Licensure Requirements for NC applicants

Cosmetologist: 1500 hours in an approved cosmetic art school cosmetologist curriculum and completion of the required performances Passage of the State Board examination 75% or higher Payment of appropriate fees

Apprentice* Cosmetologist: 1200 hours in an approved cosmetic art school apprentice curriculum and completion of the required performances Passage of the State Board examination 70% or higher Payment of appropriate fees

Esthetician: 600 hours in an approved cosmetic art school esthetician curriculum and completion of the required performances Passage of the State Board examination 75% or higher Payment of appropriate fees

Manicurist: 300 hours in an approved cosmetic art school manicurist program and completion of the required performances Passage of the State Board examination 75% or higher Payment of appropriate fees

Natural Hair Care Specialist: 300 hours in an approved cosmetic art school natural hair care program and completion of the required performances Passage of the State Board examination 75% or higher Payment of appropriate fees

Teacher: 800 hours(Cosmetologist), 320 hours(Manicurist) 320 (Natural Hair Care) or 650 hours(Esthetician) in an approved cosmetic art school teacher program or proof of 1 year full-time work in a cosmetic art shop immediately prior to application Passage of the State Board examination 85% or higher Payment of appropriate fees High school diploma or high school graduation equivalency certificate Current license in either cosmetology, manicuring or esthetics

*There are no apprenticeships for manicuring, esthetics or natural hair care.  All apprentices for cosmetology must first graduate from a licensed cosmetic art school.  

NC Graduates

After graduation and passage of the state board exams (see above for score requirements) NC cosmetic art school graduates must file application either online via the Online License Application or by mail via the paper License Application and fees. Licenses will be issued and mailed within 5-10 business days after receipt of completed application and payment.

Fees:
Apprentice 20 overpayments will be returned
Cosmetologist: $49 overpayments will be returned
Esthetician: $20 overpayments will be returned
Manicurist: $20 overpayments will be returned
Natural Hair Care: $20 overpayments will be returned
Teacher:  $20 overpayments will be returned

Temporary Permits

Each graduate is eligible for a temporary permit if the following is complete:
1. Graduation paperwork is submitted to the Board (this is completed by the school)
2. The graduate submits the examination application (within 3 months of the date of graduation).
3. The graduate submits the temporary permit form and $5 fee to the Board office.

All permits are valid for 6 months after the date of graduation. Permits cannot be renewed.

Requirements for out of state applicants

Licensed in another state

Student in another state(graduates)