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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
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 Kentucky Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application 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
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.
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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Kentucky Cosmetology Written Exam
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $75Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Kentucky Cosmetology Written 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 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.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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 →
Compare Kentucky 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
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 →
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Kentucky verified against Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, April 2026.
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 →