To pass your state board licensing exam and become a practicing cosmetologist, esthetician, nail tech or barber, the first step is to complete the number of hours required by your state’s State Board.
The normal route is to complete the required number of hours in beauty school, which would be split between classroom instruction and practical experience. Alternatively, some states will allow you to take an apprenticeship instead – which will be cheaper, but take longer because the required number of hours is almost always higher.
After completing your hours, you can register for your state board exams – then once you pass, you’re ready to be issued your license and start your new career!
(Not sure if you’re ready to take your exam? We offer free practice tests for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs and barbers – with questions taken directly from the state board exam.)
Pick your state from the list below to see how many hours you’ll need to complete before you’re eligible for your state board license!
States Cosmetology School Hours Requirements and Reciprocity
Alabama
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 750 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Alabama offers licensing reciprocity for current out-of-state licensees who meet specific requirements and may require exams if licensed for less than five years.
Alaska
Cosmetologists: 1650 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 350 hours (school or apprenticeship)
Nail technicians: 120 school hours
Barbers: 1650 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license, 1 year full-time + 1500 school hours, or 2 years full-time employment.
Arizona
Cosmetologists: 1600 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: At least 1 year of practice in current state of licensure within the five years prior to application
Arkansas
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a valid cosmetology license, have certification of licensure and training, and pass a state law exam.
California
Cosmetologists: 1600 school hours, or 3200 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 3200 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Hold a cosmetology license in good standing and be licensed 3 of the last 5 years.
Colorado
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Submit an application for licensure by endorsement. Hold a valid license from home state with equivalent requirements.
Connecticut
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: No license required
Nail technicians: No license required
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a valid license from a state with equivalent requirements and pass a written exam.
Delaware
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours, or 600 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Must be licensed in a state with equal requirements. OR Submit a notarized statement from an employer certifying that you have been working for at least 5 years.
District of Columbia
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Washington D.C. offers reciprocity for cosmetologists from states with equivalent or greater training requirements. Work experience may also be considered by the D.C. Board of Cosmetology to fulfill licensing requirements.
Florida
Cosmetologists: 1200 school hours
Estheticians: 260 school hours
Nail technicians: 240 school hours
Barbers: 1200 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold an active license in another state with equal requirements. Otherwise, must complete additional training hours to qualify for endorsement.
Georgia
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 1000 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 525 school hours, or 2050 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Must be licensed in a state or country that has similar requirements.
Hawaii
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours, or 3600 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours, or 700 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 1500 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Completed similar or equivalent education requirements. May be required to take written and practical exams in addition to previous state licensure.
Idaho
Cosmetologists: 2000 school hours, or 4000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours, or 800 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 900 school hours
Reciprocity: No reciprocity program. Must have had an active license for 3 of the last 5 years. Proof of having taken practical and written exam. Meet Idaho training requirements. Qualify for endorsement.
Illinois
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Submit an application for licensure by endorsement. Provide certification of licensure from current state board.
Indiana
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 700 school hours
Nail technicians: 450 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Must be licensed in a state that requires 1500 training hours. At least 70% passing on written and practical exams.
Iowa
Cosmetologists: 2100 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 325 school hours
Reciprocity: Transfer through endorsement. Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements for 12 of the last 24 months.
Kansas
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 1000 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Must be licensed in a state with similar or equivalent requirements. Must pass an open book exam.
Kentucky
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Must have a certification of license from state board that issued the license. May be required to take exams.
Louisiana
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 500 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Applicants in WI, VT, TX, TN, NY, NY, MN, MI, MA, MD, KS, HI, FL, CT and CO must take exams (NIC, state theory, practical).
Maine
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 2500 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 1000 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 2500 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements. If requirements differ, must pass state exams.
Maryland
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 24 month apprenticeship
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 12 month apprenticeship
Nail technicians: 250 school hours, or 8 month apprenticeship
Barbers: 1200 school hours, or 2250 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Hold a valid license in another state with similar requirements. Provide certification that license is current and in good standing.
Massachusetts
Cosmetologists: 1000 school hours
Estheticians: 300 school hours
Nail technicians: 100 school hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours
Reciprocity: Must pass the state’s written and practical board exams.
