Cosmetology is a regulated occupation which requires a license in all states. If you're moving out-of-state, there are two ways to transfer your license. The first is reciprocity, where one state allows you to work under the license of another state. The second is endorsement, where the new state stamps your license as valid because you have completed an equivalent exam and training hours. While each state has different rules, transferring your license typically means that you don't have to sit the new state's licensing exams. How Reciprocity WorksSome states have a system of reciprocity for cosmetology licensing when one state allows you to work under the license of your home state. So, if you're licensed in Tennessee but want to work in Mississippi, you'd have to check whether the Mississippi licensing board will recognize a Tennessee license.
When states participate in reciprocity, it means they're satisfied that you've completed enough training hours and the exam you took was at least as rigorous as the exam set by the new state's licensing board. Most times, you won't have to do additional work experience or sit another licensing exam before switching your cosmetology license to the new state. How Endorsement WorksSome states, including Colorado and Florida, will license you by endorsement. To qualify, you must hold a current cosmetology license in good standing and, as with reciprocity, the new state must agree that your home state has similar training requirements and board exams.
If you meet these criteria, the new state will stamp or endorse your license to say that you can legally practice in the new state. Endorsement generally permits you to bypass the new state's board examinations. Applying for Reciprocity or EndorsementEvery state is different.
Start by calling the new state's licensing board and asking whether you qualify for reciprocity/endorsement and what the conditions are. For example, you must have been qualified for at least three of the last five years to qualify for reciprocity in California. Georgia's rules are stricter, and the state won't accept transfers from Alabama, California, Washington D.C., Washington, New York or Hawaii.
Here, transfer applications are decided on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you'll fill out an application and provide proof of your licensure and education in your home state. There may be a service fee of, typically, $100 to $250. Other OptionsIf you cannot transfer your license through reciprocity or endorsement, the only option is to sit the new state's full written and practical exams.
You likely can transfer your training hours to the new state, but you must get verification of those hours from your home state's licensing board – you may need to arrange for an affidavit to be sent from one state board to another. If you don't meet the training hours for your specialty, such as a nail license transfer, you must get the additional training hours at an approved school. This all takes time, and it's a good idea to set the wheels in motion before you relocate.
Cosmetology License Transfer To Colorado Airport
Alabama. Complete 1,500 hours of a formal cosmetology program, or 3,000 hours in a 3-year apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. Then, pass a theory and a practical exam.Alaska.
Finish 1,650 hours of a board-approved cosmetology program. Find the list of approved programs. You can also do 2,000 hours of an apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. You must pass an exam to get your license.Arizona. You'll need 1,450 hours of a. Pass both a theory and a practical exam to receive your license.Arkansas. Complete a 1,500-hour formal cosmetology program, and pass a written test to obtain your license. Pass a 1,600-hour or complete an apprenticeship of 3,200 hours plus 220 hours of classroom time.
You must pass a theory and a practical test to get the license.Colorado. Complete an Associate degree of 60 credit hours. Take a practical and a written exam to get your license.Connecticut.
Graduate from a 1,500-hour course of study and pass a written test with a score of 70% or higher.Delaware. Complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology program or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship. Pass the online exam with a 75% or higher.Florida. Finish a course of study that is at least 1,200 hours.
Pass a two-part exam to obtain your cosmetology license.Georgia. Complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology program or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship with at least 18 months of training. Pass the two-part cosmetology exam to receive your license.Hawaii.
Attend a program of at least 1,800 classroom hours or 3,600 hours of an apprenticeship. Pass the closed-book exam to get your license.Idaho.
Complete a program with at least 2,000 hours of classroom time. Pass a written and practical exam with at least a 75%, and you'll be ready to start your career!Illinois. Finish a 1,500-hour cosmetology program and pass the written exam. Check out the.Indiana. The cosmetology license requirements for Indiana include: Graduating from a 1,500-hour course of study and passing the state exam with a 75% or higher.Iowa.
