Every state follows the same basic path, even though the numbers differ. Use the table above for your state’s hours and exams, then confirm the details with the board before you enroll.

1. Check eligibility. States set a minimum age and education level for applicants and students. Your board’s application page lists both.
2. Complete approved training. Enroll in a state-licensed cosmetology school and finish the required hours, from 1,000 to 2,000 depending on the state. Some states also accept a registered apprenticeship. The school checklist covers what to verify before you pay tuition.
3. Pass the state board exams. Every state requires a written theory exam, and most also require a hands-on practical exam. You usually book them through the state’s testing company after the school confirms your hours.
4. Apply for the license. Submit the board’s application with the fee and any proof of hours, exam results, identification or background check it asks for.
5. Keep it active. Licenses expire and must be renewed on the state’s cycle, sometimes with continuing education; see cosmetology license renewal by state.

The written exam is a multiple-choice test of cosmetology theory. Many states use the National-Interstate Council (NIC) exams, and a testing company delivers them: in the 51 jurisdictions we track, PSI handles the exam in 23 and Prov in 10, with the rest split among other providers and the boards themselves.

Expect questions on these areas:

• Infection control and safety: disinfection, sanitation, chemical safety and client protection. It is a large part of most written exams.
• Hair services: haircutting, styling, hair coloring, chemical texture services and the science behind them.
• Skin and nail basics: facials, hair removal, manicuring and pedicuring within a cosmetologist’s scope.
• Science foundations: anatomy and physiology, the skin and hair, and basic chemistry and electricity.
• State laws and rules: some states add questions, or a separate exam, on their own regulations.

The practical exam, where required, has you perform timed services on a mannequin while an examiner scores your technique and your infection control. To see how ready you are for the written exam, take a free cosmetology practice test with explanations for every answer.

How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license?

Between 1,000 and 2,000 hours of approved training, depending on the state; the median across the 51 jurisdictions we track is 1,500 hours. California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia require 1,000 hours, while Montana, West Virginia and Wyoming require 2,000. The table above lists every state.

How long does it take to get a cosmetology license?

Most of the time goes into training. At a full-time pace of about 35 to 40 hours a week, 1,000 hours takes about six months and 1,500 hours roughly nine to ten months; part-time programs take longer. Add a few weeks for exam scheduling and application processing.

Can you get a cosmetology license online?

Not entirely. Some states allow part of the theory instruction online, but the hands-on hours must be completed in person at a licensed school or an approved apprenticeship, and practical exams are taken in person.

Do all states require a practical exam?

No. Every jurisdiction we track requires a written exam, and 39 of 51 also require a hands-on practical exam. In our data, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska and Pennsylvania require the written exam only.

Is an esthetician license the same as a cosmetology license?

No. An esthetician license covers skin care and usually needs fewer training hours; a cosmetology license is broader and usually includes hair, skin and nail services. Compare the esthetician license requirements by state.