Michigan
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 2 years apprenticeship
Estheticians: 400 school hours, or 6 months apprenticeship
Nail technicians: 400 school hours, or 6 months apprenticeship
Barbers: 2000 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a valid license in another state with similar or greater requirements.
Minnesota
Cosmetologists: 1550 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Verification of current licensure, high school diploma, completion of exams and an application for reciprocity.
Mississippi
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Submit an application and an affidavit/ certification of training that meets Mississippi’s reciprocity requirements. Appear for an application eligibility interview.
Missouri
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license in a state with substantially similar or superior requirements. Practiced cosmetology for 2 consecutive years in another state.
Montana
Cosmetologists: 2000 school hours
Estheticians: 650 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a license in a state with comparable training and testing requirements. May be required to take additional training hours plus national exams.
Nebraska
Cosmetologists: 2100 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours
Barbers: 1800 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license in another jurisdiction issued on the basis of a written and practical examination, in addition, must complete the same number of hours.
Nevada
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours
Estheticians: 900 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Must have a current license (in good standing) in another state. Must have passed a NIC written exam in state of licensure, or take the exam in Nevada.
New Hampshire
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours, or 600 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 800 school hours, or 1600 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Must have completed 1500 training hours in home state. Pass a hands-on practical exam and a national written exam in English.
New Jersey
Cosmetologists: 1200 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours
Barbers: 900 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license in another state with satisfactory requirements. Otherwise, must submit an “out-of-state” application and required documentation, and pass exams.
New Mexico
Cosmetologists: 1600 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1200 school hours
Reciprocity: Provide verification of licensure in another state with similar or superior requirements. May substitute 150 credit hours for each 6 full months of licensed experience.
New York
Cosmetologists: 1000 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 250 school hours
Barbers: 2 years apprenticeship
Reciprocity: Must be currently licensed from a state on NY’s reciprocity list. In some instances, must have 1+ years of licensure in order to qualify.
North Carolina
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours
Barbers: 1528 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license in good standing, meaning no disciplinary actions. Licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina.
North Dakota
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Provide a letter of certification from current state board and a copy of the state’s licensing requirements. Must take the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam.
Ohio
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 200 school hours
Barbers: 1800 school hours
Reciprocity: Does not offer reciprocity. Must take and pass Ohio’s practical, theoretical and manager exams.
Oklahoma
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license in a state with equal or higher requirements. At least 3 years of recent, licensed work experience. May be required to take exams.
Oregon
Cosmetologists: 1450 school hours
Estheticians: 250 school hours
Nail technicians: 350 school hours
Barbers: 1100 school hours
Reciprocity: Submit an affidavit of licensure and a qualifying application. Pass the written exam, which includes the Oregon Laws & Rules exam.
Pennsylvania
Cosmetologists: 1250 school hours
Estheticians: 300 school hours
Nail technicians: 200 school hours
Barbers: 1250 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license. Have 2 years of working experience from the original licensure dates.
Rhode Island
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 2 year apprenticeship
Reciprocity: Hold a license in another state with equivalent educational requirements (work experience may be considered). Pass licensing exams.
South Carolina
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 12 month apprenticeship
Reciprocity: Hold a current license, which is in good standing, in another state. Must have passed a nationally recognized exam.
South Dakota
Cosmetologists: 2100 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a current license from a state with equal or greater requirements. Work experience may be considered (2 work hrs = 1 school hr). Pass SD laws and rules exam.
Tennessee
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Provide proof of a current license from another state with equal requirements. May substitute with proof of 5 years of work experience.
Texas
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 750 school hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours
Reciprocity: Licensed in a state with substantially equivalent requirements. In some cases, work experience may be credited.
Utah
Cosmetologists: 2000 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours, or 1250 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Submit verification of current license. Must meet educational or experience requirements and exam requirements.
Vermont
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours, or 900 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours
Reciprocity: Hold a license in a state whose requirements are equal or superior to Vermont’s. Pass a state law exam.
Virginia
Cosmetologists: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 150 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1500 school hours, or 3000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Have a current license in a state with substantially similar training requirements. Submit application for endorsement and proof of licensure.