You must complete 2,100 classroom hours of a. Pass the National Interstate Cosmetology exam with a 75% or higher.Kansas. Complete a 1,500-hour course of study, then pass the Kansas Board Exam with a 75% or higher. There are two parts to the exam, both written and practical.Kentucky.
Finish a of at least 1,800 hours. Pass the apprentice practical and written exam. Work for six months under a licensed cosmetologist before taking the cosmetology exam. Take the exam, and you're fully licensed!Louisiana. Get a 1,500-hour course from a under your belt; then you'll have three tests to tackle.
Pass the written and practical National Interstate Cosmetology tests, then get a 75% or higher on the Louisiana State Cosmetology exam, which focuses on state laws relating to your work.Maine. The state of Maine has unique cosmetology license requirements. Maine requires a 1,500-hour cosmetology program, and it needs to take at least nine months to complete. Alternatively, you can do 2,500 hours of an apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. Pass the written and practical portions of the National Interstate Cosmetology exam, and you'll be on your way to starting your career!Maryland.
Complete an approved 1,500-hour program or work at least 20 hours a week for 24 months as a registered apprentice. Then, pass a written and practical exam. Maryland also has a Senior Licensed Cosmetologist distinction, which requires another test after two years of work.Massachusetts.
This state has a two-level system. After completing a course of at least 1,000 hours of instruction, you can get licensed as a Type 2 Operator. This level allows you to work under a licensed cosmetologist. You must pass a written and a practical exam to obtain this certification. To work unsupervised, you must work for two years under a licensed cosmetologist. You don't have to take any more tests, and your supervisor just has to sign an affidavit confirming you worked with them for two years.Michigan. Complete a formal 1,500-hour course of study, or do a two-year apprenticeship that is 1,920 hours long and no more than 40 hours a week.
With this option, the person you study under must have at least three years of experience. When you're done, pass the Michigan Cosmetology Exam with at least a 75% on the practical portion and a 70% on the written part.Minnesota.
A cosmetologist in Minnesota needs a GED or high school diploma. They must complete a 1,550-hour program of study. Pass a General and State written exam after completing the program. Once you have your license, complete four hours of continuing education every three years to keep it.Mississippi. This state requires a 12th-grade education with GED or high-school diploma, plus 1,500 hours of a formal cosmetology program. Pass a theory test and a practical exam, and you're on your way!Missouri.
Get 1,500 hours of training at one of, or complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. Pass a practical exam and a theory test with a 75% or higher to get your license.Montana. Obtain 2,000 hours of training at a board-approved school, then pass a written test and a practical exam.Nebraska. Complete a board-approved, 2,100-hour training program. Pass the National Interstate Cosmetology written exam and an exam that covers Nebraska state laws.
Get 8 hours of continuing education credit every 2 years to keep your license.Nevada. The cosmetology license requirements for Nevada vary.
Finish a 1,800-hour course at a board-approved school, complete 3,600 hours of an apprenticeship under a licensed practitioner, or show proof of four years of experience as a cosmetologist in another state. Either way, you'll have to pass the National Interstate Cosmetology written and practical exams, plus a Nevada state exam. Complete four hours of continuing education in infection control to keep your license.New Hampshire. Complete 1,500 hours of training at a, or 3,000 hours of training over 18 months with a licensed cosmetologist who has at least 2 years of experience. Pass a written and a practical exam and you'll be ready to start your career.New Jersey. Finish a 1,200-hour cosmetology program. After 6 months, you can get a student permit and start working while you're still in school!
Pass a written and a practical exam with a 75% to get your license.New Mexico. Complete a 1,600-hour program at board-approved schools.
Pass the national practical and written exams, plus the state law exam, with a 75% or higher. Graduate from a course of at least 1,000 hours or show proof of 5 years of certified experience as a cosmetologist in another state. Pass the written and practical exams with a 70% or higher to get your license.North Carolina. Complete 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetic art school, then pass the written and practical exams with a 75% or higher. You'll need 8 hours of continuing education credit to renew your license.North Dakota.
Finish a 1,800-hour training course at an approved cosmetology school, then pass the three required exams with a 75% or higher to receive your license. Take a look at their.Ohio. The state of Ohio requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology school.