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Colorado cosmetology license — 1,800 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($159), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (under DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
62% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 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
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$28
Exam Fee
$131
Written ($62) + Practical ($69) combined
License Fee
Included in application
License fee is bundled with application/endorsement fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Covers tuition, supplies, and student kit at Colorado cosmetology schools.
Renewal Fee
$40
Every 2 years
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$40
Complete 1,800 hours of training at a Colorado state-approved cosmetology school
Register for and pass the NIC Written Exam through PSI (minimum 70% passing score)
Register for and pass the NIC Practical Exam through PSI (minimum 75% passing score)
Submit your license application to the Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure with the $28 application fee
Receive your cosmetologist license from DORA
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
No specific education level mentioned in statute
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Cosmetology school (state-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a state-approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Colorado or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Colorado.
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Cosmetologists in Colorado are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, basic skincare and facials, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, and nail services. Colorado licenses cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, and barbers under separate license categories.
NIC Written Exam
Written theory exam administered at PSI testing centers in Denver (Wheat Ridge), Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo.
NIC Practical Exam
Hands-on practical exam administered at PSI testing centers. Both written and practical exams must be taken in person; no online option available.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
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
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | |
Exam Fee Written ($62) + Practical ($69) combined | |
License Fee License fee is bundled with application/endorsement fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($28) + Written exam ($62) + Practical exam ($69). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Covers tuition, supplies, and student kit at Colorado cosmetology schools.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires April 30 of even-numbered years based on original issuance)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$15
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for active out-of-state license holders whose training meets substantially equivalent requirements. The endorsement fee is $75. A written exam may be required if prior training does not align with Colorado standards.
Additional Requirements: Active out-of-state license in good standing; may need to pass written exam
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
Colorado requires 1,800 hours for a full cosmetology license, which is higher than many states. However, it also offers a separate 1,200-hour Hairstylist license for those who only want to do hair services. No apprenticeship pathway is available.
Colorado also offers separate Hairstylist licenses requiring only 1,200 hours of training.
Cosmetologist licenses expire April 30 of even-numbered years; other license types expire March 31 of even-numbered years.
Colorado has a 60-day grace period after license expiration during which you may continue practicing.
Reinstatement fee for an expired license is $55.
Cosmetologist Schools in Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Colorado compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Colorado
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Colorado →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →