How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Pennsylvania (2026)

Tenth grade or equivalent; the agency lists an exception for applicants over 35 or veterans.

Tenth grade or equivalent; the agency lists an exception for applicants over 35 or veterans.

Applicant must have completed the tenth grade or its equivalent and must have completed a minimum of 1,250 hours in the cosmetology curriculum at a licensed school of cosmetology OR must have been registered and served as an apprentice for a minimum of 2,000 hours in a licensed cosmetology salon under the supervision of a licensed cosmetology teacher, unless over 35 years of age or a veteran.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

1,250 school hours over at least eight consecutive months as a day student or 15 consecutive months as a night student; alternatively 2,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship.

1,250 school hours over at least eight consecutive months as a day student or 15 consecutive months as a night student; alternatively 2,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship.

(i) Completed a minimum of 1,250 hours of instruction in cosmetology, within a period of not less than 8 consecutive months, as a day-time student in a licensed school of cosmetology. (ii) Completed a minimum of 1,250 hours of instruction in cosmetology, within a period of not less than 15 consecutive months, as a night-time student in a licensed school of cosmetology. (iii) Completed 2,000 hours of training in a Board approved cosmetology apprentice program.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the state theory and procedural examinations.

Pass the state theory and procedural examinations.

An applicant must pass the state theory and procedural examinations as required by the State Board of Cosmetology.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$26

26

$26 application fee

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$93

93

$93 fee to the testing organization

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Cosmetology includes arranging, braiding, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, bleaching and coloring human hair.

Cosmetology includes arranging, braiding, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, bleaching and coloring human hair.

The practice of cosmetology includes the embellishment, cleanliness and beautification of the human hair, such as arranging, braiding, dressing, curling, waving, permanent waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, pressing, or similar work thereon and thereabout.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renewal fee: $97.

Renewal fee: $97.

$97.00 - Biennial renewal of license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology

Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology

State Board of Cosmetology.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/cosmetology/cosmetologist-licensure-snapshot

Cosmetologist Licensure Requirements Snapshot

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/cosmetology/cosmetologist-licensure-snapshot

Apply for or Renew Professional Licensing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Biennial renewal of license

2

Biennial renewal of license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Biennial renewal of license

Biennial renewal of license Applies to: Cosmetologist license renewal

Biennial renewal of license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

No continuing education requirement for licensure.

0

No continuing education requirement for licensure.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Reciprocity applicants submit employment certification showing at least two years of licensed work in the jurisdiction where they hold a current license. Act 41 also provides a portability route.

Reciprocity applicants submit employment certification showing at least two years of licensed work in the jurisdiction where they hold a current license. Act 41 also provides a portability route.

To apply by reciprocity, an applicant must submit an employment certification showing a minimum of two years of licensed work experience in the state, territory or country in which you have a current license. Act 41 allows for portability of out-of-state professional licensees coming to work in Pennsylvania.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026