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Illinois requires 1,500 training hours, a high school diploma, and a computerized written exam. There is no practical component. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
1,500
Training Hours
75%
Passing Score
2 yrs
Renewal Cycle
14 hrs
CE per Renewal
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) handles all cosmetology licensing in the state. Illinois sets itself apart from most states in one key way: it requires a high school diploma (or GED) in addition to the standard school hours. Many states only require you to be 16 with an eighth-grade education.
At 1,500 hours, Illinois sits right at the national average for training requirements. The exam is a computerized written test administered through Continental Testing Services (CTS) at PSI test centers, and you need a 75% to pass. There is no practical exam. Once licensed, you renew every two years and must log 14 hours of continuing education per cycle, which is on the higher end compared to neighboring states.
You must be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. The education requirement is not optional in Illinois. If you are still in high school, you can enroll in cosmetology school concurrently, but you will need your diploma or GED before applying for licensure.
Enroll in an IDFPR-approved cosmetology school and complete 1,500 hours of training. At full-time attendance (approximately 35 hours per week), plan for about 10-11 months. Illinois does not allow you to substitute apprenticeship hours or distance learning for these school hours.
After completing your hours, apply through IDFPR for permission to sit the exam. Pay the application fee (approximately $30). IDFPR will review your school records and issue an authorization. You will then schedule your exam directly through PSI.
Schedule and pass the computerized written exam through CTS at a PSI test center. The exam fee is approximately $107. You need a 75% to pass. The exam covers cosmetology theory, sanitation, chemical services, and Illinois state law. There is no practical exam component.
Once you pass the written exam, IDFPR issues your cosmetology license. You can then legally work in any Illinois-licensed salon. Keep track of your renewal deadline (March 31st of odd-numbered years) from the start so it does not sneak up on you.
Illinois uses a state-specific computerized exam administered through Continental Testing Services (CTS) at PSI test centers. Unlike most states that use the NIC exam, Illinois developed its own content. That means national NIC prep materials cover most of the same ground, but there will be questions specific to Illinois state law and IDFPR regulations that you will need to study separately. There is no practical hands-on exam in Illinois.
The written portion covers cosmetology science, hair care theory, skin care, nail care, chemical services, and sanitation. A section on Illinois-specific state laws and IDFPR regulations is included. You need to score 75% or higher to pass. You schedule this portion through PSI at testing centers across Illinois.
Illinois does not require a practical hands-on exam for cosmetology licensure. The computerized written exam is the only test you need to pass. This is a notable difference from states like Ohio and North Carolina that require both written and practical components.
Illinois includes questions specifically about IDFPR regulations, Illinois Cosmetology Practice Act, sanitation requirements, and salon licensing rules. Generic national study guides may not cover these. Make sure your exam prep includes Illinois-specific content, especially for salon licensing, infection control standards, and scope of practice.
Most states only require you to be 16 and have completed eighth grade. Illinois goes further. You need a high school diploma or GED to apply for a cosmetology license. This is worth knowing upfront if you are still in high school or planning to drop out to pursue cosmetology full-time.
The practical path most students take is to enroll in cosmetology school while finishing high school, then apply for licensure once both are complete. Some Illinois cosmetology programs are offered at vocational high schools, letting you complete both your diploma requirements and cosmetology hours at the same time.
Illinois cosmetology licenses expire every two years on March 31st of odd-numbered years. You need 14 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, which is more than many states. The renewal fee is approximately $50, handled through the IDFPR online portal.
Continuing education must be completed through IDFPR-approved providers. Topics include updated techniques, infection control, and Illinois regulatory changes. Many CE courses are available online, making it easy to fit into a working cosmetologist's schedule.
The renewal deadline is March 31st of odd-numbered years. Missing this date results in a lapsed license and additional reinstatement requirements. Set a reminder at least 60 days in advance to give yourself time to complete CE hours and submit your renewal through IDFPR.
The $50 renewal fee plus 14 hours of CE (typically $40-$80 for online courses) puts your total renewal cost around $90-$130 every 2 years. That works out to roughly $45-$65 per year to maintain your Illinois cosmetology license.
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