South Carolina License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
In order to obtain a license in cosmetology or other beauty profession in the state of South Carolina, you must complete the requirements listed below from the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. When getting a South Carolina cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a beauty school and complete the state of South Carolina's required training hours. You can then take the state's cosmetology board exams.
The state of South Carolina does not allow apprenticeship to get your training hours, though barbering allows on-the-job training. South Carolina uses PSI to administer the board exams, and they allow you to take board exams in the English language only.
South Carolina is one of several states that requires all beauty practitioners to complete a set amount of continuing education hours before they can renew their licenses, so you should keep CEUs in mind once you receive your initial license.
Find South Carolina beauty schools that can help you get your cosmetology license in the state of South Carolina listed on our site.
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 South Carolina Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours (12 Months On-The-Job Training)
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 450 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 300 Hours
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 2 Years Work Experience + 45 Hours OR Cosmetology License + 750 Hours Training
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours
South Carolina Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology license renewal in South Carolina happens every 2 years by March 10. Operators are required to get 12 hours of cosmetology continuing education during every 2-year licensure period; the requirement is the same for cosmetology instructors. You must pay a $52 licensure fee to renew your operator license or $82 to renew your instructor license. This jumps to $152 or $182 if you renew late.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in South Carolina
To transfer your cosmetology license to South Carolina, your education and work experience must be equal to or greater than the South Carolina requirements. If South Carolina does not have reciprocity with your state and you are not currently licensed but have your training hours completed, you must take the South Carolina board exams to get licensed.
SC State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
Synergy Business Park - Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone Number: 803-896-4588
Fax Number: 803-896-4484
E-mail Address: boardInfo@llr.sc.gov
For specific questions, please contact the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology directly for more information.