New Jersey License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
In the state of New Jersey, all beauty licensing and testing goes through the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. This Board oversees barbering, cosmetology, beauticians, manicurists, instructors, and skin care specialists. The state of New Jersey does not allow apprenticeship as a method of earning your training hours.
After finishing your training, you are required to pass licensing exams administered by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. These exams test your theoretical knowledge and your practical skills. New Jersey allows you to take the board exam in the English and Spanish languages. Testing goes through PSI. Once you pass these exam, you will receive your New Jersey cosmetology license, which permits you to practice in approved beauty settings throughout the state.
Continuing education may be an important part of your ongoing career, even though it is not a legally required part of licensing
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sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
2017 New Jersey Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST & HAIRSTYLING LICENSE: 1200 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 900 Hours
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 300 Hours
- ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
- PERMANENT MAKEUP LICENSE: 100 Hours (Department of Health)
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License for 6+ Months + 6 months of work experience + 500 Hours + 30 Hours Teacher Methodology
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours (Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy)
New Jersey Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology license renewal in New Jersey happens biannually on even-numbered years. The cost to renew a beauty practitioner's license is $60. Cosmetology continuing education is not required for most licenses, although electrology licensees must do 2 CEUs each licensure period. Though continuing education may not be required for some practitioners' licenses, cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry. If licenses are expired more than 7 years, you must take a 250-hour refresher course and you must re-take the exams.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in New Jersey
New Jersey offers cosmetology licensure by endorsement to cosmetologist applicants if they meet the New Jersey requirements for licensure as a cosmetologist and have a license that is valid in another state or country. If you want to work in New Jersey with any other practitioner's license, you must submit an "out-of-state" application and the required documentation from your home state, at which point you must take the New Jersey exams. The application must be requested in writing.
NJ State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
New Jersey Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling
PO Box 45003
Newark, NJ 07101
Phone Number: 973-504-6400
Fax Number: 973-504-6477
New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
PO Box 47032
Newark, NJ 07101
Phone Number: 973-504-6520
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology can help you with updating your name or change of address information, acquiring out-of-state licensing, renewal and other useful forms, as well as answer other questions about obtaining a New Jersey cosmetology license.