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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation)
Official website →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 Delaware Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$128
Application fee for cosmetologist by examination
Exam Fee
$225
Theory and practical examinations combined, paid to Prometric
License Fee
$0
Included in application fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$110
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$110
Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours)
Be at least 16 years of age with a 10th grade education
Register through Prometric's SMT Candidate Management System online
Submit official transcripts from your school to Prometric
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) email with login credentials
Pass both the NIC Theory Exam and NIC Practical Exam with 75% or better
Submit application with $128 fee to the Division of Professional Regulation
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
16 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
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Applicants may complete 3,000 apprenticeship hours (typically 18-36 months) as an alternative to 1,500 classroom hours.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Delaware.
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Cosmetologists in Delaware are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical texturing, permanent waving, manicuring, pedicuring, basic facials, skin care, and makeup application.
NIC Theory Exam
NIC theory exam administered by Prometric. Delaware updated to the 2022 NIC exam version as of August 1, 2024. Must score 75% or higher.
NIC Practical Exam
2-3 hour hands-on practical exam including hair services, basic facial, manicure, and polish application. Must score 75% or higher.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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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: 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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NIC Theory Exam
Passing Score
75%
Administered By
Prometric
Cost of failing
Retake fee: Included in $225 total exam feeInvest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NIC Theory Exam.
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.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for cosmetologist by examination | |
Exam Fee Theory and practical examinations combined, paid to Prometric | |
License Fee Included in application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($128) + exam ($225) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
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
Up to 2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$110
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
50% of renewal fee
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Delaware offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Applicants must submit a reciprocity application ($128), provide proof of current license in good standing, and demonstrate equivalent training.
Additional Requirements: Submit reciprocity application with $128 fee and proof of current out-of-state license
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Delaware 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
Delaware has one of the higher total government fee costs ($353) due to the $225 exam fee charged by Prometric. The minimum age is 16 with only 10th grade education required, and the late renewal fee is calculated as 50% of the renewal amount.
Delaware updated to the 2022 NIC exam version as of August 1, 2024.
The application fee ($128) is the same for examination, reciprocity, and reinstatement.
Temporary permits are available for $40.
Apprenticeship registration costs $40.
Cosmetologist Schools in Delaware
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (you) | $353 | 56–93 wks | |
| Maryland | $104 | 56–93 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $232 | 46–78 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $212 | 48–81 wks | → |
See how Delaware 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 Delaware 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.
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Other professional licenses in Delaware
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Delaware verified against Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Division of Professional Regulation), April 2026.
Moving to Delaware? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Delaware →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Delaware to: Maryland → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania →