West Virginia Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in West Virginia are issued and regulated by the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. 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
1,800 hrs
Exam Provider
Prov
Application Fee
$35
Renewal Fee
$35
Renewal Period
1 year
CE Hours Required
None
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Phone
(304) 558-2924Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
1201 Dunbar Avenue
Dunbar, WV 25064
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM ET.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗West Virginia licenses cosmetology, barbering, and related personal-care trades through one consolidated agency, the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The board licenses and disciplines barbers, cosmetologists, hair stylists, aestheticians, nail technicians, waxing specialists, and instructors, along with salons/shops, booth renters, and the schools that train them.
The board's three functional groups are its nine board members, who set licensing standards and curriculum by legislative rule and conduct disciplinary hearings; central office staff, who manage the budget, licensee and school databases, fee collection, and communication with licensees and other state boards; and a small team of inspectors and investigators, who inspect every licensed shop and school and investigate complaints statewide.
The board's physical office is at 1201 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064; mail (including check or money order renewals) goes to P.O. Box 40235, Charleston, WV 25364. Phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday, roughly 9 AM to 5 PM ET, at (304) 558-2924 or toll-free at (855) 965-2800. The board stopped accepting phone payments around December 2019 and cannot process a same-day license from a walk-in application or renewal — every fee has to clear the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office first.
West Virginia licenses five personal disciplines by training hours — Cosmetology, Barbering, Hair Styling, Aesthetics, and Nail Technology — plus a Waxing Specialist license, Instructor certification, Shop/Salon licenses, and Booth Rental certificates. Individual licenses and instructor certifications renew annually by January 1, while shop/salon licenses and booth rental certificates renew annually by July 1. West Virginia eliminated continuing education as a renewal requirement for every license type effective May 8, 2022, under House Bill 2325.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in West Virginia
Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in West Virginia requires completing an approved training program, passing written and practical examinations through Prov, and submitting an application to the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The process applies to new applicants; out-of-state licensees may qualify for reciprocity.
Step 1: Complete a Licensed Training Program
Enroll in and complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a board-licensed school. West Virginia does not permit apprenticeship programs for cosmetology. All training must be completed at a school licensed by the board. Schools must provide curriculum covering theory and practical skills across the board-approved subject areas.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
After completing your training hours, submit your application to the board along with the required fee. The board will review your eligibility and, upon approval, authorize you to sit for your licensing examinations. The initial application fee is $35.
Step 3: Pass the Prov Examinations
West Virginia uses Prov (formerly PSI) for both written and practical examinations. Once the board authorizes your application, you will schedule your exams directly through provexam.com. You must pass both the written theory exam and the practical skills exam before a license is issued.
Step 4: Receive Your License
After passing both exams, the board issues your West Virginia cosmetology license. Your license is valid for one year, expiring on January 1. Renew annually through the board's portal at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Renewals. The annual renewal fee is $35 and no continuing education is required.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licensees
Licensed cosmetologists from other states may apply for a West Virginia license by reciprocity. The reciprocity application fee is $100. Applicants must submit proof of current licensure in another state and may be required to demonstrate that their training met West Virginia's requirements. Contact the board at (304) 558-2924 or wvbbc@wv.gov for current reciprocity requirements.
Training Requirements
West Virginia sets minimum training hour requirements for each license type. All training must be completed at a school licensed by the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
Required Training Hours by License Type
| License Type | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,800 hours |
| Barber | 1,200 hours |
| Hair Stylist | 1,000 hours |
| Aesthetician | 600 hours |
| Nail Technician | 400 hours |
| Waxing Specialist | Contact board for current requirement |
Cosmetology Curriculum
The 1,800-hour cosmetology program covers the full scope of services a cosmetologist is authorized to perform — including hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care, and salon management. Curriculum must meet the board's approved subject areas and hour allocations. Schools provide both theory instruction and practical hands-on training.
West Virginia's 1,800-Hour Requirement
At 1,800 hours, West Virginia's cosmetology training requirement is higher than the national average of approximately 1,500 hours. This reflects the state's commitment to consumer safety and professional preparation. Students should factor this into their timeline when selecting a program, as a full-time schedule typically takes 12–14 months to complete 1,800 hours.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
West Virginia requires applicants to pass both a written theory examination and a practical skills examination before a cosmetology or barbering license is issued. Both exams are administered by Prov (formerly PSI).
