Maryland License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
Before you can get started as a cosmetologist, barber, or other beauty specialist in Maryland, you have to meet the extensive list of requirements created by the Mayland Board of Cosmetologists. Listed below are the training hour requirements for each cosmetology specialty in Maryland.
You can move on to the next step of the process once you have completed the required training for your chosen specialty. This involves passing a written exam and a practical exam, both of which you must pass to get your license. Maryland allows applicants to take the cosmetology board exams in the English language only. If you take the practical and written theory exams together the cost is $80, but if they're taken separately they're $50 each. Licensing exams are administered through PSI in Maryland.
With your license, you can begin working in your beauty specialty of choice, as long as you work in an approved salon or beauty shop. For specific questions, please contact the MD Board of Cosmetology directly for more information.
Find Maryland beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the state of Maryland.
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 Maryland Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours / 24 Months Apprenticeship
- SENIOR COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 2 Years Experience as a Cosmetologist + Passing Grade on the Master Cosmetologist Exam
- BARBER LICENSE: 1200 Hours / 2250 Hours Apprenticeship
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours / 12 Months Apprenticeship
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 250 Hours / 8 Months Apprenticeship
- ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Senior Cosmetology License
- PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST LICENSE: Call 847-635-1330
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours for Practitioner OR 500 Hours + 60 College Hours for Therapist
Maryland Cosmetology License Renewal
Maryland requires you to renew your license every two years on the expiration date of your license. The cost to renew your license is $25, or $50 if you are a salon owner. You must also pay a $25 late fee if you renew your license after the expiration date. Currently, Maryland does not require CEUs to renew licenses, but continuing education hours are always recommended to stay current in the industry.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Maryland
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement if the licensee's home state has similar training hour requirements and board exams. Applicants for licensure by endorsement who wish to transfer their cosmetology license to Maryland must provide certification that your license was obtained under the same standards, is in good standing, is current and is eligible for licensure by endorsement. If the training requirements of your home state are less than those of Maryland, you need to make up your training hours and take the licensing exams before you are eligible for a Maryland license.
MD State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
500 N. Calvert Street, Room 201
Baltimore, MD 21202-3651
Phone Number: 410-230-6320
E-mail Address: barbers.cos@maryland.gov
You can contact the board if you have additional questions about obtaining a Maryland state cosmetology license.