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NC uses the NIC exam with both written and practical components, requires 1,500 training hours, and renews on a 3-year cycle. Here is the full breakdown for 2026.
1,500
Training Hours
NIC
Exam Used
3 yrs
Renewal Cycle
24 hrs
CE per Renewal
The North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners oversees all cosmetology licensing in the state. NC uses NIC exams for both the written and practical portions, which is consistent with the majority of states. This means NIC-focused study materials translate well here.
One thing that stands out about North Carolina is the 3-year renewal cycle, which is longer than the 2-year cycle most states use. The tradeoff is that you need 24 total CE hours per cycle. North Carolina also offers an apprentice cosmetologist path with fewer required hours, which is an option worth knowing about if you want to start working sooner.
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school in North Carolina. There is no specific high school diploma requirement for the standard cosmetology license, though you must have completed at least 8th grade.
Enroll in a North Carolina Board-approved cosmetology program and complete 1,500 training hours. The curriculum covers hair care, skin care, nail care, chemical services, sanitation, and state regulations. At full-time attendance, plan for approximately 10-11 months.
Once you complete your hours, submit your application to the Board. The electronic application fee is $10 (paper is $20). The Board will verify your school records and issue your exam authorization. Applications are processed through the Board office in Raleigh.
Schedule and pass the NIC written cosmetology exam through DL Roope Administrations. The exam has 110 questions (100 scored), with a 90-minute time limit. A score of 75% or higher is required. The exam covers the five main cosmetology domains: scientific concepts, hair care, skin care, nail care, and business and workplace skills.
Schedule and pass the NIC practical (hands-on) exam, also through DL Roope. The practical fee is $79. You will perform cosmetology services on a live model under examiner observation. A 75% score is required to pass. Both exams must be passed before the Board will issue your license.
North Carolina uses standard NIC exams administered by DL Roope Administrations. The NIC written exam tests knowledge across five domains. The practical exam assesses your ability to perform actual services. Passing both is required before the Board will issue a license.
110 questions total (100 scored, 10 unscored pilot items) with a 90-minute time limit. Covers scientific concepts, hair care, skin care and related services, nail care, and business and workplace skills. You need 75% to pass. The exam is computer-based at testing locations across North Carolina.
The hands-on practical exam costs $79 and is also administered by DL Roope. You perform cosmetology services on a live model while an examiner scores your work on technique, sanitation, safety, and client interaction. A 75% is required to pass. You must bring your own tools and model.
North Carolina has two license tiers: apprentice cosmetologist (1,200 hours, 70% passing score) and full cosmetologist (1,500 hours, 75% passing score). The exams are different. Make sure you are studying and applying for the correct tier. Most people who plan to work independently or manage a salon should pursue the full cosmetologist license.
North Carolina renews cosmetology licenses every 3 years, which is longer than most states. The upside is that you only deal with the renewal process every three years. The requirement is 24 CE hours per cycle, which works out to about 8 hours per year.
Continuing education must be completed through Board-approved providers. You have flexibility on timing as long as you hit 24 hours before renewal. Many CE courses are available online, covering topics like updated techniques, infection control, and North Carolina regulatory changes.
North Carolina exempts cosmetologists who are 60 or older and have held a clean license for 10 or more years from the CE requirement. You still need to renew on time and pay the renewal fee, but you can skip the CE hours. This is one of the more generous exemptions in the country.
The NC Board renewal fee is $39 per the state administrative code. Budget for 24 hours of CE on top of that. Online CE courses typically run $50-$100 for a full 24-hour package, putting your total renewal cost around $90-$140 every 3 years. Renewal is processed through the Board's online portal at nccosmeticarts.com.
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