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All 50 states require a cosmetology license, but the requirements vary widely. Training hours range from 1,000 to 2,100, and most states require both a written and practical exam. Find out exactly what your state needs.
50
States Require License
1,500
Most Common Hours
~38
States Use NIC Exam
4
States No Practical
Unlike some professions where only certain states require a license, cosmetology licensing is mandatory everywhere in the US. Every state has a board of cosmetology (sometimes called the board of barbering and cosmetology) that sets the rules. The biggest differences between states come down to three things: how many training hours you need, which exams you have to pass, and whether you need a practical exam in addition to the written test.
Most states use the NIC (National Interstate Council) written exam, which is administered at PSI testing centers across the country. The NIC exam covers 110 multiple-choice questions across four domains: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), Skin Care & Services (10%), and Nail Care & Services (10%). A handful of states, including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, use their own state-specific exams instead.
There has been a strong deregulation trend in recent years. Several states have reduced their hour requirements, and a few have eliminated the practical exam entirely. California, Massachusetts, and Mississippi have all dropped the practical, and multiple states have cut their hour minimums. This trend is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.
The table below shows each state's training hour requirement, exam type, whether a practical exam is required, and any notable details.
Min age 16. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours
State-specific exam. No formal reciprocity with any state
Min age 18. Board of Barbers & Cosmetology
Min age 18. Must have completed 2 years of high school
Practical exam eliminated in 2022. Reduced from 1,600 hours. Min age 17. Exam offered in 5 languages
Work credits can substitute up to 50% of training hours for reciprocity
Department of Public Health oversees licensing
State-specific exam via PCS. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours
State-specific two-part written exam (theory + clinical). HIV/AIDS course required. 75% passing score
Min age 17. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours over 18+ months
One of the highest hour requirements. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,600 hours
Reduced from 2,000 hours in 2022
Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation
Min age 17-18. Professional Licensing Agency
Highest hour requirement in the country (tied with Nebraska)
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
Requires 6-month post-exam apprenticeship in a salon (min 20 hrs/week)
Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
Apprenticeship alternative: 2,500 hours
Recently reduced from 1,500 hours
Practical exam eliminated in Oct 2023. Written exam only
Board of Cosmetology
Hair styling and makeup exempt from licensing with 4-hour safety course
Practical exam eliminated in Feb 2026. Written theory exam only
Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours
Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
Tied with Iowa for highest hour requirement in the country
Also requires a Nevada law exam
Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
State-specific exam. Min age 17
Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
State-specific exams. Physical exam required. 1-hour domestic violence awareness course required
Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
State Board of Cosmetology
Min age 16. 10th grade completion required. Biometric fingerprint scan. Practical exam is about 4 hours
Blow-dry styling exempt from licensing with sanitation training
No single cosmetology license. Separate certifications for hair design (1,110 hrs), esthetics, and nails. Min age 18
State-specific exam via Pearson VUE
Among the lowest hour requirements
75% passing score on NIC exam
Min age 18. Must also pass SD Laws & Rules exam
Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
250 of 1,000 hours can be online. Can take written exam after 900 hours. 70% passing score. Regulated by TDLR
Reduced from 1,600 hours in Jan 2026. Blow-dry styling exempt with safety permit
Apprenticeship alternative: 1,500 hours
Reduced from 1,500 hours for students enrolled after Sept 2024
Apprenticeship alternative: 2,000 hours. 75% passing score. Practical exam is 4-5 hours
Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Among the higher hour requirements
Dept. of Safety & Professional Services
Board of Cosmetology
Board of Barber & Cosmetology. Apprenticeship alternative: 2,000 hours
These states require 1,000 hours or fewer of cosmetology school training. Several of them reduced their requirements in recent years as part of a broader push to lower barriers to entry for the profession.
Practical exam eliminated in 2022. Reduced from 1,600 hours. Min age 17. Exam offered in 5 languages
Recently reduced from 1,500 hours
Practical exam eliminated in Oct 2023. Written exam only
State-specific exams. Physical exam required. 1-hour domestic violence awareness course required
Among the lowest hour requirements
250 of 1,000 hours can be online. Can take written exam after 900 hours. 70% passing score. Regulated by TDLR
Apprenticeship alternative: 1,500 hours
Reduced from 1,500 hours for students enrolled after Sept 2024
These states require 1,800 hours or more of training. If you are in one of these states, expect to spend more time (and money) in cosmetology school before you can sit for your exams.
One of the highest hour requirements. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,600 hours
Highest hour requirement in the country (tied with Nebraska)
Tied with Iowa for highest hour requirement in the country
Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Among the higher hour requirements
Most states still require a hands-on cosmetology practical exam in addition to the written test. But a growing number of states have eliminated the practical in recent years. If you are in one of these states, you only need to pass the written cosmetology exam to get licensed.
Practical exam eliminated in 2022. Reduced from 1,600 hours. Min age 17. Exam offered in 5 languages
State-specific two-part written exam (theory + clinical). HIV/AIDS course required. 75% passing score
Practical exam eliminated in Oct 2023. Written exam only
Practical exam eliminated in Feb 2026. Written theory exam only
While most states use the NIC exam administered through PSI, these states develop and administer their own cosmetology licensing exams. If you are in one of these states, your exam content will be different from the standard NIC format, so make sure you are studying the right material.
State-specific exam. No formal reciprocity with any state
State-specific exam via PCS. Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours
State-specific two-part written exam (theory + clinical). HIV/AIDS course required. 75% passing score
State-specific exam. Min age 17
State-specific exams. Physical exam required. 1-hour domestic violence awareness course required
State-specific exam via Pearson VUE
The general path to getting a cosmetology license follows these steps, though specific requirements vary by state:
Visit your state board's website to confirm the current requirements. Training hours, age minimums, and exam requirements can change. Don't rely on third-party sources alone. Go straight to the board of barbering and cosmetology (or whatever your state calls it) for the most up-to-date information.
Enroll in a state-approved cosmetology school program. Most programs take 9 to 18 months depending on your state's hour requirement and whether you attend full-time. Some states also allow an apprenticeship route, which typically takes 2 to 3 times as many hours as the school-based path.
Most states use the NIC exam administered at PSI testing centers. Register on PSI's website, pick a testing center, and choose your date. Bring your school completion documents and a valid photo ID. You'll get your results immediately. A handful of states use their own exams instead.
Most states require a separate hands-on practical exam where you perform services on a mannequin or live model. Examiners score your technique in real time. A few states have eliminated this requirement. Check with your state board to confirm whether you need it.
Submit your application to your state board with your exam scores, school completion documentation, and the applicable fees. Some states require fingerprinting or a background check. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the state.