Skip to content
LicenseReq

Cosmetology License Requirements by State

Cosmetology is regulated at the state level in all 50 states and DC, almost always requiring graduation from a state-approved cosmetology school and passage of a written and practical state exam. School hour requirements and fees vary widely, but the path is remarkably consistent across the country. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

Most states use the national written exam from PSI or the NIR/National-Interstate Council; the practical exam is administered by the state.

Cosmetology License requirements by state

Alabama1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolAlaska1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolArizona1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolArkansas1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolCalifornia1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolColorado1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolConnecticut1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolDelaware1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolDistrict of Columbia1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolFlorida1200 hours of approved cosmetology schoolGeorgia1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolHawaii1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolIdaho1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolIllinois1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolIndiana1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolIowa2100 hours of approved cosmetology schoolKansas1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolKentucky1800 hours of approved cosmetology schoolLouisiana1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMaine1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMaryland1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMassachusetts1000 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMichigan1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMinnesota1550 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMississippi1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMissouri1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolMontana2000 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNebraska2100 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNevada1800 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNew Hampshire1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNew Jersey1200 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNew Mexico1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNew York1000 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNorth Carolina1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolNorth Dakota1800 hours of approved cosmetology schoolOhio1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolOklahoma1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolOregon1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolPennsylvania1250 hours of approved cosmetology schoolRhode Island1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolSouth Carolina1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolSouth Dakota2100 hours of approved cosmetology schoolTennessee1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolTexas1000 hours of approved cosmetology schoolUtah1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolVermont1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolVirginia1500 hours of approved cosmetology schoolWashington1600 hours of approved cosmetology schoolWest Virginia1800 hours of approved cosmetology schoolWisconsin1550 hours of approved cosmetology schoolWyoming1500 hours of approved cosmetology school

FAQ

How many cosmetology school hours do I need?

Most states require 1,500 clock hours of approved cosmetology education, with state requirements ranging from roughly 1,000 to 2,100 hours.

What does the cosmetology exam cover?

The written exam covers chemistry, sanitation, and salon services, and the practical exam requires demonstrating services such as haircutting, coloring, and styling on a mannequin or model.

Can I transfer my cosmetology license to another state?

Most states grant license reciprocity if your hours meet the new state's minimum and your education is substantially similar, though some require a state-specific written exam.

How often do I renew my cosmetology license?

Renewal cycles are typically every 1-2 years with continuing education of 4-16 hours per cycle, though a few states require no CE at all.