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License Requirements - Cosmetologists

License Categories and Qualifications

  • Cosmetologist: Must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or G.E.D; Applicant must submit proof of completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
  • Hairstylist: Must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or G.E.D; Applicant must submit proof of completion of 1200 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 15 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
  • Esthetician: Must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or G.E.D; Applicant must submit proof of completion of 600 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 12 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
  • Nail Technician: Must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or G.E.D; Applicant must submit proof of completion of at least 250 hours of training in a cosmetology school or eight months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
  • Senior Cosmetologist: Must have two years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and passing grades on the senior cosmetologist exam and the cosmetologist exam.
  • Owner Salon: Must submit approved use and occupancy permit from local zoning agency with license application.
  • Owner Limited Practice: License is issued for either manicuring or esthetic services. Must submit approved use and occupancy permit from local zoning agency with license application.
  • Apprentice Cosmetologist: Limited to a two-year original license and one two-year renewal; Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist; Must complete 24 months of training with at least 20 hours per week; Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
  • Apprentice Hairstylist: Limited to a one-year original license and one one-year renewal; Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist or a two-year licensed hairstylist; Must complete 15 months of training with at least 20 hours per week; Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
  • Apprentice Esthetician: Limited to a one-year original license and one one-year renewal; Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a senior cosmetologist or a two-year licensed esthetician; Must complete 12 months of training with at least 20 hours per week; Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.
  • Apprentice Nail Technician: Limited to a one-year original license; Must complete an application and sponsorship form which must be signed by a licensed senior cosmetologist or two-year licensed nail technician; Must complete eight months of training with at least 20 hours per week; Licensees are required to mail monthly training reports to the Board each month.