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Cosmetology License Requirements by State

State-specific training hours, exam requirements, fees, and renewal info for all 50 states.

All 50 States Covered Regularly Updated Verified Requirements

What You Need to Get a Cosmetology License

Every state requires cosmetologists to meet education, examination, and application requirements before practicing professionally. While specifics vary, the core process is consistent across all 50 states.

1
Complete Cosmetology School

Training hour requirements range from 1,000 to 2,100 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school. Most states require around 1,500 hours.

2
Pass the State Exam

Nearly all states require both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam, administered by PSI Exams or Pearson VUE.

3
Submit Your Application

Apply to your state board with proof of training completion, exam results, and applicable fees. Processing times vary by state.

4
Renew on Schedule

Most licenses renew every 1–2 years and require continuing education (CE) hours in topics such as sanitation, safety, and state law.

See the table below for exact requirements and current fees by state.

What to Expect Across All 50 States

1,000 – 2,100
Required Training Hours

State requirements range from 1,000 hours (some states) to 2,100 hours (Iowa). The national average is approximately 1,500 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school.

2 Exams
Written + Practical Required

Nearly all states require both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical skills exam. PSI and Pearson VUE are the two national exam providers used across most states.

PSI Exams Pearson VUE
$25 – $75
Typical Renewal Fee Range

Most cosmetology licenses renew every 1–2 years. Many states require 8–16 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal period focused on sanitation and safety topics.

1–2 Year Cycle CE Hours Required

All 50 States — Cosmetology License Requirements

StateTraining HoursApplication FeeRenewal PeriodCE HoursExam ProviderLicenseBoard Info
Alabama1,500 hrs$50.002 years (birth month, odd-numbered years)—PSILicense →Board →
Alaska1,650 hrs$150.002 years (expires August 31 of odd-numbered years)—Prov, Inc. (NIC)License →Board →
Arizona1,500 hrs$60.002 years (birthday)—Virtual Inc. / PCS (NIC)License →Board →
Arkansas1,500 hrs$20.002 years—Prov, Inc.License →Board →
California1,000 hrs$75.002 years—PSILicense →Board →
Colorado1,500 hrs$32.002 years (1 yr cosmetologist)—PSI ExamsLicense →Board →
Connecticut1,500 hrs$100.002 years (expires last day of birth month)—PrometricLicense →Board →
Delaware1,500 hrs$128.002 years—Prometric (NIC)License →Board →
District of Columbia1,500 hrs$65.002 years (expires April 15 of even-numbered years)6 hrsPSILicense →Board →
Florida1,200 hrs$50.002 years10 hrsPearson VUELicense →Board →
Georgia1,500 hrs$30.002 years5 hrsPSI ExamsLicense →Board →
Hawaii1,800 hrs$20.002 years—PSI Services LLCLicense →Board →
Idaho1,600 hrs$25.001 year—ProV, Inc.License →Board →
Illinois1,500 hrs$45.002 years14 hrsContinental Testing Services / PSILicense →Board →
Indiana1,500 hrs$40.004 years—PSI Examination ServicesLicense →Board →
Iowa1,550 hrs$60.002 years6 hrsNIC (via PROV)License →Board →
Kansas1,500 hrs$60.002 years—ErgometricsLicense →Board →
Kentucky1,500 hrs$50.001 year—PSILicense →Board →
Louisiana1,500 hrs$35.001 year—LSBC / NIC (via IQT Testing)License →Board →
Maine1,500 hrs—Annual (expires October 31)—Prov, Inc.License →Board →
Maryland1,500 hrs$28.002 years6 hrsPSI ServicesLicense →Board →
Massachusetts1,000 hrs$68.002 years—PSILicense →Board →
Michigan1,500 hrs$63.002 years—PSI Services LLC (NBCP)License →Board →
Minnesota1,550 hrs$195.003 years (expires last day of birth month)8 hrsPSI ExamsLicense →Board →
Mississippi1,500 hrs$50.002 years—NICLicense →Board →
Missouri1,500 hrs$40.002 years (expires Sept 30, odd years)—Prov, Inc.License →Board →
Montana1,500 hrs$80.002 years—Prov, Inc. (NIC)License →Board →
Nebraska1,800 hrs$95.002 years8 hrsPSI (NIC written exam)License →Board →
Nevada1,600 hrs$125.002 or 4 years (expires on date of birth)—Pearson VUE (theory); Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (practical and state law)License →Board →
New Hampshire1,200 hrs$82.002 years (from date of issuance)—Prov, Inc.License →Board →
New Jersey1,200 hrs$50.002 years—ISO Quality Testing (IQT)License →Board →
New Mexico1,600 hrs$100.002 years—Professional Credentialing Services (PCS)License →Board →
New York1,000 hrs$40.004 years—NY Division of Licensing ServicesLicense →Board →
North Carolina1,500 hrs$49.003 years8 hrsNIC / ProvLicense →Board →
North Dakota1,500 hrs$50.001 year (expires December 31)—Prov, Inc. (NIC) and Board OfficeLicense →Board →
Ohio1,500 hrs$45.002 years4 hrsOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardLicense →Board →
Oklahoma1,500 hrs$40.002 years—Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and BarberingLicense →Board →
Oregon1,110 hrs$30.002 years—Oregon Health Licensing Office (in-office walk-in)License →Board →
Pennsylvania1,250 hrs$26.002 years—Pearson VUELicense →Board →
Rhode Island1,000 hrs$25.002 years (expires September 30 of every other year)—PSILicense →Board →
South Carolina1,500 hrs$45.002 years (expires March 10 of odd-numbered years)4 hrsProv, Inc.License →Board →
South Dakota1,500 hrs$120.001 year (expires on birthday)—Prov, Inc. (NIC)License →Board →
Tennessee1,500 hrs$60.002 years—PSILicense →Board →
Texas1,000 hrs$50.002 years4 hrsPSILicense →Board →
Utah1,600 hrs$60.002 years—NIC (via PROV)License →Board →
Vermont1,000 hrs$120.002 years—Prov, Inc. (NIC)License →Board →
Virginia1,000 hrs$120.002 years—Prov, Inc.License →Board →
Washington1,600 hrs$35.002 years—Prov (NIC exams)License →Board →
West Virginia1,800 hrs$35.001 year—ProvLicense →Board →
Wisconsin1,550 hrs$11.002 years (expires March 31, odd years)—DL Roope Administrations Inc.License →Board →
Wyoming1,600 hrs$48.002 years—Prov, Inc. (NIC)License →Board →

No states match your search.

Explore More Resources

Find Your State Board

Phone numbers, addresses, and office hours for every state cosmetology board.

View Directory →
License Reciprocity Guide

Transfer or endorse your cosmetology license to a new state.

View Guide →
Verify a License

Links to each state board's official public license verification tool.

View Guide →