If you’re interested in a career in cosmetology, you may be wondering how to obtain a license without going to school. While it’s true that most states require you to attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a cosmetology license, there are some alternative paths that you can take.
In this article, we’ll explore how to get a cosmetology license without school in each state of the USA.
Understanding the Requirements
Before we dive into the specific requirements for each state, it’s important to understand the basic requirements for obtaining a cosmetology license. Generally, you will need to complete a certain number of training hours and pass a licensing exam in order to become licensed.
While each state sets its own requirements for licensing, most require a minimum of 1,000 training hours. These training hours typically cover a variety of topics, such as hair styling, makeup application, nail care, and esthetics. Once you have completed your training hours, you will need to pass a licensing exam in order to obtain your cosmetology license.
Alternative Paths to Obtaining a Cosmetology License
While attending a licensed cosmetology school is the most common way to obtain a cosmetology license, there are some alternative paths that you can take. Here are some of the most common:
Apprenticeship Programs
Many states offer apprenticeship programs for aspiring cosmetologists. These programs allow you to learn on the job under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. You will typically need to complete a certain number of training hours and pass a licensing exam in order to obtain your license.
Instructor Training
If you already have a cosmetology license, you may be eligible to become an instructor at a licensed cosmetology school. In order to do so, you will typically need to complete a certain number of instructor training hours and pass an instructor licensing exam.
Military Training
If you have served in the military and have experience in cosmetology, you may be eligible to obtain a cosmetology license without completing additional training. Each state sets its own requirements for military training, so be sure to check with your state licensing board for more information.
Out-of-State Licenses
If you hold a cosmetology license in another state, you may be able to obtain a license in your current state without completing additional training. Each state sets its own requirements for out-of-state license holders, so be sure to check with your state licensing board for more information.
State-Specific Requirements
Now that you have a basic understanding of the alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license, let’s take a closer look at the requirements for each state:
Alabama
Alabama does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Alaska
In Alaska, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Arizona
In Arizona, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Arkansas
Arkansas does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
California
In California, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Colorado
In Colorado, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Delaware
Delaware does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Florida
In Florida, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Georgia
In Georgia, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Idaho
In Idaho, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Illinois
In Illinois, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Indiana
In Indiana, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Iowa
In Iowa, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Kansas
Kansas does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Maine
Maine does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Maryland
Maryland does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Michigan
In Michigan, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Mississippi
Mississippi does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Missouri
In Missouri, you can obtain a cosmetology license through an apprenticeship program or by completing a certain number of training hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Montana
Montana does not offer any alternative paths to obtaining a cosmetology license. You must attend a licensed cosmetology school in order to be eligible for a license.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, you can become a licensed cosmetologist through apprenticeship by completing 4,000 hours of on-the-job training. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, you can become a licensed cosmetologist through an apprenticeship program or by completing 1,600 hours of training at a state-approved school. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
New York
In New York, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,000 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,800 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Ohio
In Ohio, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Oregon
In Oregon, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 2,300 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,250 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 2,100 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Texas
In Texas, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Utah
In Utah, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 2,000 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Vermont
In Vermont, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Virginia
In Virginia, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Washington
In Washington, you can get a cosmetology license without attending school if you have completed an apprenticeship program of at least 2,000 hours or if you have obtained a license in another state that has equivalent or higher requirements. You will also need to pass the Washington state board exams.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,800 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 1,550 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, you can become a licensed cosmetologist by completing 2,000 hours of training at a state-approved school or by completing an apprenticeship program. You’ll also need to pass the written and practical exams to obtain your license.
Utah
In Utah, you can get a cosmetology license without attending school if you have completed an apprenticeship program of at least 2,000 hours or if you have obtained a license in another state that has equivalent or higher requirements. You will also need to pass the Utah state board exams.
Conclusion
While attending a traditional cosmetology school may be the most straightforward path to obtaining a cosmetology license, there are alternative paths that can be taken. Apprenticeship programs, online courses, and private cosmetology schools are all viable options for those who are unable or unwilling to attend a traditional school.
In order to make sure you are meeting all requirements to become a licensed cosmetologist, it is crucial to carefully research the standards and regulations in your state, regardless of the route you take. Don’t forget to practice for your theoretical exam as well.
