Check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.
Alabama Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 10th-grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours; 3000 apprentice hours in 3 years; Written and Practical Exams
Instructor License Requirements
12th-grade education; 1 year in practice; 650-hour teacher training course and exams
License Renewal
Renewed every 2 odd number years during your birth month; $80
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Request certification to be sent from the current state; Contact board for paperwork and exams; $100 fee
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
8 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for License Renewal; 16 CEUS for instructor License Renewal
State Board
(800) 815-7453
cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov
Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; High school education or equivalent
Training Hours
1650 school hours / 2000 apprentice hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Hold a valid license, 1 year in practice + 3 years of practice OR 1 year of practice in another state and 600 hours of student-instructor training, Pass written and practical exams
License Renewal
Renew by Aug. 31 of odd-numbered years; $160 fee / $240 instructor fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in a state with equivalent requirements; 1 year of full-time employment + 1500 school hours, OR 2 years of full-time employment
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Alaska Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
(907) 465-2547
license@alaska.gov
Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 23 years old; 2 years of high school education or equivalent
Training Hours
1600 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
1 year of licensure + 650 hours of training
License Renewal
Renew every year by the practitioner’s birthday; $30 Fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
At least 1 year of practice in the current state of licensure within the five years prior to application
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
(480) 784-4539
azboard@azboc.gov
Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
600 hours in cosmetology teaching courses + exam
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by the practitioner’s birthday; $80 Fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a valid cosmetology license; Have certification of licensure and training; Pass a state law exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology
(501) 682-2168
Cosmo@arkansas.gov
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1600 school hours / 3200 apprentice hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Valid License, certification through post-secondary education; $50
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years, in odd-numbered years, by the original licensing date; $50 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must hold a cosmetology license in good standing in home state; Must be licensed 3 out of the last 5 years
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
(800) 952-5210
barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old
Training Hours
1800 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license +2 years of experience
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years, in odd- or even-numbers years, by April 30; $32 fee / $47 reinstate fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Submit an application for licensure by endorsement; Hold a valid license from a home state with equivalent requirements
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology
(303) 894-7427
Barber-Cosmetology@dora.state.co.us
Connecticut Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 8th-grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written exam
Instructor License Requirements
Valid License: cosmetology instructor examination; $20
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by the last day of your birth month; $100 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a valid license from a state with equivalent requirements; Pass a written exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
10 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for License Renewal
State Board
Connecticut Department of Public Health – Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians
(860) 509-7603
dph.hairdresserteam@ct.gov
Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Prerequisites For Students
10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours; Theory and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
500 training hours + cosmetology license, OR 250 training hours + 2 years of experience
License Renewal
Renew by Oct. 31 of even-numbered years
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Method 1: Must be licensed in a state with equal requirements; Method 2: Submit a notarized statement from an employer certifying that you have been working for at least 5 years
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
(302) 744-4500
customerservice.dpr@state.de.us
Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; High school diploma
Training Hours
1200 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Attend a cosmetology school that offers a certification program
License Renewal
Renew by October 31; Group 1 licenses: even-numbered years / Group 2 licenses: odd-numbered years; $55 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold an active license in another state with equal requirements; Otherwise, must complete additional training hours to qualify for endorsement
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
16 board-approved CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for License Renewal
State Board
Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology
(850) 487-1395
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/contactus/
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours in 18 months; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 750 training hours + exams
License Renewal
Renew biennially by March 31 of even-numbered years; $50 Fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must be licensed in a state or country that has similar requirements and grants reciprocity to Georgia licensees
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
5 CEUS every 2 years for License Renewal
State Board
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
(478) 207-2440
http://sos.ga.gov/cgi-bin/email.asp
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; High school education or equivalent
Training Hours
1800 school hours / 3600 apprentice hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 600 teacher training hours
License Renewal
Renew by March 31 of odd-numbered years; $100 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Completed similar or equivalent education requirements; May be required to take written and practical exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
(808) 586-3000
barber_cosm@dcca.hawaii.gov
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16.5 years old; 10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
2000 school hours / 4000 apprentice hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosm. license + 2 years experience + 1000 student teaching hours, or cosmetology license + 2-5 years experience + 500 student teaching hours
