1. What are the requirements to take the Vermont cosmetology exam?
To take the Vermont cosmetology exam, you must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete either 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or 2,000 apprenticeship hours, and be approved by the Vermont Board before scheduling your exams.
Who sets the rules
The Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, under the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), oversees eligibility and exam approvals.
Education and age
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Training options
Complete 1,500 hours in a state-approved cosmetology school, or
Complete 2,000 supervised apprenticeship hours registered with the Board.
Board approval
Before you can schedule exams, you must submit your application and training verification to the Vermont Board and be approved to test.
Exams required
Once approved, you’ll take both a written and a practical cosmetology exam administered by the state’s testing vendor.
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2. How do I get a cosmetology license in Vermont?
To get a Vermont cosmetology license, complete the required 1,500 training hours, pass both the written and practical exams approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), and then submit your licensure application and fees to the Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
1. Complete required training
Finish 1,500 hours in a state-approved cosmetology school or 2,000 apprenticeship hours registered with the Vermont Board.
2. Pass required exams
After approval by the Board, pass both the written and practical cosmetology exams administered by the state’s testing vendor, Prov, Inc. (contracted by Vermont OPR).
The Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists reviews your submission. Once approved, your cosmetology license is issued.
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3. How long is cosmetology school in Vermont?
Cosmetology school in Vermont requires 1,500 training hours. Full-time students usually finish in 9–12 months, while part-time schedules typically take 12–18 months. Vermont also allows a 2,000-hour apprenticeship, which often takes about 12–18 months to complete.
How long does it take (school route):
Full-time (35–40 hours/week): about 9–12 months
Part-time (20–25 hours/week): about 12–18 months
Actual timelines depend on your school schedule and attendance.
Apprenticeship option:
Instead of school, Vermont allows a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship under board supervision. Most apprentices complete this in 12–18 months, depending on weekly hours worked.
4. What topics are covered on the Vermont Board of Cosmetology exam?
The Vermont board of cosmetology exam tests both written knowledge and practical skills in safety and sanitation, hair care and styling, chemical services, skin basics, nail care, and Vermont cosmetology laws and rules. It follows the NIC content standards used nationwide.
Below is an approximate breakdown of core cosmetology exam topics based on the NIC Cosmetology content outline (used by Vermont’s board exams):
Here’s the minute-by-minute breakdown of the practical exam:
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5. What is the minimum passing score for the Vermont cosmetology exam?
Vermont requires you to pass both the written and practical cosmetology exams to earn your license. While the state board does not publish an official percentage, most NIC-based cosmetology exams require a minimum passing score of about 75% on each portion.
How scoring works:
Written exam: Scored as the percentage of questions answered correctly.
Practical exam: Points are earned based on proper technique and safety during hands-on tasks.
You must pass both parts independently.
Why 75%?
NIC examinations are designed to test minimum competency in core cosmetology skills. Boards set the passing score to ensure public safety and professional standards.
In states with NIC exams, both written and practical sections typically require you to achieve at least 75% correct to pass (varies slightly by jurisdiction).
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6. How do I transfer my cosmetology license to Vermont?
You can transfer a license through reciprocity, but requirements depend on your training hours and state of origin.
When Reciprocity Works
If your state’s requirements are equal to or greater than Vermont’s 1,500 hours, your license can often be transferred directly.
When Extra Hours Are Needed
If your original state requires fewer hours, Vermont may ask you to complete additional schooling or take the full Vermont exam.
7. Is Vermont a good place to start a cosmetology career?
Yes, Vermont’s beauty industry is growing steadily, with strong demand in both urban and rural areas.
Job Opportunities
Cosmetologists are in demand across salons, spas, resorts, and even medical aesthetics. Burlington and tourist-heavy towns (like Stowe) offer the most openings.
Earnings
Lower range: about $24,500 a year
Average: about $29,500 a year (around $14 an hour)
Yes, you must hold a nail technician license to perform nail services professionally in Vermont.
What Counts as Nail Services?
Manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, acrylics, gels, and wraps all require a license. Offering these without one can lead to fines.
Exceptions
You can practice on yourself.
You can do friends’ or family’s nails for free.
You can make and sell press-on nails as products, but you can’t apply them as a paid service.
Why Licensing Matters
The state emphasizes sanitation, infection control, and client safety. Without proper training, clients face risks like fungal infections or injuries.
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10. How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Vermont?
The Vermont cosmetology written (theory) exam typically includes 110 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in about 90 minutes. The practical exam does not have questions; instead, you are evaluated on performing the required cosmetology tasks.
Written (Theory) Exam
Exam Detail
Information
Total questions
110 multiple-choice questions
Scored questions
About 100 questions count toward your score
Exam time
90 minutes
Format
Computer-based test
The written exam measures knowledge in areas such as scientific concepts, hair services, skin care, and nail services.
Practical (Skills) Exam
The practical exam does not use a set number of questions. Instead, candidates perform a series of timed cosmetology services while examiners evaluate technique, sanitation, and safety.
Typical evaluated sections include:
Practical Section
What is evaluated
Workstation & client preparation
Set up and sanitation procedures
Hair cutting & styling
Technical haircutting and styling
Chemical services
Color or texture service procedures
Finishing & safety tasks
Proper technique and infection control
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Now, ready to test yourself?
Try these sample questions and see how exam-ready you really are.
Vermont Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Test
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Bonus Tips on Vermont Cosmetology License Rules
Vermont Cosmetology License Renewal
Vermont cosmetology licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
Renewal is handled through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).
Renewal fee (cosmetologist): $120.
Licenses typically expire on a biennial renewal cycle set by the state.
When renewals open: About 6 weeks before expiration.
If you miss the renewal deadline, your license may become expired, meaning you cannot legally practice until it is reinstated.
Late renewals may require additional fees or reinstatement steps, depending on how long the license has been inactive.
Continuing Education Requirements
For cosmetologist licenses, Vermont’s renewal instructions do not list a CE requirement.
CE is required for instructors only: Instructors must upload proof of 24 hours of Vermont-approved continuing education to renew.
Vermont Endorsement (Transferring Your License Into Vermont)
If you’re licensed in another state, Vermont typically allows you to apply through licensure by endorsement (not automatic “reciprocity”).
You’ll usually need:
Active license in good standing
Official license verification from your current state board
Proof that your training/exam is comparable to Vermont standards (Vermont’s school route is 1,500 hours)
If you plan to move out of Vermont and work elsewhere, most states will require:
Verification of your Vermont cosmetology license
Proof of completed education hours
Proof of exam passage
A new application and state-specific licensing fees
Because each state sets its own cosmetology licensing rules, always check the official website of the state board where you plan to move before applying.
Moving Out of Vermont
Most states will ask for:
Vermont license verification
Proof of education hours + exam passage
A new application and fees based on that state’s rules
Extra Details People Miss (But Matter)
Initial license “90-day policy”: If your first license is issued close to the renewal date, Vermont may extend it through the next full cycle (check the expiration printed on your license).
Keep your email current: renewal reminders go to the email on file; update it in the online system, and check spam.
Need help with renewal: Vermont’s renewal instructions list the renewal clerk contact: sos.renewalclerk@vermont.gov
