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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
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
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get the Illinois Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$30
License application fee submitted with the application
Exam Fee
$107
Written exam only (no practical exam in Illinois)
License Fee
$30
Included in the application fee
Education / Training Cost
$8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Illinois requires 1,500 hours of training, and program costs vary by institution.
Renewal Fee
$50 (calculated at $25 per year × 2-year cycle)
Every 2 years
CE Hours Required
14 hours
Per 2 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years
CE Details
14 hours of continuing education required per 2-year rene...
14 hours of continuing education required per 2-year renewal cycle. CE courses must be approved by the Board.
Renewal Fee
$50 (calculated at $25 per year × 2-year cycle)
Complete 1,500 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school (or 3,000 hours apprenticeship)
Be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED
Submit online examination application through Continental Testing Services (continentaltesting.net)
Pay the $107 exam fee to Continental Testing Services
Schedule and pass the written examination (110 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing score)
Submit license application and $30 fee to IDFPR through the CORE online portal
Receive your Licensed Cosmetologist license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No residency requirement; endorsement available for out-of-state licensees
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
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Illinois.
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Cosmetology includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, relaxing, shampooing, facials, skin care, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and makeup application for compensation.
Illinois Cosmetology Written Examination
Computerized exam available in English and Spanish. 110 multiple-choice questions covering cosmetology principles, safety regulations, sanitation practices, and state laws. No hands-on practical exam required in Illinois.
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
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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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Illinois Cosmetology Written Examination
Questions
110 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
75%
Administered By
Continental Testing Services
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $107Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Illinois Cosmetology Written Examination.
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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Compare approved cosmetologist courses available in Illinois. Prices and availability verified 2026.
Paul Mitchell Schools
1,500-hour cosmetology program with Paul Mitchell's three-level curriculum meeting Illinois licensing requirements.
1500 hours · Full-time ~11-14 months
Best for: Students wanting strong brand recognition
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License application fee submitted with the application | |
Exam Fee Written exam only (no practical exam in Illinois) | |
License Fee Included in the application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license fee ($30) + exam fee ($107) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Illinois requires 1,500 hours of training, and program costs vary by institution.
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 (expires March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50 (calculated at $25 per year × 2-year cycle)
Continuing Education
14 hours — 14 hours of continuing education required per 2-year renewal cycle. CE courses must be approved by the Board.
Late Renewal Fee
Restoration fee of $50 plus all lapsed renewal fees not to exceed $200
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Endorsement available; fee is $45.
Additional Requirements: Must hold a current, valid license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Illinois 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
Illinois is one of the few states that does not require a hands-on practical exam -- only a computerized written test is needed. The state uses Continental Testing Services rather than PSI or Prometric for exam administration. The 3,000-hour apprenticeship alternative is double the school-based requirement, and Illinois requires one of the higher CE requirements at 14 hours per biennial renewal.
Illinois does not require a hands-on practical exam; only a computerized written exam is required.
The exam is administered by Continental Testing Services (not PSI or Prometric like most states).
IDFPR launched its new CORE online portal on October 30, 2024, for license applications and renewals.
A 3,000-hour apprenticeship is available as an alternative to the 1,500-hour school pathway.
14 hours of CE are required every 2 years for renewal.
Cosmetologist Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Transferring Your License?
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Not sure cosmetologist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Illinois 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 Illinois
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), April 2026.
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Illinois →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →