How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Connecticut (2026)

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/Hairdresser/Hairdresser-Licensure-by-Examination

Hairdresser Licensure by Examination

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.elicense.ct.gov

Applications are only accepted online. Please select this link to apply online.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Ninth grade for the school route; eighth grade for the approved apprenticeship route.

Ninth grade for the school route; eighth grade for the approved apprenticeship route.

successfully completed the ninth grade or (2) if the applicant is an apprentice, (A) successfully completed the eighth grade

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

School route: at least 1,500 hours in an approved program. A Connecticut Department of Labor apprenticeship is an alternative.

School route: at least 1,500 hours in an approved program. A Connecticut Department of Labor apprenticeship is an alternative.

Successful completion of a course of not less than 1,500 hours of study Successful completion of a Connecticut Department of Labor apprenticeship program.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the Prometric licensing examination; scores must be sent directly to the department.

Pass the Prometric licensing examination; scores must be sent directly to the department.

Successful completion of the Prometric Licensing Examination Scores must be submitted directly to this Department.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$100

100

A completed application with photograph and fee of $100.00.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A current hairdresser license from another U.S. jurisdiction based on training and an examination can qualify. If the original license did not require an examination, at least five years of lawful practice with acceptable education and experience may qualify.

A current hairdresser license from another U.S. jurisdiction based on training and an examination can qualify. If the original license did not require an examination, at least five years of lawful practice with acceptable education and experience may qualify.

holds a current hairdresser license at the time of application in any other state, the District of Columbia, or in a commonwealth or territory of the United States issued such license on the basis of successful completion of a program of education and training in hairdressing and cosmetology and successfully completed an examination. If the issuance of the other state license did not require an examination, an applicant who has legally practiced cosmetology for at least five years in a state outside of Connecticut shall be eligible for licensure if the applicant submits evidence of acceptable education and experience.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Connecticut uses the hairdresser/cosmetician license designation.

Connecticut uses the hairdresser/cosmetician license designation.

licensed as a hairdresser/cosmetician.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A license from the Department of Public Health is required to work as a registered hairdresser and cosmetician.

A license from the Department of Public Health is required to work as a registered hairdresser and cosmetician.

No person shall engage in the occupation of registered hairdresser and cosmetician without having obtained a license from the department.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renewal application fee: $100.

Renewal application fee: $100.

Renewal Application Fee: $100.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

All hairdresser and cosmetician licenses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, shall be renewed once every two years

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

All hairdresser and cosmetician licenses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, must be renewed once every two years and must expire in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88.

All hairdresser and cosmetician licenses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, shall be renewed once every two years and shall expire in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88. Applies to: Cosmetologist license

All hairdresser and cosmetician licenses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, shall be renewed once every two years and shall expire in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026