Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology License Information

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology License Information
In order to obtain a Pennsylvania cosmetology license from the Pennsylvania (PA) State Board of Cosmetology in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology or cosmetology teaching, students must complete the requirements listed below. When getting a Pennsylvania cosmetology license, you should have completed your coursework at a Pennsylvania cosmetology school. As stated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology, to get a PA cosmetology license, one must have attended a Pennsylvania cosmetology school or when transferring into the state, the PA Board of Cosmetology requires you to have certified hours that meet their guidelines. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issue by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. Once passing you will receive your Pennsylvania cosmetology license. You're now able to work as a cosmetologist or beauty professional in the state of Pennsylvania. Though continuing education hours are not currently required to renew your license, it is advisable to pursue continuing education credits to stay knowledgeable about current trends, styles and safety/sanitation standards. Please contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology for more information.

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST: 1250 hours
• BARBER: 1250 hours
• ESTHETICIAN: 300 hours 
• NAIL TECHNICIAN: 200 hours 
• INSTRUCTOR: 500 hours

The Pennsylvania (PA) State 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.

Pennsylvania Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer License)

Pennsylvania requires a Licensure by Reciprocity application. You must have a current (not expired, not inactive) license in a state with which Pennsylvania has an understanding of reciprocity for your specific licensure classification. Pennsylvania has cosmetology license reciprocity with all states except CT, CO, FL, HI, NJ, NM, RI, UT. For listings of the other licensure reciprocity states for nail technicians, estheticians and natural hair braiders visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology website. 

Pennsylvania Cosmetology License Renewal

The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology does not require continuing education hours to renew your license at this time. License renewals for some professions can be completed and paid for online. The board mails renewal notices 3 months prior to the expiration date to the most recent address the licensee has reported to the Board.

PA State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105
717-783-7130 (phone)

The Pennsylvania 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.

Last Updated: January 24, 2012 

Find Pennsylvania beauty schools that can help you obtain a Pennsylvania cosmetology license in cosmetology, nail technology, and other programs.

Nearby States Board of Cosmetology Information

New York State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Delaware State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Maryland State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements