Arizona Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Arizona Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Arizona, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology. When getting an Arizona cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Arizona's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issue by the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Arizona cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Arizona. Keep in mind, even though Arizona may not require continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Arizona annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the AZ Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. Arizona does not allow apprenticeship to get your training hours and get licensed. Arizona uses PSI to administer their cosmetology board exams, and only offers them in English.

Find Arizona beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other programs in the State of Arizona.

Arizona Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1600 Hours
• BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours (Call Board of Barbering)
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 500 Hours (Call Board of Radiology ARRA)
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License for 1 Year + 650 Hours
• ESTHETICIAN INSTRUCTOR LICENSE:  Esthetician License for 1 Year + 500 Hours
• NAIL TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Nail Technician License for 1 Year + 350 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 700 Hours

Prospective instructors could also challenge the board and show 5 years proof of licensed work experience in past 10 years and take exams to get licensed as instructors.

Arizona Cosmetology License Renewal

Arizona licensees must renew their licenses annually, every year before the licensee's birthday. Beauty licenses cost $30 to renew. Arizona does not currently require licensees to complete continuing education hours to renew your license, though CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Arizona

In you come from another state, licensure in Arizona may be accomplished through their license-for-license reciprocity program or by taking an Arizona board exam. This requires an application for reciprocity and an explanation of licensure requirements. According the Arizona Board of Cosmetology, notwithstanding sections 32-510, 32-511 and 32-512, a person is entitled to receive a cosmetologist, aesthetician or nail technician license if:

1. You submit an application to the board for cosmetologist, esthetician or nail tech license.
2. You submit evidence that you are licensed in another state or country, OR you graduated from a school that offers cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology courses substantially similar to Arizona's requirements and that you passed the board-approved cosmetology exams.
3. You pay the required fees.

Arizona Board of Cosmetology
1721 East Broadway
Tempe, AZ 85282-1611
Phone Number: 480-784-4539
Fax Number: 480-784-4962
E-mail Address: azboard@azboc.gov

The Arizona Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating a change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining an Arizona cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• New Mexico
• Utah
• Nevada
• California
• Hawaii