 | 18 | Instruction at Board-licensed cosmetology schools |
| Manicurist | 300 | 17 | Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements |
| Hair Braider | 40–50 | 17 | Braiding, twisting, and locking natural hair without chemicals |
Notable Distinctions
New Jersey is one of the few states that maintains a separate "beautician" license category (1,100 hours) distinct from the cosmetologist-hairstylist license (1,200 hours). Barbers holding licenses issued before 1985 may obtain a cosmetology license with 500 additional hours; those licensed after 1985 need 300 additional hours.
The hair braider license has the lowest hour requirement in the state at 40–50 hours, covering braiding, twisting, and locking of natural hair without the use of chemicals. This makes it one of the fastest paths to licensure in New Jersey's cosmetology industry.
Teacher applicants must hold an active practitioner license and be at least 18 years old (one year older than other license types).
File a Complaint
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling investigates complaints against its licensees — Cosmetologist-Hairstylists, Manicurists, Skin Care Specialists, Teachers, Barbers, and Beauticians — as well as licensed shops and schools. Typical issues include unsanitary conditions, unlicensed practice, and other violations of the state's cosmetology law. Unlicensed practice can carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation.
Complaints against a cosmetology licensee or an unlicensed operator are filed through the Division of Consumer Affairs' online board-complaint portal, where the complainant selects "New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling" from the list of boards; a Spanish-language paper form is also available. Questions before filing can be directed to the Division's Consumer Service Center at (973) 504-6200. The portal requires the complainant to register and provide contact information, and any information submitted may become part of the public record under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act once an investigation concludes.
After a complaint is filed, board staff review it for jurisdiction, may request documentation or inspect the premises, and determine next steps, which can range from no action to fines, probation, or suspension or revocation of a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does New Jersey require for a cosmetology license? +
New Jersey requires 1,200 hours at a Board-licensed school for a cosmetologist-hairstylist license. Other types: beautician 1,100, barber 900, skin care 600, teacher 500, manicurist 300, hair braider 40-50.
Does New Jersey require CE to renew a cosmetology license? +
No. NJ has no CE requirement. Pay the $90.00 biennial renewal fee at newjersey.mylicense.com.
Who administers the New Jersey cosmetology exam? +
Theory exam: ISO Quality Testing (IQT), computer-based, 75% passing score. Practical exam: Board-administered. Board exam fee: $50.00 includes application.
Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to New Jersey? +
Yes, via licensure by endorsement. Fee: $100 plus license fee ($90 or $45). Requires verification from original state plus proof of equivalent training or 3 years licensed practice.
What fees are required for a New Jersey cosmetology license? +
Exam fee (includes application): $50. Initial license: $90 (first year) or $45 (second year). Biennial renewal: $90. Late fee: $30. Endorsement: $100 plus license fee.
Is New Jersey part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
No. New Jersey has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. 12 states have enacted it so far.
Can I get a multistate cosmetology license right now? +
Not yet. 12 states have passed the compact into law, but the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission has not started issuing multistate licenses. Until it does, transferring a license between states still goes through each state board's reciprocity or endorsement process.
How do I transfer a cosmetology license to New Jersey today? +
Through the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling's reciprocity or endorsement process, not the compact. You will typically need proof of licensure in good standing from your current state, documentation of your training hours, and the application fee set by New Jersey. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a New Jersey cosmetology license? +
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist, Manicurist, Skin Care Specialist, Teacher, Barber, and Beautician licenses all renew for $90 every two years through the state's online MyLicense portal. A $30 late fee applies if you renew after the printed expiration date.
When does my New Jersey cosmetology or barbering license expire? +
Personal licenses run on a two-year cycle that ends on a fixed statewide date for that license category, not on your birthday. In the most recent cycle, Cosmetologist-Hairstylist, Manicurist, Skin Care Specialist, and Teacher licenses expired September 30, 2026; shop licenses, on a separate cycle, expired July 31, 2026. Check your renewal notice or the MyLicense portal for your exact date.
How long does a New Jersey license renewal take to process? +
The board advises allowing 10 to 15 business days after payment to receive the renewed license in the mail. Renewal is available online for roughly a month after expiration; after that window, the license must be reinstated directly through the board.
What license types does the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling regulate? +
The board currently issues Cosmetologist-Hairstylist, Manicurist, Skin Care Specialist, and Teacher licenses to new applicants, and continues to renew legacy Barber and Beautician licenses. It also licenses cosmetology, barber, manicuring, skin care, and hair braiding shops, plus schools, and registers hair braiders.
How do I contact the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling? +
Call (973) 504-6400 or email cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov. The Newark office at 124 Halsey Street does not accept walk-ins — in-person visits require an appointment booked online. General Division of Consumer Affairs questions can go to the Consumer Service Center at (973) 504-6200.
How do I file a complaint against a New Jersey salon or licensee? +
File online through the Division of Consumer Affairs' board-complaint portal, selecting "New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling" as the board. The portal requires you to register and provide contact information; a Spanish-language paper form is also available.
Helpful Resources
New Jersey Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an New Jersey Esthetician license.
Learn more →New Jersey Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a New Jersey Nail Technician license.
Learn more →New Jersey Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a New Jersey Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for New Jersey.
Learn more →New Jersey Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a New Jersey license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for New Jersey and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border New Jersey or line up with it on training hours or the exam you would sit — useful whether you are planning a move or weighing where to train.