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Kentucky cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($100), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
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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 + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$25
Initial license fee
Exam Fee
$75
Covers both written and practical exams. Retake fee is $32.
License Fee
$25
Initial cosmetologist license fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000-$18,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$20
Every Annual renewal; expiration date of 7/31 confirmed
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
Annual renewal; expiration date of 7/31 confirmed
Renewal Fee
$20
Be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED
Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school
Apply for the exam through the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (online or paper application)
Pay the $75 exam fee
Pass both the written and practical exams with a composite score of 70% or higher
Pay the $25 initial license fee
Begin mandatory 6-month apprenticeship in a licensed salon (minimum 20 hours/week)
Complete the apprenticeship to obtain full licensure
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
12th Grade Education or 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
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (licensed)
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Kentucky requires a mandatory 6-month apprenticeship AFTER completing school and passing exams. The apprentice must work a minimum of 20 hours per week for 6 consecutive months in a licensed salon under supervision. Apprentice licenses cannot be held for more than 18 months without an extension.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a licensed cosmetology school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Kentucky or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Kentucky.
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Cosmetologists in Kentucky are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, basic skin care, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and related beauty services. The scope has been broadened to potentially include additional services under recent proposals.
Kentucky Cosmetology Written Exam
Written and practical exam combined under one $75 fee. A composite score of 70% or higher is required. Retake fee is $32.
Kentucky Cosmetology Practical Exam
Practical exam included in the $75 exam fee. Composite passing score of 70% required across both written and practical.
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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 Initial license fee | |
Exam Fee Covers both written and practical exams. Retake fee is $32. | |
License Fee Initial cosmetologist license fee | |
Total Government Fees Exam ($75) + Initial license ($25). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$18,000
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
1 year (expires July 31 annually)
Renewal Cycle
Annual renewal; expiration date of 7/31 confirmed
Renewal Fee
$20
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50 (restoration fee)
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Kentucky requires out-of-state licensees to apply for endorsement ($100 fee) and pass both Kentucky's written and practical exams regardless of prior experience. This is one of the more restrictive endorsement policies.
Additional Requirements: Must pass both Kentucky written and practical exams; $100 endorsement fee; $120 out-of-state exam fee ($60 retake)
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
Kentucky is one of the very few states requiring a mandatory 6-month post-school apprenticeship before full licensure. Apprentices earn income during this period but must work under supervision. The state also has annual renewal (not biennial) and requires out-of-state applicants to pass both KY exams regardless of experience.
Kentucky has a MANDATORY 6-month apprenticeship after completing school and exams, which is unusual. Apprentices must work minimum 20 hours/week for 6 consecutive months.
Kentucky uses annual renewal (by July 31), which is more frequent than most states' biennial cycle.
License expires immediately if renewal deadline is missed; restoration requires past-due fees plus $50.
Apprentice licenses cannot be held for more than 18 months without a board extension.
Out-of-state endorsement requires passing both KY exams regardless of experience.
Kentucky offers a dual Cosmetologist/Esthetician license ($100 initial, $70 renewal).
Kentucky has proposed expanding scope of practice and increasing fees.
Cosmetologist Schools in Kentucky
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to Kentucky? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Kentucky →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Kentucky to: Illinois → | Indiana → | Missouri → | Ohio → | Tennessee → | Virginia → | West Virginia →