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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection)
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
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$65
Exam Fee
$55
Examination fee
License Fee
$110
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$25,000
Varies by school. DC area schools may be higher cost. NOT a government fee.
CE Hours Required
6 hours
Per 2 years (biennial), expiring april 15 of even-numbered years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial), expiring April 15 of even-numbered years
CE Details
Must complete 6 CE credits per 2-year renewal cycle: 2 ho...
Must complete 6 CE credits per 2-year renewal cycle: 2 hours in health/safety/welfare course and 4 hours in general elective courses from a Board-approved CE provider. CE requirement is waived for first-time renewals and owner license renewals.
Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school (or 500 classroom theory hours + 2,000 apprenticeship hours)
Be at least 17 years of age with completion of the 10th grade
Complete a New License Application with $230 total fee (exam $55 + application $65 + license $110)
Submit application and fee to Pearson VUE
Pass the cosmetology theory exam (offered 6 times per year)
After passing theory, be automatically registered for the next practical exam
Pass the cosmetology practical exam
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade
Residency
No DC 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
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
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Cosmetologists in the District of Columbia are licensed to perform hair analysis, hair styling, cutting, coloring, physical and chemical hair processes, facials, skin care, nail services (manicuring and pedicuring), and client consultation. The Board also oversees specialized areas such as braiding, electrolysis, esthetics, and manicuring as separate licenses.
Cosmetology Theory Exam
Theory exam administered by Pearson VUE. Covers safety, hair analysis, styling, physical processes, chemical processes, hygiene, nails, state laws and regulation, and client consultation. Theory exams are offered six times per year: January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Cosmetology Practical Exam
Practical exam scheduled automatically after passing the theory exam. Candidates are registered for the next regularly scheduled practical examination after passing theory.
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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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Cosmetology Theory Exam
Administered By
Pearson VUE
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $55Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Cosmetology 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 | |
Exam Fee Examination fee | |
License Fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($65) + exam ($55) + license ($110) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$25,000
Varies by school. DC area schools may be higher cost. NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Initial License Term
Up to 2 years (expires April 15 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial), expiring April 15 of even-numbered years
Renewal Fee
Varies
Continuing Education
6 hours — Must complete 6 CE credits per 2-year renewal cycle: 2 hours in health/safety/welfare course and 4 hours in general elective courses from a Board-approved CE provider. CE requirement is waived for first-time renewals and owner license renewals.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
DC offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants from jurisdictions with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants must provide a letter of good standing from their licensing jurisdiction. DC also offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who passed an examination acceptable to the Board.
Additional Requirements: Letter of good standing from current jurisdiction; proof of substantially equivalent requirements or acceptable examination
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Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
DC is one of the few jurisdictions in this batch that requires continuing education for license renewal (6 CE credits per 2-year cycle). The theory exam is offered only 6 times per year, and the practical exam is automatically scheduled after passing theory. The apprenticeship program uniquely requires 500 classroom hours to be completed before beginning 2,000 work hours. CE is waived for first-time renewals.
DC is one of the few jurisdictions that requires continuing education (6 CE credits per renewal cycle) for cosmetology license renewal.
Theory exams are offered only 6 times per year (January, March, May, July, September, November).
Practical exams are automatically scheduled after passing the theory exam.
The CE requirement is waived for first-time renewals.
Exam and application process is handled entirely through Pearson VUE (1-877-374-1155).
The apprenticeship path requires completing 500 classroom theory hours before beginning the 2,000-hour work experience.
Cosmetologist Schools in District of Columbia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how District of Columbia compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does District of Columbia compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in District of Columbia
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in District of Columbia verified against Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection), April 2026.
Moving to District of Columbia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to District of Columbia →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from District of Columbia to: Maryland → | Virginia →