How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Virginia (2026)

School cosmetology curriculum: at least 1,000 clock hours plus the performances required by 18VAC41-20-220 D.

School cosmetology curriculum: at least 1,000 clock hours plus the performances required by 18VAC41-20-220 D.

Cosmetology curricula must be based on a minimum of 1,000 clock hours and must include performances in accordance with 18VAC41-20-220 D.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Examination eligibility routes in Virginia include an approved licensed-school program, a Department of Education-approved public-school program, registered apprenticeship, or training in a Virginia state institution.

Examination eligibility routes in Virginia include an approved licensed-school program, a Department of Education-approved public-school program, registered apprenticeship, or training in a Virginia state institution.

Training in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any person completing one of the following programs is eligible for examination: a. An approved barber, master barber, cosmetology, nail technician, or wax technician training program in a Virginia licensed barber, cosmetology, nail technician, or wax technician school. b. A Virginia public school's barber, master barber, cosmetology, nail technician, or wax technician program approved by the Virginia Department of Education. c. A registered apprenticeship. d. Training as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician in any Virginia state institution.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the board-approved examination administered by the board or independent examiners.

Pass the board-approved examination administered by the board or independent examiners.

The applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has passed the board-approved examination, administered either by the board or by independent examiners.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Applicants whose out-of-state training is not substantially equivalent may provide three years of licensed work experience. At least two years of relevant U.S. Armed Forces experience can also establish examination eligibility.

Applicants whose out-of-state training is not substantially equivalent may provide three years of licensed work experience. At least two years of relevant U.S. Armed Forces experience can also establish examination eligibility.

Applicants who completed a training or apprenticeship program that is not substantially equivalent to Virginia's training must submit documentation acceptable to the board verifying three years of work experience. Applicants should provide their work history demonstrating three years of experience as a licensed barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States on a form provided by the board. 3. Any barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician applicant having a minimum of two years of experience in barbering, master barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing in the United States Armed Forces and having provided documentation satisfactory to the board of that experience is eligible for the respective examination.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Virginia requires individuals engaging in cosmetology to obtain a license under §54.1-703 and meet the board's qualifications.

Virginia requires individuals engaging in cosmetology to obtain a license under §54.1-703 and meet the board's qualifications.

Any individual wishing to engage in barbering, cosmetology, nail care, or waxing must obtain a license in compliance with § 54.1-703 of the Code of Virginia and must meet the following qualifications:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

Board For Barbers And Cosmetology

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo

Cosmetologist - Exam & License Application

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo

Cosmetologist - Exam & License Application Online or PDF

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.

A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Applies to: Cosmetologist license renewal

A license or certificate issued under this chapter expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

An applicant currently licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent training or apprenticeship and written and practical examinations may qualify without another examination, subject to 18VAC41-20-20 A.

An applicant currently licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent training or apprenticeship and written and practical examinations may qualify without another examination, subject to 18VAC41-20-20 A.

Upon proper application to the board, any person currently licensed to practice as a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician or who is a licensed instructor in the respective profession in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States and who has completed a training or apprenticeship program and a written and a practical examination that is substantially equivalent to the training and examinations required by this chapter may be issued a barber, master barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, or wax technician license or the respective instructor certificate without an examination. The applicant must also meet the requirements set forth in 18VAC41-20-20 A.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026