Nail Care Services
- Client Consultation, Analysis, and Documentation
Evaluating nail condition; contraindications; preliminary tests like predisposition and strand tests; services and products based on client needs; client records
- Nail Care Tools
Need some help with vocabulary? Check out our Beauty and Barber School Glossary of Terms!
Beginning in July 2026, Vermont cosmetology schools must teach students about how to care for and style "textured hair." This training should include historical and cultural competency training to help cosmetologists understand the importance of textured hair across different communities. While the cosmetology curriculum must include textured hair coursework, you don't need to have a license if you only want to braid hair.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist in Vermont Via an Apprenticeship?
Yes, you can become a cosmetologist in Vermont by completing a 1500-hour apprenticeship. The apprenticeship must be completed within two years and under an acceptable supervisor. Make sure to keep your apprenticeship log up to date so it can be inspected immediately by an authorized inspector. You cannot spend more than 10% of your hours on clerical, reception, or cleaning work, as verified by the number of hours spent.
Be sure to choose a supervisor who can prepare you for the theory and practical aspects of the cosmetology exams.
At the end of the apprenticeship, the Office will determine whether you're eligible for your license.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Vermont
In addition to completing a cosmetology program or apprenticeship and passing your exams, you need to have a high school diploma (or the equivalent) to become a cosmetologist in Vermont.
Vermont Cosmetology License Exams
Vermont requires passing scores on National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) tests. The practical (hands-on) and theory (written) cosmetology licensure exams are administered by Prov. When you're ready to take your tests, you register online, pay your exam fees ($95 for theory, $130 for practical), and schedule your tests.
Both tests cover things you learned in your cosmetology program, so you should be able to use your existing textbooks and notes to study.
You can take your cosmetology theory exam in person or remotely. It includes 110 questions, 100 of which are scored. The questions are separated into the following categories:
- Scientific Concepts: 35%
- Hair Care and Services: 45%
- Skin Care and Services: 10%
- Nail Care and Services: 10%
Your practical exam can only be taken remotely. Its topics break down as follows:
- Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set
Up of Supplies:15 minutes
- Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
- Hair Cutting : 35 minutes
- Work Area and New Client Preparation, and
Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
- Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
- Predisposition Test and Strand Test with
Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application
with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
- Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
- Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
- Basic Facial: 20 minutes
- Manicure and Polish Application: 20 minutes
- Sculpted Nail: 20 minutes
When you take your remote theory or practical test, you need a MAC, PC, or Chromebook—no iPads allowed—and a strong, stable internet connection. You must access the exams via Chrome (preferred) or Firefox and have a recent OS, a webcam, and a microphone.
The test needs to occur in a quiet location that isn't accessible to anyone else, but the specific location doesn't matter; it could even be in your own home! You'll take your tests using Examroom.ai, a remote proctoring tool. A real person will be watching you take your tests, and you must be ready to verify your identity and have your picture taken.
If you don't have the correct technology, are interrupted, or are otherwise unprepared for either remote test, you will have to reschedule and pay the exam fee again.
For the practical test, you need to provide your own mannequin head, cold thermal curling iron, and other standard kit supplies. (Prov suggests having the mannequin's hair pre-curled).
You may choose to take your theory test at a testing site. There are two locations available: Vermont State University in Lyndonville and The Tutorial Center in Manchester Center.
If you have a disability that allows you to get ADA accommodations, you need to submit ADA forms and get written documentation from a physician or psychologist regarding your needs. However, accommodations are not available based on your English reading and writing skills.
Vermont Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Vermont doesn't have direct reciprocity with any other state, but it does offer two endorsement options:
- Fast-track endorsement option. To qualify for fast-track endorsement, you must have had an active license and have worked as a cosmetologist in another location for the previous three years.
- Endorsement. If you don't qualify for fast-track endorsement, you may still be able to avoid taking a Vermont cosmetology exam if your current license is in good standing and your training was either more or less the same as Vermont's, or, if less intensive, you have worked for at least 1500 hours over at least one year.
Both options require a nonrefundable application fee.
Cosmetology Specialties in Vermont
If you love all things beauty or want to be able to offer a variety of services, a cosmetology career is the way to go. However, if there's a specific area you want to focus on, you might want to consider a more specialized beauty career. Vermont requires licenses for some narrow areas, but not for all. A few popular cosmetology specialties in Vermont are:
- Esthetics: 500 hours
- Nail Technology: 200 hours
- Hair Braiding: No license required
- Lash and Brow Beautification:No license required
- Waxing: No license required
Many niches, like makeup artistry, require an esthetician or cosmetology license in Vermont.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Vermont
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
You need to renew your Vermont cosmetology license by November 30 of every odd-numbered year. The renewal window opens six weeks beforehand, and you submit your application and $155 fee online.
If you earn your initial license 90 or fewer days before a renewal date, you don't have to worry about renewing until the next odd-numbered year. However, if you earn your license 91 or more days before November 30 of an odd-numbered year, you need to apply for renewal and pay the corresponding fee.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Vermont
$49,540
Median Cosmetology Salary in Vermont