License Renewal
Must be licensed 3 of the last 5 years to qualify for endorsement; Hold an active license in a state with similar requirements, or complete additional hours to meet minimum
Reciprocity - License Transfer
No reciprocity program; Must have had an active license for 3 of the last 5 years; Proof of having taken practical and written exam; Meet Idaho training requirements; Qualify for endorsement
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, Board of Cosmetology
(208) 334-3233
bol@ibol.idaho.gov
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation – Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; High school diploma or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Exam
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours or 2 years of experience + 500 training hours
License Renewal
Renew by Sept. 30 of each odd-numbered year; $25 fee per year
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Submit an application for licensure by endorsement; Provide certification of licensure from the current state board
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 14 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years; Instructors: 24 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation – Cosmetology
(800) 560-6420
http://www.idfpr.com/profs/Email/prfGrp01.asp
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; 10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every 4 years by August 1; $40 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must be licensed in a state that requires 1500 training hours; At least 70% passing on written and practical exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(317) 234-3031
pla12@pla.in.gov
Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
2100 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000 teacher training hours OR 2 years of experience in last 6 years
License Renewal
Renew by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years; $60 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Transfer through endorsement; Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements for 12 of the last 24 months
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
8 CEUS every 2 years
State Board
Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
(515) 281-4416
rosemary.bonanno@idph.iowa.gov
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 300 training hours + 450 teaching hours
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years in the month of original licensure; $60 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements; Must pass an open book exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not required
State Board
(785) 296-3155
kboc@kboc.ks.gov
Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 12th-grade education
Training Hours
1800 school hours; Apprentice examination, written & practical
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license for 1 year + 1000 training hours + instructor exams
License Renewal
Renew every year between July 1-31; $20 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must have a certification of license from the state board that issued the license; May be required to take exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
(502) 564-4262
Maxine.Baxter@ky.gov
Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th-grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours; State board exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license +500 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every year by licensee’s birthday; $25 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Applicants in WI, VT, TX, TN, NY, NY, MN, MI, MA, MD, KS, HI, FL, CT, and CO must take exams (NIC, state theory, practical)
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
(225) 756-3404
steve.young@la.gov
Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation – Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 10th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + work experience + 1000 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every year in October; $50 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements; If requirements differ, must pass state exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 14 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) per year
State Board
Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation – Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
(207) 624-8579
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 9th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 24-month apprenticeship; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
2 years of experience + senior cosmetologist exam + cosmetologist exam
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years; $25 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements; Provide certification that license is current and in good standing
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
(410) 230-6320
cos@dllr.state.md.us
MASSACHUSETTS Board of Registration of Cosmetologists
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 10th grade education
Training Hours
1000 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 2 years as junior instructor
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by licensee’s birthday; $68 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must pass the state’s written and practical board exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Board of Registration of Cosmetologists
(617) 727-9940
kim.m.scully@state.ma.us
Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Cosmetology Department
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 9th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 2-year apprenticeship; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 500 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by the end of August; $48 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a valid license in another state with similar or greater requirements
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Cosmetology Department
(517) 241-8720
bcslic@michigan.gov
Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners
Prerequisites For Students
High school diploma or GED
Training Hours
1550 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1400 work hours + 38 training hours + 3 exams
License Renewal
Renew every 3 years; $81 fees
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Verification of current licensure, high school diploma, completion of exams and an application for reciprocity
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 4 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 3 years; Instructors: 45 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 3 years
State Board
Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners
(651) 201-2742
bceboard@state.mn.us
Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; Must be able to read, write and speak English; High school education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours (9 months); Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 12 board-approved college hours + 750 instructor training hours with 2+ years of experience OR 2,000 training hours with 2 years of experience
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years; $50 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Submit an application and an affidavit/ certification of training that meets Mississippi’s reciprocity requirements; Appear for an application eligibility interview
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 24 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years; Master cosmetologists: 16 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
(601) 359-1820
lmontgomery@msbc.state.ms.us
Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 10th-grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours; Theory and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 600 training hours
License Renewal
Renew by Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years; $30 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in a state with substantially similar or superior requirements; Practiced cosmetology for 2 consecutive years in another state
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
(573) 751-1052
cosbar@pr.mo.gov
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; High school education or GED
Training Hours
2000 school/ course hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 650-hour teacher training course + 1 year of work experience
License Renewal
Renew biennially by March 1; $80 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a license in a state with comparable training and testing requirements; may be required to take additional training hours plus national exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 30 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years; Instructors: 60 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(406) 841-2202
dlibsdcos@mt.gov
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; High school education or equivalent; Basic first aid class
Training Hours
2100 school hours (2000 credits); Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 925 training hours
License Renewal
Renew biennially by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years; $118 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in another jurisdiction issued on the basis of a written and practical examination; Complete a cosmetology course consisting of at least 2100 hours
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
8 CE hours biennially
State Board
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Cosmetology
(402) 471-2117
Kris.Chiles@nebraska.gov
Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; 10th grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1800 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 500 training hours with a provisional instructor license OR 1000 hours without
License Renewal
Renew by June 30, in every odd-numbered year; $70 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must have a current license (in good standing) in another state; Must have passed a NIC written exam in state of licensure, or take the exam in Nevada
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 4 CE hours in Infection Control every 2 years; Instructors: 30 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
(702) 486-6542
cosmo@nvcosmobd.nv.gov
New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics
Prerequisites For Students
High school education or equivalent; Good professional character
Training Hours
1500 school hours / 3000 apprentice hours within 18 months; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 8 years of experience or 500 training hours + 1 year of experience or 800 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by the last day of the licensee’s birthday month; $40 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must have completed 1500 training hours in home state or 3000 hours of work experience; Pass a hands-on practical exam and a national written exam in English
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 28 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics
(603) 271-3608
kira.hageman@nh.gov
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent
Training Hours
1200 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 6 months of employment + 500 school hours + 30-hour teaching methods course
License Renewal
Renew by Sept. 30 of even-numbered years; $60 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in another state with satisfactory requirements; Otherwise, must submit an “out-of-state” application and required documentation, and pass exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
(973) 504-6400
Askconsumeraffairs@dca.com
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; 10th grade education
Training Hours
1600 school hours; Written, practice and board jurisprudence exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years in licensee’s birthday month; $50 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Provide verification of licensure in another state with similar or superior requirements; May substitute 150 credit hours for each 6 full months of licensed experience
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 12 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) per year
State Board
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
(505) 476-4622
barberscosmetologists@state.nm.us
New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services – Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old
Training Hours
1000 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 2 years of experience + Secondary Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W) exam
License Renewal
Renew every 4 years; $40 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Must be currently licensed from a state on NY’s reciprocity list; In some instances, must have 1+ years of licensure in order to qualify
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services – Cosmetology
(518) 474-4429
licensing@dos.ny.gov
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Prerequisites For Students
N/A
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Board exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 800-hour training program or proof of 5 years full-time work in a cosmetic art shop
License Renewal
Renew every 3 years by Oct. 1; $23 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in good standing, meaning no disciplinary actions; Licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 24 CE hours every 3 years; Instructors: 8 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every year
State Board
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
(919) 733-4117
nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com
North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
High school diploma
Training Hours
1800 school hours; Written, practical and state law exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1 year of experience + 160 training hours
License Renewal
Renew every year by Dec. 31; $15 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Provide a letter of certification from current state board and a copy of the state’s licensing requirements; Must take the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 8 board-approved CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every year
State Board
North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
(701) 224-9800
cosmo@midconetwork.com
Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Managing cosmetology license + 1000 training hours or 1 year of salon experience
License Renewal
Renew by Jan. 31 of every odd-numbered year; $45 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Does not offer reciprocity; Must take and pass Ohio’s practical, theoretical and manager exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
8 board-approved CEUS every 2 years
State Board
Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
(614) 466-3834
sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us
Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 8th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours or 3000 apprentice hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + exams + 1000 training hours or 500 hours + 2 years of recent licensed work experience
License Renewal
Renew annually, on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month; $25 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license in a state with equal or higher requirements; At least 3 years of recent, licensed work experience; May be required to take exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering
(405) 521-2441
mhays@cosmo.ok.gov
Oregon Health Licensing Agency – Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
N/A
Training Hours
1800 school hours; 150 hours of safety/ infection control + 100 hours of career development; Written and state law exams
Instructor License Requirements
2 years of training + 1 year of work experience as a certified practitioner following licensure + teacher registration (issued by the Department of Education)
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by the last day of the month of issuance; $40 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Submit an affidavit of licensure and a qualifying application; Pass the written exam, which includes the Oregon Laws & Rules exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 30 CE hours for License Renewal of teacher registration
State Board
Oregon Health Licensing Agency – Board of Cosmetology
(503) 378-8667
hlo.info@state.or.us
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
1250 school hours / 2000 approved apprentice hours in 8 months; Theory and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
12th grade education + cosmetology license + 500 training hours + exams
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years, in even/odd-numbered years, by Jan. 31; $67 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license; Have 2 years of working experience from the original licensure dates
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
(717) 783-7130
st-cosmetology@pa.gov
State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Barbering & Hairdressing
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; of good moral character; U.S. citizen / legal entry; High school education or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license for at least 3 years + 300 hours of teacher training + exams
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by Sept. 30, on an odd-even year basis; $67 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a license in another state with equivalent educational requirements (work experience may be considered); Pass licensing exams
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Not Required
State Board
State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Barbering & Hairdressing
(401) 222-2828
maureen.slowik@health.ri.gov
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th grade education or equivalent
Training Hours
High school diploma or GED + cosmetology license + 45-hour teaching methods course + 2 years in practice or 750-hour instructor training program
Instructor License Requirements
High school diploma or GED; Pass Written and Practical exams; Hold a license, and have practiced for at least 2 years; Completed a 750-hour teacher training program; Completed a Board approved 45-hour method of teaching program
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by March 10; $52 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license, which is in good standing, in another state; Must have passed a nationally recognized exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Cosmetologists: 12 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) biennially; Instructors: 24 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) biennially
State Board
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
(803) 896-4588
BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Prerequisites For Students
At least 18 years old; High school diploma or GED
Training Hours
2100 school hours; NIC written, NIC practical and state law exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000 hours of salon experience + 1012 clock-hour instructor education program
License Renewal
Renew on or before the licensee’s birth date every year; $20 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Hold a current license from a state with equal or greater requirements; Work experience may be considered (2 work hrs = 1 school hr); Pass SD laws and rules exam
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 12 CE hours of a commission-approved course per year
State Board
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
(605) 773-6193
cosmetology@state.sd.us
Tennessee Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
Prerequisites For Students
At least 16 years old; 10th grade education
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
High school diploma or GED + cosmetology license + 300 hours of instructor training in 6 months or 1 year of junior instruction
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years before license expiration date; $50 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Provide proof of a current license from another state with equal requirements; May substitute with proof of 5 years of work experience
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Instructors: 16 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 2 years
State Board
Tennessee Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners
(615) 741-2515
Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – Board of Cosmetology
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent
Training Hours
1500 school hours; Written and practical exams
Instructor License Requirements
Operator license + 750 hours of instructor training or 1 year of work experience + 500 hours of instructor training
License Renewal
Renew every 2 years by date of original licensure; $53 fee
Reciprocity - License Transfer
Licensed in a state with substantially equivalent requirements; In some cases, work experience may be credited
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
4 CEU hours through department-approved courses
State Board
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – Board of Cosmetology
(800) 803-9202
CS.Cosmetologists@tdlr.texas.gov
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing – Cosmetology & Barbering
Prerequisites For Students
At least 17 years old; Of good moral character
Training Hours
1600 school hours / 2500 apprentice hours; Exams
Instructor License Requirements
Cosmetology license + 1000-hour instructor training program OR 3000 hours of experience
License Renewal
Renew by Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years; $52 fee
