Cosmetologist
Illinois
Licensed Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$137
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
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
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Applicants may complete 3,000 hours of hands-on training under the guidance of a licensed cosmetologist in a registered salon as an alternative to school-based training.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetology includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, relaxing, shampooing, facials, skin care, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and makeup application for compensation.
Examination
Written Exam
Illinois Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- Continental Testing Services
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $107
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.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License application fee submitted with the application | $30 |
Exam Fee Written exam only (no practical exam in Illinois) | $107 |
License Fee Included in the application fee | $30 |
Total Government Fees Application/license fee ($30) + exam fee ($107) | $137 |
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.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (expires March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
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 (max $200)
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedIllinois offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other jurisdictions. The endorsement fee is $45.
Additional Requirements: Must hold a current, valid license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent requirements.
Related Licenses in Illinois
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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.
Sources
Official IDFPR cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 hours school or 3,000 hours apprenticeship
Accessed 2026-02-24
Training hour confirmation
Accessed 2026-02-24
Exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official fee regulation: $30 for license
Accessed 2026-02-24
Biennial renewal by March 31 of odd years
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Illinois
Illinois requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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