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Connecticut cosmetology license — 1 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($165), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) - Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmeticians
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
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$100.00
Application/license fee submitted to CT DPH
Exam Fee
$65
Written exam fee paid to Prometric
License Fee
$100.00 (included in the application fee — no separate license issuance fee listed)
Combined application/license fee
Education / Training Cost
$8,000-$20,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$100.00
Every 2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Fee
$100.00
Complete at least 9th grade education or GED equivalent
Complete 1,500 hours of training at a CT State Board-approved cosmetology school
Schedule and pass the written exam through Prometric ($65 exam fee, 100 questions, 2 hours)
Submit your license application to CT DPH with the $100 application fee
Application can be submitted online or by mail to CT DPH at 410 Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134
Processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks after complete documentation submission
Receive your Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
Successfully completed at least the 9th grade or its equivalent
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 hours
Cosmetology school (Connecticut State Board-approved or State Board of Education-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; must complete training at an approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Connecticut or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Connecticut.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Licensed hairdressers and cosmeticians in Connecticut can provide hair services (cutting, coloring, styling, perming, chemical treatments), basic skincare, facials, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, and natural hair braiding.
Connecticut Cosmetology Written Exam
100 multiple-choice questions with 2 hours to complete. Administered through Prometric testing centers. Connecticut only requires a written theory exam; no practical skills exam is required.
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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
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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 Application/license fee submitted to CT DPH | |
Exam Fee Written exam fee paid to Prometric | |
License Fee Combined application/license fee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($100) + Exam ($65). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000-$20,000
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
2 years (biennial); expiration by birth month confirmed by third-party sources but not explicitly stated on the DPH page fetched
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Fee
$100.00
Continuing Education
Not required
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Connecticut offers licensure for out-of-state applicants who hold an active license based on completion of a training program (1,500+ hours) and passing a licensing exam, in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions. Application fee is $100. Those without an exam-based license may qualify with 5+ years of documented work experience.
Additional Requirements: Active out-of-state license with equivalent training (1,500+ hours) and exam passage; $100 application fee
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
Connecticut is one of the few states that does NOT require a practical exam for cosmetology licensure - only a written theory exam is needed. The state also uses the unique title 'Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician' instead of the more common 'Cosmetologist'. Connecticut's minimum education requirement is only 9th grade, which is lower than most states.
Connecticut uses the title 'Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician' rather than 'Cosmetologist'.
Connecticut does NOT require a practical skills exam - only a written theory exam is required.
Connecticut requires only 9th grade education (lower than most states that require 10th grade or GED).
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
The examining board is under the CT Department of Public Health, not a standalone board.
Out-of-state applicants without exam-based licenses can qualify with 5+ years of documented work experience.
License expires on the last day of birth month biennially.
Prometric administers the exam (not PSI or NIC).
Cosmetologist Schools in Connecticut
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $165 | 56–93 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $291 | 40–68 wks | → |
| New York | $70 | 40–68 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | $100 | 56–93 wks | → |
See how Connecticut 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 Connecticut
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Connecticut →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Connecticut to: Massachusetts → | New York → | Rhode Island →