Examination Provider: Prov
Prov is West Virginia's contracted examination vendor for all cosmetology and barbering license types. After the board approves a candidate's application, the candidate schedules exams directly through provexam.com. Testing is available at Prov testing centers in West Virginia and surrounding areas.
Written Theory Examination
The written exam tests knowledge of cosmetology theory, including chemistry, sanitation, anatomy, physiology, and applicable West Virginia laws and rules. Candidates must achieve a passing score set by the board in consultation with Prov. Score results are typically available immediately at the testing center.
Practical Skills Examination
The practical exam evaluates hands-on technical skills across the service areas covered by the candidate's license type. For cosmetologists, this includes hair, skin, and nail service competencies. Candidates must pass both exams; failing one exam does not require retaking the other, provided the passing score remains valid within the board's retake policy timeframe.
Exam Fees
Examination fees are set by Prov and paid directly to Prov at the time of scheduling. Current fees are listed on the Prov website at provexam.com. These are separate from the board application fee of $35.
How to Renew Your West Virginia Cosmetology License
$35
Renewal Fee
1 year (Jan. 1)
Renewal Period
West Virginia cosmetology and barbering licenses must be renewed annually. Individual practitioner licenses expire on January 1 each year. Shop and booth rental licenses expire on July 1 each year. The annual renewal fee for individual practitioners is $35.
How to Renew
Renew online through the board's portal at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Renewals. You will need your license number and payment information. The process takes only a few minutes for an active, eligible license.
No Continuing Education Required
West Virginia eliminated its mandatory continuing education requirement when House Bill 2325 took effect on May 8, 2022. No CE hours are reported or verified at renewal. This applies to all individual practitioner license types — cosmetologist, barber, hair stylist, aesthetician, nail technician, and instructor.
Late Renewals
Practicing on an expired license is a violation subject to board action. If your license has lapsed, contact the board at (304) 558-2924 or wvbbc@wv.gov before practicing. The board will advise you on the reinstatement process, which may include a late fee or additional requirements depending on how long the license has been expired.
West Virginia and the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
Compact member stateWest Virginia has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, joining it in 2026 through HB 5087. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, so a cosmetologist can work across member states without applying for a separate license in each one.
Enacting the compact is not the same as being able to use it, and this is where most guidance gets it wrong. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission is still standing up the rules, data system, and fee structure needed to issue multistate licenses, so no state — West Virginia included — is issuing them yet. Until that happens, moving a license into or out of West Virginia still runs through the ordinary reciprocity and endorsement process.
When multistate licenses do become available, eligibility will depend on holding an active, unencumbered license in your primary state of residence. A license that is expired, suspended, or subject to discipline will not qualify, which makes keeping your West Virginia renewal current worth doing regardless.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist |
1,800 hrs | $35 | $35 |
|
Hair Stylist |
1,000 hrs | $35 | $35 |
|
Aesthetician |
600 hrs | $35 | $35 |
|
Nail Technician |
400 hrs | $35 | $35 |
|
Barber |
1,200 hrs | $35 | $35 |
|
Waxing Specialist |
— | $35 | $35 |
|
Instructor Certification |
16 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Shop/Salon License |
— | $90 | $40 |
|
Booth Rental Certificate |
— | $15 | $15 |
Notes
Cosmetologist: Full scope: hair, skin, and nails.
Hair Stylist: Hair services only — no skin or nail work.
Aesthetician: Skin care, facials, and waxing.
Waxing Specialist: Hair removal services only.
Instructor Certification: Requires an approved online teaching-techniques course plus the NIC Instructor exam; renewal is mail-only.
Shop/Salon License: Initial fee covers the shop-opening inspection; renews annually by July 1.
Booth Rental Certificate: Required for anyone renting a booth or working on commission without taxes withheld.
Other Cosmetology License Types in West Virginia
The West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists regulates the following license and registration types. Each has distinct training hour requirements, scope of practice, and application requirements.
Practitioner Licenses
| License Type | Training Hours | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,800 | Hair, skin, and nail services; full-service cosmetology |
| Barber | 1,200 | Hair cutting, shaving, beard trimming, and related barbering services |
| Hair Stylist | 1,000 | Hair cutting and styling services only; limited scope compared to cosmetologist |
| Aesthetician | 600 | Skin care treatments, facials, and related esthetics services |
| Nail Technician | 400 | Manicuring and pedicuring services |
| Waxing Specialist | Contact board | Hair removal using waxing methods |
| Instructor | Active practitioner license + additional requirements | Teaching in a board-licensed school |
Establishment Registrations
- Shop — Required for any establishment where cosmetology or barbering services are performed for compensation. Must maintain a valid shop license at the business location.
