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Maryland cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($104), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
43% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 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
Get your personalized Maryland Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$25
Application fee for cosmetologist license
Exam Fee
$79
Combined theory + practical exam fee. Individual components are $49 each if taken separately.
License Fee
$0
No separate license issuance fee beyond the $25 application fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Cosmetology programs in Maryland range in cost depending on institution and program length.
Renewal Fee
$25
Every 2 years
CE Hours Required
6 hours
Per 2 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years
CE Details
Effective January 1, 2026, all Maryland cosmetologists mu...
Effective January 1, 2026, all Maryland cosmetologists must complete 6 hours of State Board-approved continuing education to renew their license. Additionally, all applicants for initial licensure and license renewals must complete a one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training.
Renewal Fee
$25
Be at least 17 years old and have completed 9th grade or GED
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an approved school OR complete a 24-month registered apprenticeship in a licensed beauty salon
Complete the one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training (effective January 1, 2026)
Register with PSI Services and schedule both theory and practical exams (800-733-9267 or psiexams.com)
Pass the theory (written) examination
Pass the practical (hands-on) examination
Submit license application and $25 application fee to the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Undergo criminal background check
Receive cosmetology license (approval timeframe 1-30 days)
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 9th grade or GED
Residency
No residency requirement; license may be obtained by examination or reciprocity (endorsement)
Background Check
Applicants must undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. Applicants with certain types of criminal convictions may be ineligible for a cosmetology license. Applicants must disclose any relevant criminal history during the application process.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (approved by the State Board of Education or Maryland Higher Education Commission) or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at an approved cosmetology school or through a registered apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Maryland or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Maryland.
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Practice of cosmetology in the state of Maryland, including hair cutting and styling, chemical hair services (coloring, perming, relaxing), skin care, nail care, sanitation and safety procedures, salon management, and services in compliance with Maryland state laws.
Maryland Cosmetology Theory Examination
Theory (written) exam covering sanitation and safety, hair care, chemical services, skin and nail care, salon management, and Maryland state laws. Administered by PSI Services. Specific question count and time limit not published in available sources.
Maryland Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on practical exam. Candidates must bring a complete cosmetology kit and a mannequin head that meets Maryland's standards. Combined theory + practical exam fee is $79 if taken together.
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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 Application fee for cosmetologist license | |
Exam Fee Combined theory + practical exam fee. Individual components are $49 each if taken separately. | |
License Fee No separate license issuance fee beyond the $25 application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($25) + combined exam fee ($79). No separate license issuance fee. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Cosmetology programs in Maryland range in cost depending on institution and program length.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
6 hours — Effective January 1, 2026, all Maryland cosmetologists must complete 6 hours of State Board-approved continuing education to renew their license. Additionally, all applicants for initial licensure and license renewals must complete a one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training.
Late Renewal Fee
$25
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for applicants with current licenses in good standing from other states. Applicants may need to meet equivalent training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must have a current license in good standing from their home state and may need to provide verification of licensure.
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
Maryland offers a 24-month salon apprenticeship as a full alternative to the 1,500-hour school program, making it one of the more accessible apprenticeship states. The state also has a unique 'Senior Cosmetologist' license. Starting January 2026, Maryland requires both 6 hours of CE and a one-time domestic violence awareness training hour, a newer requirement among cosmetology boards. Maryland's minimum education requirement (9th grade) is lower than most states.
Maryland requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or a 24-month apprenticeship alternative.
Effective January 1, 2026, all licensees must complete 6 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
A one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for all initial licensure and renewal applicants (effective January 1, 2026).
Maryland also offers a 'Senior Cosmetologist' license for more experienced practitioners.
In 2025, Maryland House Bill 1223 authorized the Board to establish a limited license for eyelash extension technicians.
Maryland has one of the lower education requirements (9th grade or GED vs. 10th grade in most states).
It is against the law to practice with an expired license.
Cosmetologist Schools in Maryland
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (you) | $104 | 56–93 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $230 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Delaware | $353 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $212 | 48–81 wks | → |
| Virginia | $314 | 40–68 wks | → |
See how Maryland 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 Maryland
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
Moving to Maryland? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Maryland →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Maryland to: Delaware → | Pennsylvania → | Virginia → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →