Illinois Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Illinois are issued and regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). 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
1,500 hrs
Minimum Age
16 years old
Exam Provider
Continental Testing Services / PSI
Application Fee
$45
Renewal Fee
$30
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
14 hrs
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Phone
1-800-560-6420Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM, walk-in visitation until 4:30 PM. Licensing call center staffed Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM at 1-800-560-6420.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗IDFPR is a large umbrella department that regulates more than 1.2 million professionals across over 100 professions, from real estate brokers to physicians. Barbering and cosmetology fall under its Division of Professional Regulation, which issues, renews, and disciplines Cosmetologist, Barber, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Hair Braider licenses statewide. An eleven-member Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology (BCENT) Board — ten licensed professionals and one public member, appointed by the Secretary — advises the Department on disciplinary matters and professional standards, but IDFPR itself is the licensing authority.
IDFPR maintains two offices: its Chicago headquarters at 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661 (also home to the Complaint Intake Unit), and a Springfield office at 320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. Department-wide office hours run 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, with walk-in visitation until 4:30 PM. Since July 2024, licensees seeking in-person help with an application no longer visit the Springfield office directly; instead, IDFPR asks that they book a virtual licensing appointment, offered in 30-minute slots on Wednesdays.
The Department can be reached at 1-888-473-4858 for general inquiries or 1-800-560-6420 for professional licensing questions specifically, with a TTY/TDD line at 1-866-325-4949; the licensing call center is staffed from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays. On October 30, 2024, IDFPR launched CORE, a newer online system that now handles new applications for select license types such as cosmetology schools and continuing education sponsors, while renewals for most personal licenses continue to run through the Department's existing online portal.
IDFPR licenses five personal disciplines under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 — Cosmetologist, Barber, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Hair Braider — plus a Teacher license in each discipline, Salon/Shop registrations, and School licenses. Rather than renewing on the licensee's birthday, every Illinois license in this group runs on a fixed two-year cycle that expires on a set calendar date depending on the profession, and continuing education is required for renewal in every discipline except barbering.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Illinois
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.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in an Illinois cosmetology program.
- Enroll in an IDFPR-licensed cosmetology school. Verify school licensure at IDFPR License Lookup.
- 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.
- Complete Abnormal Skin Growth Education. All new applicants since January 1, 2026 must complete the free "Skinny on Skin" course by Impact Melanoma.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Training Requirements
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.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
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
- Apply online at continentaltesting.net and submit your school transcript.
- After CTS approves your application, PSI sends a scheduling email (support@psionline.com).
- You have 60 days from the eligibility email to schedule and take your exam.
- 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.
How to Renew Your Illinois Cosmetology License
$50
Renewal Fee
2 years (fixed date)
Renewal Period
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
- Complete 14 CE hours before September 30 of the renewal year.
- Visit online-dfpr.micropact.com (renewal opens 2–3 months before expiration).
- 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.
Does Illinois Take Part in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Not a member stateIllinois 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 Illinois license cannot be converted into a multistate license, and a multistate license issued elsewhere will not authorize you to work in Illinois. If you are moving into or out of Illinois, 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 Illinois licensee is not at a practical disadvantage compared with one in a member state.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist |
1,500 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Barber |
1,500 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Esthetician |
750 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Nail Technician |
350 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Hair Braider |
300 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Cosmetology Teacher |
1,000 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Salon/Shop Registration |
— | $40 | $40 |
|
Cosmetology School License |
— | $500 | $200 |
Notes
Cosmetologist: Full scope: hair, skin, and nails. A separate $200 exam fee applies before the $30 license fee. Expires September 30 of odd-numbered years.
Barber: A separate $112 exam fee applies before the $30 license fee. Expires July 31 of odd-numbered years; Illinois does not require continuing education for barber renewal.
Esthetician: Skin care, facials, and waxing. A separate $175 exam fee applies before the $30 license fee. Expires September 30 of odd-numbered years.
Nail Technician: A separate $190 exam fee applies before the $30 license fee. Expires October 31 of even-numbered years.
Hair Braider: Expires October 31 of even-numbered years.
Cosmetology Teacher: Requires 1,000 hours of teacher training, or 500 hours plus two years of practical experience. Expires September 30 of even-numbered years.
Salon/Shop Registration: Covers barbershops and cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and hair braiding salons.
Cosmetology School License: Initial fee includes a $450 license fee plus a $50 inspection fee; renewal is calculated at $100 per year. Expires September 30 of even-numbered years.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Illinois
IDFPR issues the following license types under the BCENT Act of 1985 (225 ILCS 410):
| License Type | Training Hours | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 | $195 |
| Esthetician | 750 | $195 |
| Nail Technician | 350 | $195 |
| Hair Braider | 300 | N/A |
| Barber | 1,500 | $195 |
| Cosmetology Teacher | Additional training | $195 |
| Esthetics Teacher | Additional training | $195 |
| Nail Technology Teacher | Additional training | $195 |
| Barber Teacher | Additional training | $195 |
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.
File a Complaint
Complaints against Illinois-licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, hair braiders, salons, and schools are handled by IDFPR's Division of Professional Regulation Complaint Intake Unit. Complaints can be filed using the Division's online complaint form or a printable PDF form mailed to the Complaint Intake Unit at 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661. The unit can also be reached by phone at (312) 814-6910 or by email at FPR.CIU@illinois.gov.
The online complaint form asks for the complainant's contact information — an email address and daytime phone number are required so IDFPR can follow up for more detail — along with the name and profession of the person or business the complaint concerns, the county where the incident occurred, and a description of what happened. The Division investigates alleged violations of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and its administrative rules, such as unlicensed practice, sanitation and safety violations, and other unsafe or unlawful conduct by a licensee or licensed establishment.
Under Illinois law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-117), information IDFPR collects during a complaint review or investigation is confidential and cannot be publicly disclosed, with limited exceptions for law enforcement, other regulatory agencies, or a valid subpoena. Depending on what an investigation finds, IDFPR and the BCENT Board can pursue outcomes ranging from no action to fines, probation, or suspension or revocation of a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Illinois? +
The total is $240 in fees: $195 exam fee (Continental Testing) and $45 application fee (IDFPR). Training costs are separate.
Does Illinois have a practical cosmetology exam? +
No. Illinois uses only a computerized exam through PSI testing centers covering sciences, state laws, and practical knowledge. 70% passing score required.
Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Illinois? +
Yes, via endorsement. Submit official certification of licensure from your state board. Illinois evaluates each application individually and does not automatically reciprocate.
Can I take the Illinois cosmetology exam before finishing school? +
Yes. Pre-graduation filing is allowed with 1,200 hours minimum. But all 1,500 hours must be completed before IDFPR issues your license.
What CE is required for the first Illinois cosmetology renewal? +
None. First-time renewal is CE-exempt. Starting with the second renewal, 14 hours are required including sexual harassment prevention and DV awareness.
Is Illinois part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
No. Illinois 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 Illinois today? +
Through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)'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 Illinois. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew an Illinois cosmetology license? +
Cosmetologists, Barbers, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, and Hair Braiders all renew for $50 per two-year cycle, since Illinois calculates renewal fees at $25 per year. Salon/shop registrations renew for $40, and school licenses renew for $200. Most disciplines also require continuing education before renewal, except barbering.
When does my Illinois cosmetology or barber license expire? +
Illinois uses fixed expiration dates by profession rather than a birthday-based cycle. Cosmetologist and Esthetician licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years, Barber licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years, and Nail Technician and Hair Braider licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years — regardless of when the license was issued.
How do I renew my Illinois cosmetology or barber license? +
Renewal opens about two to three months before the expiration date shown on the license and is completed online through IDFPR's licensing portal. After submitting payment, allow two to four business days for the renewal to post and the license status to update.
What license types does IDFPR regulate in cosmetology and barbering? +
IDFPR licenses Cosmetologists, Barbers, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, and Hair Braiders, plus a Teacher license in each discipline, Salon/Shop registrations, and School licenses, all under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985.
How do I contact IDFPR about a cosmetology license? +
Call 1-800-560-6420 for professional licensing questions or 1-888-473-4858 for general inquiries, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM (the licensing call center is staffed 7 AM to 7 PM). IDFPR's Chicago office is at 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661.
How do I file a complaint against an Illinois salon or licensee? +
File online through the Division of Professional Regulation's complaint form, or mail a printed complaint form to the Complaint Intake Unit at 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661. The unit can also be reached at (312) 814-6910 or FPR.CIU@illinois.gov. The form requires a valid email and phone number so IDFPR can follow up.
Helpful Resources
Illinois Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Illinois Esthetician license.
Learn more →Illinois Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Illinois Nail Technician license.
Learn more →Illinois Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Illinois Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Illinois.
Learn more →Illinois Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Illinois license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Illinois and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Illinois 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.