Cosmetologist
Kentucky
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
1 year (annual, by July 31)
Renewal Cycle
$100
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (licensed)
Apprenticeship Alternative
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
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Kentucky Cosmetology Written Exam
- Administered by
- Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $75
Written and practical exam combined under one $75 fee. A composite score of 70% or higher is required. Retake fee is $32.
Practical Exam
Kentucky Cosmetology Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- Included in $75 exam fee
Practical exam included in the $75 exam fee. Composite passing score of 70% required across both written and practical.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license fee | $25 |
Exam Fee Covers both written and practical exams. Retake fee is $32. | $75 |
License Fee Initial cosmetologist license fee | $25 |
Total Government Fees Exam ($75) + Initial license ($25). Excludes education costs. | $100 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Kentucky cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
1 year (expires July 31 annually)
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual, by July 31)
Renewal Fee
$20
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50 (restoration fee)
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedKentucky 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)
Related Licenses in Kentucky
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
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.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 hours confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Cosmetologist initial license $25
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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