Loading...
Loading...
Alaska cosmetology license — 1 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($450), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Alaska Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$150.00 (Nonrefundable Application Fee)
Non-refundable application fee
Exam Fee
$120
Practical ($60) + written ($60)
License Fee
$180.00 (Initial License Fee)
Initial license fee for hairdresser
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$25,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$160–$180
Every 2-year biennial cycle, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2-year biennial cycle, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years
Renewal Fee
$160–$180
Complete 1,650 hours at a Board-approved hairdressing school (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours)
Be at least 17 years of age with a 10th-grade education
Pass the NIC Written Exam with 75% or better ($60)
Pass the NIC Practical Exam with 75% or better ($60)
Submit hairdresser license application with $150 application fee and $180 license fee
Receive hairdresser license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
10th grade education
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1 hours
Cosmetology/hairdressing school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2 hours required
Applicants may complete 2,000 hours of training in a Board-approved apprenticeship program as an alternative to 1,650 school hours.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Alaska or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Alaska.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
A person licensed as a hairdresser in Alaska may practice hairdressing (including hair cutting, styling, coloring, permanent waving, and chemical services), manicuring, and limited esthetics under the hairdresser license.
NIC Written Exam
NIC written exam. Must score 75% or better to pass.
NIC Practical Exam
NIC practical exam following NIC Practical Exam Standards. Must score 75% or better.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 41/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Non-refundable application fee | |
Exam Fee Practical ($60) + written ($60) | |
License Fee Initial license fee for hairdresser | |
Total Government Fees Application ($150) + exam ($120) + license ($180) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$25,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
Up to 2 years (expires August 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2-year biennial cycle, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years
Renewal Fee
$160–$180
Continuing Education
Not required
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Alaska offers licensure by credentials (endorsement) for professionals licensed in other states. Applicants must demonstrate equivalent training and examination requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of equivalent training and current licensure in another state
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Alaska does not issue a 'cosmetologist' license - the equivalent is called 'Hairdresser' and it includes manicuring and limited esthetics under a single license. Alaska has among the highest total government fees ($450) for initial licensing. The minimum age is 17 with only 10th-grade education required.
Alaska does not use the term 'cosmetologist' - the equivalent license is called 'Hairdresser'.
A hairdresser license in Alaska includes the scope to practice manicuring and limited esthetics.
Alaska has the highest total government fees among the states in this batch ($450).
All licenses expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued.
The Board also oversees tattoo, permanent cosmetic coloring, and body piercing licensing.
Cosmetologist Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $450 | 61–101 wks | |
| Washington | $329 | 60–98 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $292–$365 | 66–108 wks | → |
See how Alaska compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure cosmetologist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Alaska compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Other professional licenses in Alaska
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-03-08
Official licensing information
Accessed 2026-03-08
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Alaska →