COSMETOLOGY LAWS & LICENSES

Once I finish a program will I immediately get my license?

Upon completion of your beauty school program, most states require you to take a state board examination in order to obtain your working cosmetology license. Many beauty and cosmetology schools help students prepare for these examinations. While this is useful, make sure that the school's overall curriculum is focused on providing a good, thorough cosmetology education and not simply teaching students how to "pass the examination." There are also numerous resources available to help prepare graduating beauty students pass the state licensing exams including online study guides and practice tests.

Where can I find information about the individual requirements for each school and state?

Learn what it takes to get licensed as a cosmetologist, beautician, esthetician, nail technician, or other beauty professional! Beauty licensing laws and requirements vary by state, as do reciprocity and transfer regulations.

This information can be found from several sources. Start by viewing our state-by-state license requirements. You can also look through our featured schools section and where you can quickly and easily request information directly from the schools listed. If you have very specific questions be sure to include them in the box at the bottom of each "Request Info" form. Another source would be to directly contact the licensing board for the state you are considering attending school in.

The information you find listed within each state is the latest data that Beauty Schools Directory has on file for each state board of cosmetology's licensing requirements. Hours and minimum requirements are subject to change. Please contact the appropriate state board licensing agencies if you have any questions regarding cosmetology laws and licensing.

What is reciprocity?

Reciprocity is the ability to transfer training hour credits or beauty industry experience if you attend beauty or cosmetology school in one state and then wish to work in a different state. Depending on the state and school, you are often required to take additional courses and tests in order to be legally licensed to work in a state other than the state where you attended school. Always check with the administration or admissions representatives at your beauty school for information about transferring training hours from one school to another, especially when changing states. Often to transfer your cosmetology license from one state to another, you will need a record of your completed training hours from your beauty school or state cosmetology licensing board.

Where can I find additional information about the state examinations?

Most states require written and practical exams of students after graduating from beauty school. Nearly all states have their own boards of cosmetology. Contact the state boards of cosmetology directly to inquire about the state board examinations dates, times and details. Most beauty colleges will also have useful information about the examinations available to students who are near graduation.

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