How to Get a Cosmetologist License in North Dakota (2026)

School curriculum: at least 1,500 cosmetology hours.

School curriculum: at least 1,500 cosmetology hours.

Requires training and instruction to be a minimum of: (1) One thousand five hundred hours in cosmetology;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Practical and theoretical examinations in the licensed practices and related subjects required by the board.

Practical and theoretical examinations in the licensed practices and related subjects required by the board.

The examination of applicants for license to practice under this chapter must be conducted under rules adopted by the board and must include practical and theoretical examinations on the practices for which a license is desired and related studies or subjects as the board may determine necessary for the proper and efficient performance of a practice.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A proper license is required before advertising, engaging in or attempting cosmetology practice.

A proper license is required before advertising, engaging in or attempting cosmetology practice.

An individual may not: 1. Advertise, engage in, or attempt to engage in the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, advanced esthetics, or manicuring, or conduct an establishment or school of cosmetology unless having first obtained the proper license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The statute limits the fees that applicants may be charged.

The statute limits the fees that applicants may be charged.

Fees to be paid by applicants as required under this chapter may not exceed the following amounts:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

North Dakota state board of cosmetology

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t43c11.pdf

CHAPTER 43-11

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Cosmetologist, annual renewal

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Cosmetologist, annual renewal

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

One endorsement route permits licensure without examination for qualifying out-of-state licensees with similar scope and substantially similar examination standards, verified education and at least one year of good standing, subject to fee and disciplinary-history conditions.

One endorsement route permits licensure without examination for qualifying out-of-state licensees with similar scope and substantially similar examination standards, verified education and at least one year of good standing, subject to fee and disciplinary-history conditions.

Without an examination if the out-of-state applicant: (1) Is licensed by another jurisdiction with similar scope of work through substantially similar or equivalent licensure standards of examination; the other jurisdiction verifies the out-of-state applicant met minimum education requirements to be licensed in that jurisdiction; the out-of-state applicant has maintained good standing in all jurisdictions in which the person holds a license for at least one year before making application to the North Dakota state board of cosmetology; (2) Has not had a license revoked and has not voluntarily surrendered a license in any other issuing jurisdiction or country while under investigation; Page No. 9 (3) Pays all applicable fees; and (4) Has not had discipline imposed by any other regulating entity in this state or another issuing jurisdiction or country. If another jurisdiction has taken disciplinary action against the applicant

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Every license must be renewed on or before December thirty-first in each year.

Every license must be renewed on or before December thirty-first in each year. Applies to: Cosmetologist license renewal

Every license must be renewed on or before December thirty-first in each year.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Beginning with the 2028 renewal cycle, licensees must complete at least four annual hours of board-approved CE, beginning in the calendar year after initial issuance. The board may specify topics annually by February 15; no more than one hour may be general trade-show attendance.

Beginning with the 2028 renewal cycle, licensees must complete at least four annual hours of board-approved CE, beginning in the calendar year after initial issuance. The board may specify topics annually by February 15; no more than one hour may be general trade-show attendance.

Commencing with the 2028 license renewal cycle, and for all renewal cycles occurring thereafter, each licensee, except otherwise provisioned by rule, shall complete annual continuing education which must commence on the calendar year following the year in which the initial license was issued to ensure knowledge of safety protocols for emerging products and procedures and regulatory changes is maintained. Continuing education includes: a. Hours. Each licensee shall complete at least four hours of board-approved continuing education annually. b. Format. Continuing education may be completed in person, online, or virtually. c. Approval. All continuing education must be from board-approved courses or programs. d. Mandatory topics. The board may annually require specific topics within the four hours. The board shall post mandatory topics, if applicable, on its website by February fifteenth annually. e. Trade shows. A maximum of one hour of continuing education annually is allowed for industry related trade show general attendance.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026