North Dakota Cosmetology License Requirements

To obtain a cosmetology license in North Dakota, applicants must complete approved training, pass three state board examinations, and submit an application to the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. North Dakota is one of the few states where the Board administers the NIC Practical Examination directly at its own office.

1. Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology school training at a Board-approved cosmetology school. Alternatively, as of January 1, 2026, you may complete 2,500 hours in a USDOL-registered apprenticeship program through an approved establishment. You must be graduated or receive an Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion before applying for examinations.
2. Register as a student or apprentice. While enrolled, register with the Board using the Student Registration Form ($15 fee) or Apprentice Registration Form ($15 fee). This tracks your training from the start.
3. Apply for examinations. Submit a completed Exam Application with the $50 original license fee to the Board office at 4719 Shelburne St., Suite 1, Bismarck, ND 58503 or email bocinfo@nd.gov. The Board will contact you by email with next steps, including submitting a 2"x2" headshot. You will then receive an admissions letter with your exam date and time.
4. Pass the NIC Practical Examination at the Board office in Bismarck. All work is performed on mannequins — no live models allowed. Bring your admissions letter and a government-issued photo ID. Results are emailed the next business day.
5. Pass the NIC Written Theory and ND Laws, Rules & Regulations examinations. Both are computer-based and administered through Prov (provexam.com or call 1-801-733-4455). These exams may be taken at a designated testing center or remotely from home. Register and pay at provexam.com/register.
6. Receive your license. Once all three exams are passed and application requirements are complete, the Board issues your North Dakota individual license.

North Dakota requires completion of a specified number of training hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school or, effective January 1, 2026, through a USDOL-registered apprenticeship program. Students must register with the Board during their training using the Student Registration Form ($15 fee).

Training Hours by License Type

• Cosmetologist: 1,500 hours school training (effective August 1, 2021; was 1,800 hours prior) or 2,500 hours apprenticeship (effective January 1, 2026)
• Advanced Esthetician: 1,100 hours school training (new license type, effective January 1, 2026)
• Esthetician: 600 hours school training or 2,000 hours apprenticeship
• Manicurist: 350 hours school training or 2,000 hours apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Pathway (New 2026)

As of January 1, 2026, North Dakota accepts USDOL-registered apprenticeship programs as a path to licensure for cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring. Establishments wishing to sponsor apprentices must submit an Apprenticeship Establishment Request to the Board. Apprentice trainers must also register ($25 fee). There are two paths to set up a program: building your own through the US Department of Labor's apprenticeship framework, or partnering with an existing sponsor. More information is available at apprenticeship.gov.

Out-of-State Applicants

Applicants holding an active license from another state may apply for endorsement (reciprocity) without sitting for all examinations, provided they meet North Dakota training hour requirements. If training hours fall short, 1,000 hours or more of licensed work experience may be considered substantially equal to 100 hours of school training, up to a maximum of 500 hours. All endorsement applicants must pass the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations examination. Endorsement fee: $105.

North Dakota requires three separate examinations to obtain a cosmetology license. This three-part structure distinguishes North Dakota from most states that combine elements into two exams. All three must be completed before a license is issued.

1 — NIC Written Theory Examination

Computer-based theory examination covering cosmetology, esthetics, advanced esthetics, or manicuring subject matter, depending on license type. Administered by Prov, Inc. Register online at provexam.com/register or by calling 1-801-733-4455. Can be taken at a designated testing center or remotely from home. Review the Written Exam Candidate Information Bulletin on the Board's website for remote testing computer requirements.

2 — North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations Examination

State-specific written examination covering North Dakota Century Code chapter 43-11 and Board administrative rules. Also computer-based and administered by Prov. Study materials (statutes and administrative rules) are available on the Board's homepage at ndcosmetology.com. Can be taken at a testing center or remotely.

