Washington Cosmetology License Requirements

Earning a Washington State cosmetologist license requires 1,600 hours of approved training, passing NIC examinations administered by Prov, and submitting your application to the DOL. Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. You must be at least 17 years old. Washington does not require a high school diploma or GED for cosmetology licensure beyond meeting the minimum age.
2. Complete 1,600 hours at a DOL-licensed cosmetology school. Your school must be licensed by the Washington Department of Licensing. Alternatively, complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship (OJT) plus 244 hours of Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) through a DOL-approved apprenticeship program registered with the Department of Labor & Industries.
3. Register for NIC examinations through Prov. You are eligible to take exams within 100 hours of completing your required training. As of May 1, 2026, register at provexam.com. The written exam costs $169 and the practical exam costs $119, paid directly to Prov.
4. Pass both the NIC written and practical examinations. A minimum score of 75% is required on both components. You may retake a failed exam once per day on a different day by scheduling and paying the re-exam fee through Prov.
5. Submit your application and fee. Apply online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or by mail. The initial license fee is $35. You must complete all required hours and pass both exams before applying. Once your application is processed, the DOL issues your Washington cosmetologist license.

Washington cosmetology schools must be licensed by the Department of Licensing. The 1,600-hour cosmetologist curriculum is one of the higher requirements nationally and covers the full scope of cosmetology services.

Curriculum Areas

• Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical texturing (permanent waving, relaxing, straightening), extensions, and scalp treatments
• Skin care: Facials, makeup application, waxing, and basic skin analysis
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and nail enhancements
• Sanitation and infection control: DOL sanitation standards (WAC 308-20-110), EPA-registered disinfectants, bloodborne pathogen protocols, and a 10% bleach solution requirement
• Washington state laws: Chapter 18.16 RCW, WAC 308-20, scope of practice, professional conduct, and license posting requirements
• Textured hair care: As of March 1, 2026, schools must include training on techniques for cutting, styling, and chemically treating textured hair, cultural awareness, and history (House Bill 1874)

Exam Eligibility

Students become eligible to take their NIC examinations through Prov when they are within 100 hours of completing their required course instruction. Schools coordinate eligibility verification with the DOL and Prov.

Apprenticeship Alternative

Washington offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 3,000 OJT hours plus 244 hours of Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI). Apprenticeships are conducted under the direct supervision of approved journey-level trainers in a licensed apprentice training salon. The program must be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — contact L&I at (360) 902-5320 or the DOL education unit at csap@dol.wa.gov for program details.

As of May 1, 2026, Washington cosmetology examinations are administered by Prov, replacing the previous vendor Prometric. Prov administers the NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) written and practical examinations — the same nationally standardized exam content used previously, delivered through a new vendor with expanded testing locations across Washington.

How to Schedule Your Exam

Visit provexam.com to create an account, review Washington examination requirements, and schedule your exam date and location. Exam fees are paid directly to Prov. If you previously had a Prometric account, you must create a new account with Prov — old accounts do not transfer.

NIC Written Examination

The NIC written exam is a multiple-choice examination covering cosmetology sciences, Washington state laws, and sanitation and safety standards. Fee: $169. Minimum passing score: 75%. This is the same NIC exam content Washington has used since October 2013.

NIC Practical Examination

The NIC practical exam evaluates hands-on cosmetology skills across required service categories. Fee: $119. Minimum passing score: 75%. Review the Prov candidate handbook at provexam.com for specific supplies you must bring and procedures evaluated. Examiners must have a minimum of 3 years of industry experience.

Retaking Exams

You may take each exam once per day. If you fail, you may schedule a retake on another day by paying the re-exam fee through Prov. You do not need to retake a component you have already passed — passed exam results remain valid. Previous results from Prometric can be viewed in your old Prometric account but retakes must be scheduled through Prov.

Washington cosmetology licenses renew every two years. The renewal fee is $66.00 for all individual license types. Washington does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal — one of approximately fifteen states without a CE mandate.

How to Renew Online

1. Log in to the DOL's SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal.
2. Locate your active cosmetology license and select the renewal option.
3. Answer legal background questions and provide supporting documents if needed.
4. Confirm your current contact information and update if needed.
5. Pay the $66 renewal fee using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. The DOL cannot accept phone payments or gift cards.

You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires. Renewing online is faster — you can print your new license immediately upon completion.

Renewal by Mail

Follow the instructions on your renewal notice, or complete the Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician Application form. Mail your form and a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing to: Cosmetology Program, P.O. Box 3856, Seattle, WA 98124-3856.

Late Renewal

If you do not renew before your expiration date, a $131 late renewal fee applies. Failure to receive a renewal notice is not an acceptable reason for late renewal. You are responsible for knowing your expiration date and renewing on time.

Expired Over One Year — Reinstatement Required

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DOL cancels it. To reinstate, you must pass both the NIC written and practical examinations again through Prov, then submit a reinstatement application with fees. You may not practice on an expired or cancelled license — the DOL may fine you for unlicensed activity.

No Continuing Education Required

Washington does not require any CE courses, hours, or reporting for cosmetology license renewal. Simply pay the $66 renewal fee before your expiration date to maintain your active license status.

Washington offers multiple cosmetology-related license types, allowing practitioners to specialize. Each type has distinct training requirements, its own NIC examination, and authorizes a specific scope of practice.

Hair Designer vs. Cosmetologist

Washington's Hair Designer license is a distinctive mid-tier option covering only hair cutting, styling, and chemical services (1,400 hours). It does not authorize skin or nail services. The full Cosmetologist license (1,600 hours) covers hair, skin, and nails. Practitioners who specialize in hair can save 200 training hours by choosing the Hair Designer path.

Master Esthetician

The Master Esthetician license allows use of prescriptive medical devices under physician authority — a scope beyond standard estheticians. It requires 450 additional hours after holding an esthetician license, or 1,200 combined hours for those pursuing it directly without first obtaining an esthetician license.

Reciprocity

All license types are available by reciprocity ($60 fee) for practitioners holding an active license in good standing from another state, with proof of passing that state's approved examinations.