- Booth Rental — Required for any independent contractor renting a station or booth inside a licensed shop. Booth renters hold their own separate board registration in addition to their individual practitioner license.
File a Complaint
The West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed barbers, cosmetologists, hair stylists, aestheticians, nail technicians, waxing specialists, instructors, and the shops and schools they work in. The board's inspectors and investigators handle issues such as sanitation violations, unlicensed practice, and other conduct that violates state barbering and cosmetology law.
Complaints are filed through an online complaint form on the board's website, which asks for the name and address of the individual or business the complaint is against, details of the incident, and any witnesses. Complainants may remain anonymous by writing "Anonymous" in the fields for the person making the complaint — West Virginia does not require a complainant to identify themselves to file.
Once submitted, the complaint information is used to investigate the matter and may be shared with the party complained against or used to enforce state licensing law. The board does not release the contact information of its inspectors directly; licensees or complainants who need to reach an assigned inspector must go through the board office instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for a West Virginia cosmetology license? +
West Virginia requires 1,800 training hours for a cosmetologist license. Barber: 1,200 hours. Hair Stylist: 1,000 hours. Aesthetician: 600 hours. Nail Technician: 400 hours. All training must be completed at a board-licensed school.
What exams are required for a West Virginia cosmetology license? +
Both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam are required, administered by Prov (formerly PSI). Candidates schedule at provexam.com after board approval. Both exams must be passed before a license is issued.
Does West Virginia require continuing education for license renewal? +
No. West Virginia eliminated its mandatory CE requirement when House Bill 2325 was signed into law effective May 8, 2022. No CE hours are required at renewal.
How much does it cost to get and renew a West Virginia cosmetology license? +
Initial application fee: $35. Exam fees paid separately to Prov — check provexam.com. Annual renewal fee: $35. Reciprocity application fee: $100.
How do I renew my West Virginia cosmetology license? +
Renew online each year at wvbbc.com/License-Services/Renewals. Individual licenses expire January 1 annually. No CE is required. Renewal fee is $35.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to West Virginia? +
Yes, through reciprocity. The application fee is $100. Contact the board at (304) 558-2924 or wvbbc@wv.gov for current documentation requirements.
Is West Virginia part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
Yes. West Virginia has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. It joined in 2026, and is one of 12 states to have done so.
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 West Virginia today? +
Through the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists'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 West Virginia. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a West Virginia cosmetology or barber license? +
Individual licenses — Barber, Cosmetologist, Aesthetician, Nail Technician, Hair Stylist, and Waxing Specialist — renew for $35 a year. Instructor certifications renew for $50, shop/salon licenses renew for $40, and booth rental certificates renew for $15. West Virginia does not require continuing education for any renewal.
When does my West Virginia cosmetology or barber license expire? +
Individual licenses and instructor certifications expire annually on January 1, with a grace period through the end of January before late fees apply. Shop/salon licenses and booth rental certificates expire annually on July 1, with a grace period through the end of July.
How long does a West Virginia license renewal take to process? +
During the peak renewal window of November 1 through January 31, expect your renewed license within about 30 days. Outside that window, from February to October, turnaround is typically 2 to 3 weeks. The board cannot issue a license the same day a renewal is submitted, since payment must clear the state treasurer's office first.
What license types does the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists regulate? +
The board licenses five personal disciplines by training hours — Cosmetology (1,800 hours), Barbering (1,200 hours), Hair Styling (1,000 hours), Aesthetics (600 hours), and Nail Technology (400 hours) — plus Waxing Specialists, Instructors, Shop/Salon licenses, and Booth Rental certificates.
How do I contact the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists? +
Call (304) 558-2924 or toll-free (855) 965-2800, Monday through Friday, roughly 9 AM to 5 PM ET. The board's office is at 1201 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064; mail renewals and applications go to P.O. Box 40235, Charleston, WV 25364.
How do I file a complaint against a West Virginia salon or licensee? +
File online through the complaint form on the board's website, describing the licensee or business and the incident. Anonymous complaints are accepted — just write "Anonymous" in the fields asking for the complainant's name.
Helpful Resources
West Virginia Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an West Virginia Esthetician license.
Learn more →West Virginia Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a West Virginia Nail Technician license.
Learn more →West Virginia Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a West Virginia Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for West Virginia.
Learn more →West Virginia Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a West Virginia license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for West Virginia and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border West Virginia 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.