3 — NIC Practical Examination

The practical examination is administered in person at the Board office in Bismarck. All services are performed on mannequins — no live models are permitted. Candidates must bring their own mannequin stand. Curling iron techniques must use a cold iron. Candidates for cosmetology must bring small labeled containers of white protective cream and colored cream to simulate chemicals. Candidates for esthetics must bring simulated wax (e.g., toothpaste, honey). Candidates must present their admissions letter and a government-issued photo ID. Results are emailed the next business day. Re-exam fee: $25.

Instructor Examinations

Instructor candidates must pass the NIC Instructor Theory Examination (via Prov) and the NIC Instructor Practical Examination (at the Board office — call for exam schedule). Instructor candidates provide all materials needed for their demonstration lecture during the practical exam.

North Dakota cosmetology licenses are renewed annually. All licenses expire on December 31 each year, regardless of when the license was originally issued. The 2026 fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026 under HB 1126) represents the first fee increase since 2003.

Renewal Fees

• Cosmetologist, esthetician, advanced esthetician, manicurist, or instructor: $50
• Establishment or Independent Licensee: $100
• Late fee (expired within one year): $50 in addition to renewal fee

How to Renew

Download the annual renewal form from the Forms page at ndcosmetology.com and mail it with payment (check or money order) to the Board office at 4719 Shelburne St., Suite 1, Bismarck, ND 58503. For questions, contact the Board at bocinfo@nd.gov or (701) 224-9800.

Continuing Education for Instructors

Instructors must complete 8 hours of Board-approved continuing education annually before renewing their instructor license. CE hours are tracked through CE Broker. Instructors can claim a free CE Broker account; the Board has direct access to uploaded CE records and hours do not need to be re-submitted at renewal time. Applications for CE course approval must be submitted at least 30 days before the class date.

Expired Licenses

• Within one year: pay the $50 late fee plus current renewal fee ($50 individual)
• 1–5 years (individual): pay $150 reinstatement fee and pass the ND Laws, Rules & Regulations examination (administered by PSI or Prov — contact Board for current provider details)
• Over 5 years: must retake all original exams — NIC Practical, ND Laws, and NIC Theory
• Establishment/Independent Licensee over 1 year: $100 late fee per year expired

The North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology issues individual operator licenses, instructor licenses, business licenses, and — as of 2026 — the new Advanced Esthetician license. All individual licenses expire annually on December 31.

Cosmetologist

Authorizes hair, nail, and skin services for compensation. Requires 1,500 hours school training or 2,500 hours apprenticeship. Original license: $50. Annual renewal: $50.

Advanced Esthetician (New 2026)

Authorizes expanded skin care procedures including multi-layer chemical exfoliants and aesthetic laser operations (with additional laser certification). Requires 1,100 hours school training. A grandfather provision applies for ND licensees active on or before January 1, 2025. Original license: $50. Annual renewal: $50.

Esthetician

Authorizes standard skin care services: facials, waxing, single-layer chemical exfoliants, and noninvasive cosmetic applications. Requires 600 hours school training or 2,000 hours apprenticeship. Annual renewal: $50.

Manicurist

Authorizes nail services. Requires 350 hours school training or 2,000 hours apprenticeship. Annual renewal: $50.

Instructor

Issued for cosmetology, esthetics, advanced esthetics, and manicuring instruction. Requires NIC Instructor Theory and Practical examinations. Annual renewal: $50, plus 8 hours Board-approved CE annually.

Independent Licensee (Booth Renter)

Business license allowing a licensed individual to practice as their own boss within a licensed establishment. Required in addition to the individual operator license. Original license: $150. Annual renewal: $100.

Establishment

Business license for any premises offering cosmetology, esthetics, advanced esthetics, or manicuring services. Required whether employing others, renting to independent licensees, or operating solo outside another establishment. Original license: $150. Annual renewal: $100.

Master Licenses

Master Cosmetologist, Master Esthetician, and Master Manicurist licenses are available (but no longer required to work as an independent licensee). Eligibility requires 1,000 hours of work experience as a licensed practitioner in the field. Master license fee: $50.