Kentucky License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
To ensure that customers have access to the best, most highly-trained beauty professionals, the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists requires that all aspiring cosmetologists complete an extensive training and testing process. As you prepare for your new career, you must choose a Board-approved school whose training programs meet the minimum requirements listed below.
After verifying that you meet the minimum licensure requirements of the state, the Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists administers a rigorous skills exam and written exam. Your license is administered to you after you have successfully passed both of these exams. Kentucky offers the cosmetology board exams in English only. The state of Kentucky is one that allows you to meet your training requirements through apprenticeship hours. You can apply to work as an apprentice after completing your 1800 hours of cosmetology training.
Though continuing education is not typically required in Kentucky, it is highly recommended for all beauty professionals who want to stay up-to-date on changes in the field. For specific questions, please contact the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists directly for more information.
Find Kentucky beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions!
2017 Kentucky Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1800 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 1000 Hours
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: 1000 Hours + Cosmetology License
- COSMETOLOGY/ESTHETICS INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology Instructor License + 8 Hours of Esthetics Continuing Education or 50 Hours of Esthetics Training in the Last 2 Years
Kentucky Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology licenses in Kentucky must be renewed every year between July 1 and July 31. Apprentice cosmetologists, cosmetologists, and nail technicians must pay a renewal fee of $20. Renewal fees range from $25 to $110 for other professions. Currently, no continuing education hours are required to renew your cosmetology license in Kentucky, but CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry. It is extremely important to renew no later than July 31, otherwise you must have your license restored. This process comes with fees ranging from $75 to $220.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Kentucky
If you have a license or prior cosmetology training in another state, you may qualify for licensure in Kentucky. You must have the initial licensing board in your home state submit proof of your licensure or completed education hours to the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. If you have not met the minimum training hour requirements of Kentucky, you will be required to complete your training in Kentucky before taking your exams and applying for your license. However, if you have been licensed for at least two years in your home state, you can take the exams without completing additional training in Kentucky.
KY State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
111 St. James Court, Suite A
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone Number: 502-564-4262
Fax Number: 502-564-0481
E-mail Address: Website Contact Form
The Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating 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 a Kentucky state cosmetology license.