Maine License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
The field of cosmetology has strict licensing requirements that are unique to each state. If you want to become a licensed cosmetology professional in Maine, you must either meet the licensure requirements of the state through endorsement or through examination. If you do not have a license in another state, you can check out the minimum training requirements below.
Once you have completed the training part of your education, you must register for the written exam and the skills exam, both of which are administered by the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Maine cosmetology license shortly thereafter.
Though the majority of cosmetology licenses in Maine do not require any continuing education hours as a condition of licensure, you’ll find that continuing education is one of the best ways to keep your skills in this field up-to-date. For specific questions regarding licensure or examination, please contact the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation directly for more information.
Use our list of Maine beauty schools to find programs in different specialty areas and discover which training program is right for you.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
2017 Maine Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours / 2500 Hours Apprenticeship
- BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours / 2500 Hours Apprenticeship
- LIMITED BARBER LICENSE: 800 Hours / 1600 Hours Apprenticeship
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours / 1000 Hours Apprenticeship
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 200 Hours / 400 Hours Apprenticeship
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License & Work Experience + 1000 Hours
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours
Maine Cosmetology License Renewal
Maine requires you to renew your license every year in October. The cost to renew your license is $20. Only cosmetology instructors are required to take continuing education hours to renew their licenses, for a total of 14 CEU hours each year. Even if you have a different type of license, you should plan on completing continuing education hours as part of growing in your career. Many employers require employees of all specialties to complete a certain amount of continuing education hours each year.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Maine
Maine offers licensure by endorsement if the licensee's home state has similar training hour requirements and board exams. If the two states do not have similar licensing requirements, the transfer applicant may be required to take Maine's board exams. You may be able to bypass the examination process by providing proof of full-time work experience as a licensed cosmetology professional in your home state. This form is part of the endorsement paperwork.
ME State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering & Cosmetology Program
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone Number: 207-624-8579
Fax Number: 207-624-8637
E-mail Address: barbercosm.lic@maine.gov
The Maine 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 Maine state cosmetology license.