Washington
Cosmetologists: 1600 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours, or 800 apprenticeship hours
Nail technicians: 600 school hours, or 800 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours, or 1200 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Have a current license in good standing in another state. If licensed in another country, must pass state exams.
West Virginia
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1800 school hours
Reciprocity: If licensed in a NIC state, must pass state law exam. If licensed in a non-NIC state, submit an application for review.
Wisconsin
Cosmetologists: 1800 school hours, or 4000 apprenticeship hours
Estheticians: 450 school hours
Nail technicians: 300 school hours, or 300 apprenticeship hours
Barbers: 1800 school hours, or 2000 apprenticeship hours
Reciprocity: Currently licensed in another state. Completed at least 2,000 hours of licensed practice.
Wyoming
Cosmetologists: 2000 school hours
Estheticians: 600 school hours
Nail technicians: 400 school hours
Barbers: 1000 school hours
Reciprocity: Currently licensed in a state with equal requirements. Must have graduated from a state-recognized school and taken board-administered exams.
Gеtting Cosmеtology Crеdеntials
Dеspitе thе many hours, gеtting cеrtifiеd for cosmеtology can bе vеry fulfilling. Good nеws to, thosе who may bе moving, many statеs offеr rеciprocity, еnabling thе transfеr of your licеnsе with proof of еquivalеnt training and еxpеriеncе.
Embark on your journеy with confidеncе, knowing thе pathway to licеnsurе is clеar. And rеmеmbеr, if you nееd practicе or support, thеrе arе rеsourcеs availablе to hеlp you succееd in your еxams and bеyond.
Your nеw carееr in thе bеauty industry awaits!
Quеstions on Cosmetology School Hours
What arе thе common prеrеquisitеs for еnrolling in a cosmеtology program?
Typically, you must bе at lеast 16 or 17 yеars old and havе a high school diploma or еquivalеnt (such as a GED). Spеcific rеquirеmеnts may vary by statе.
How do apprеnticеship hours comparе to school hours for cosmеtology training?
Somе statеs allow apprеnticеship hours as an altеrnativе to school hours. Thе numbеr of apprеnticеship hours rеquirеd is usually highеr than school hours.
What еxams arе rеquirеd to obtain a cosmеtology licеnsе?
Most statеs rеquirе both writtеn and practical еxams to obtain a cosmеtology licеnsе. Thеsе еxams tеst your knowlеdgе of cosmеtology thеory and practical skills.
Do cosmеtology licеnsеs nееd to bе rеnеwеd?
Yеs, cosmеtology licеnsеs nееd to bе rеnеwеd pеriodically. Thе rеnеwal pеriod and rеquirеmеnts (such as continuing еducation) vary by statе. For еxamplе, in Alabama, licеnsеs arе rеnеwеd еvеry 2 odd-numbеrеd yеars during your birth month.
Can I transfеr my cosmеtology licеnsе to anothеr statе?
Many statеs offеr rеciprocity, allowing you to transfеr your licеnsе if you mееt cеrtain conditions. This oftеn involvеs proving that you havе еquivalеnt training and passing statе-spеcific еxams.
Can you apprеnticе cosmеtology school in Wеst Virginia?
Yеs, you can apprеnticе for cosmеtology school in Wеst Virginia. Thе Wеst Virginia Board of Barbеrs and Cosmеtologists proposеd rulеs to establish cosmеtology apprеnticеship program rеquirеmеnts. This program allows individuals to gain rеal-world, hands-on еxpеriеncе undеr thе guidancе of a licеnsеd cosmеtologist, providing an altеrnativе pathway to traditional bеauty school. Apprеnticеs must complеtе 3,600 clock hours of training or a combination of 2,600 clock hours from a providеr and 1,000 clock hours at an approvеd school of cosmеtology.
Do cosmеtology licеnsеs nееd to bе rеnеwеd in Texas?
Yеs, cosmеtology licеnsеs in Tеxas nееd to bе rеnеwеd еvеry two yеars by thе datе of original licеnsurе. You arе also rеquirеd to complеtе 4 CEU hours through dеpartmеnt-approvеd coursеs.