Pennsylvania Cosmetology License Requirements

Pennsylvania requires 1,250 hours of cosmetology training — fewer than most states — and a Pearson VUE examination before licensure. The State Board of Cosmetology within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) issues all cosmetology licenses.

1. Meet the education requirement. You must have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent to apply for a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania.
2. Enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school. Verify any school's active approval through PALS license search. Alternative: register as an apprentice for 2,000 hours in a licensed salon under a cosmetology teacher.
3. Complete 1,250 hours of cosmetology training. Day students must complete hours within a minimum of 8 consecutive months; night students within 15 consecutive months. Early testing is available before all hours are completed.
4. Obtain a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). Get a background check from epatch.pa.gov for every state you have lived, worked, or trained in during the past 5 years. Reports must be dated within 180 days of application.
5. Submit your application through PALS. Apply online at pals.pa.gov and pay the $26 application fee. Upload your school transcript and CHRC documents.
6. Pass the Pearson VUE theory and procedural examination. After your application is approved, register for the exam at Pearson VUE. The $93 exam fee is paid directly to the testing organization. A passing score of 70% is required on each component.
7. Receive your Pennsylvania cosmetologist license. Your license will be mailed after passing. Pennsylvania licenses expire on January 31st of either an odd or even year — check your license for your specific expiration date.

Pennsylvania cosmetology schools must be licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology. The 1,250-hour curriculum covers these required areas:

• Professional Practices (50 hours): Client consultation, salon management, professional ethics, and career development
• Sciences (200 hours): Chemistry, anatomy, physiology, electricity, and infection control principles
• Cosmetology Skills (1,000 hours): Hair cutting, coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, styling, skin care, facials, waxing, makeup, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements

Program Duration

Day students must complete 1,250 hours within a minimum of 8 consecutive months. Night students require a minimum of 15 consecutive months. Full-time students typically finish in 10 to 12 months.

Alternative Pathways

Apprenticeship: Complete 2,000 hours of training in a Board-approved apprenticeship program at a licensed cosmetology salon under a licensed cosmetology teacher. Registration fee: $79.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Pennsylvania has 72 cosmetology CTE programs in Career and Technology Centers (CTCs). Students complete 1,250 hours over grades 10 through 12, combining distance education (up to 650 hours), salon internships (up to 350 hours), and in-person instruction (minimum 250 hours).

Pennsylvania cosmetology examinations are administered by Pearson VUE. Applicants must pass both a theory component and a procedural component, collectively counted as one examination.

Theory Examination

The theory exam covers cosmetology sciences, Pennsylvania state laws and regulations, sanitation standards, and professional practices. A minimum passing score of 70% is required. Theory appointments can be scheduled online up to one day prior to the desired test date.

Procedural Examination

The procedural exam evaluates practical cosmetology skills including hair cutting, chemical services, and sanitation techniques. A minimum passing score of 70% is required on this component.

Exam Fees and Scheduling

The total exam fee is $93, paid directly to Pearson VUE. Schedule your exam online at pearsonvue.com or by calling 866-638-7502. For licensing and exam authorization questions, call the OHT Processing Center at 888-511-5352.

Early Testing

Pennsylvania allows early testing before completing all training hours. If you test early, you must upload your Final Affidavit (completed by your school) and Final Transcript to your PALS application after completing your hours — your license will not be issued until these documents are received.

Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses expire on January 31st on a biennial cycle. Cosmetologist licenses are divided between odd-numbered and even-numbered years — check your license to confirm your specific expiration year. Pennsylvania does not require continuing education for any cosmetology license renewal.

How to Renew

1. Log in to the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) before your January 31st deadline.
2. Select your cosmetologist license and follow the renewal prompts.
3. Pay the $97.00 biennial renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Renewal notices are emailed to your registered email address before expiration. The Postal Service does not forward physical licenses — keep your mailing address current in PALS.

Expired License Reinstatement

Expired less than 5 years: Log in to PALS, click the green pencil icon next to your license number, select "reactivate," and pay the renewal fee plus delinquency fee. Allow 7 to 10 business days to receive your renewed license.

Expired more than 5 years: Pennsylvania law requires you to retake the examination. Contact the OHT Processing Center at 888-511-5352 to access the reinstatement application and schedule your exam through Pearson VUE.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology issues these license types under the Cosmetology Law (Act 86 of 1933):

All individual practitioners require 10th-grade education (or equivalent) and must pass the Pearson VUE theory and procedural examination (theory only for teacher licenses). Licensure by reciprocity is available for $89 from all states except Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah. Act 41 of 2019 provides additional portability for out-of-state licensees.