Loading...
Loading...
Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get the Arizona Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$0
Arizona does not charge a separate application fee; the exam and license fees cover the application
Exam Fee
$177
Written exam ($100) + practical exam ($77). PCS processing fee.
License Fee
$60
Initial cosmetology license fee paid to the Board (plus $3 service fee)
Education / Training Cost
$15,000–$25,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Tuition for 1,500-hour cosmetology programs in Arizona.
Renewal Fee
$60
Every 2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Fee
$60
Be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school (or qualifying apprenticeship program)
Register for and pass the written (theory) examination through PSI (110 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing score)
Register for and pass the practical examination through PCS using NIC standards
Submit license application through the Board's Licensing Portal at bcb.az.gov
Pay the $60 initial license fee (plus $3 service fee)
Verify lawful U.S. citizenship and submit required documentation
Receive cosmetology license after Board review (may take up to 4 weeks)
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; Arizona offers license reciprocity for professionals with active, good-standing licenses from other states
Background Check
Applicants must disclose felony convictions and certain misdemeanor charges on their application. Per A.R.S. 32-3208, cosmetology license applicants must report criminal charges involving conduct that may affect patient safety or felonies to the Board within 10 working days. The Board reviews criminal history and may deny applications based on criminal records.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,600 hours
Cosmetology school (Board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,200 hours required
Arizona adopted an apprenticeship pathway to licensure via HB2525. Applicants may qualify through a DES-approved or U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship program that includes at least 250 hours of infection protection and law review instruction. However, the full cosmetology apprenticeship pathway is newer and may have limited availability compared to specialty license apprenticeships.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a Board-licensed school or approved apprenticeship program
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Arizona.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Launching soon at $20. Be the first to know — and get an early-access link the moment it's ready.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hair cutting, styling, and braiding (including extensions); chemical texturizing and perming; hair coloring; hair and scalp care; body, scalp, and facial massage and manipulations; fundamental aesthetics of the body and face; manicure and pedicure services; makeup application; waxing and hair removal; infection control and safety procedures.
Arizona Cosmetology Theory Examination (NIC-based)
110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored + 10 unscored pretest items). Computer-based exam administered through PSI. Arizona does not publish a fixed passing percentage; results are issued as Pass or Fail, though a score of 75 is the minimum threshold.
Arizona Cosmetology Practical Examination (NIC-based)
Hands-on skills assessment using NIC standards. Tests ability to complete required cosmetology services safely including proper setup, procedure execution, and cleanup.
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: 39/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — 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
Arizona Cosmetology Theory Examination (NIC-based)
Questions
110 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
75%
Administered By
PSI Exams (using NIC national exam)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $100Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Arizona Cosmetology Theory Examination (NIC-based).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — National Cosmetology Written Examination
Prepare for your National Cosmetology Written Examination with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Arizona does not charge a separate application fee; the exam and license fees cover the application | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($100) + practical exam ($77). PCS processing fee. | |
License Fee Initial cosmetology license fee paid to the Board (plus $3 service fee) | |
Total Government Fees Exam fees ($177) + initial license fee ($60) + service fee ($3). Does not include education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $15,000–$25,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Tuition for 1,500-hour cosmetology programs in Arizona.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Arizona offers license reciprocity for professionals with active, good-standing licenses from other states. The original state's training must be substantially similar to Arizona's standards.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must verify their out-of-state license is active and in good standing. Training from the original state must be substantially similar to Arizona's 1,500-hour requirement.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Arizona with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Arizona adopted a newer apprenticeship pathway to cosmetology licensure via HB2525 that requires at least 250 hours of infection protection and law review instruction through a DES or DOL-approved program. Licenses expire on the licensee's birthday every two years. The state requires verification of lawful U.S. citizenship as part of the application process.
Arizona requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training, which typically takes 9-12 months of full-time study.
Licenses expire every two years on the licensee's birthday.
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
Arizona adopted an apprenticeship pathway to licensure via HB2525, though availability may be limited.
Professional liability insurance is recommended but not legally required.
Licensees may perform services at client locations when sent by a licensed establishment or when serving clients in healthcare facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, or residences of those requiring home care.
Independent salon suites require separate establishment licenses regardless of rental arrangements.
1,500 hours typically takes 9–12 months full-time (per third-party 2026 guide corroborating this figure)
Cosmetologist Schools in Arizona
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona (you) | $240 | 56–93 wks | |
| California | $125 | 40–68 wks | → |
| Colorado | $159 | 66–108 wks | → |
| Nevada | $195 | 60–98 wks | → |
| New Mexico | $250 | 60–98 wks | → |
See how Arizona compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Transferring Your License?
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 Arizona 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 Arizona
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Arizona verified against Arizona Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, April 2026.
Moving to Arizona? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Arizona →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Arizona to: California → | Colorado → | Nevada → | New Mexico → | Utah →