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New Jersey cosmetology license — 1,200 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($232), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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 New Jersey Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$50
Examination application filing fee
Exam Fee
$92
Written ($39) + Practical ($53), paid to Prometric
License Fee
$90
Initial license fee if applying in the first year of a licensing cycle; $45 if applying in the second year
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. NJ requires 1,200 hours which is shorter than many states.
Renewal Fee
$90
Every 2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$90
Complete 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a board-approved school in New Jersey or equivalent training from another jurisdiction
Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Submit examination application with $50 filing fee to the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Schedule and pass the written (theory) exam through Prometric ($39 fee)
Schedule and pass the practical exam through Prometric ($53 fee)
Pay the initial license fee ($90 in the first year of a licensing cycle, $45 in the second year)
Receive your cosmetology license (processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks)
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via endorsement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,200 hours
Cosmetology school (board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not explicitly permitted; NJ programs emphasize hands-on instruction. Contact the Board for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in New Jersey or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in New Jersey.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Hair cutting, shaping, styling, coloring, highlighting, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, shampooing, conditioning, temporary hair removal, waxing, shaving for men, makeup application, facials, manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and related beauty services.
NJ Cosmetology Written (Theory) Examination
120 questions total: 110 scored questions and 10 unscored experimental items. Must correctly answer approximately 83 of 110 scored questions to pass (75%).
NJ Cosmetology Practical Examination
Consists of ten timed service tasks performed on a mannequin. Must score 75% or higher to pass.
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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: 31/100
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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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Examination application filing fee | |
Exam Fee Written ($39) + Practical ($53), paid to Prometric | |
License Fee Initial license fee if applying in the first year of a licensing cycle; $45 if applying in the second year | |
Total Government Fees Application ($50) + exam ($92) + license ($90). License fee varies based on cycle year. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. NJ requires 1,200 hours which is shorter than many states.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires during even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$90
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$30
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement to applicants who hold a current, valid license from another state or country with equivalent education and training requirements. If education requirements differ, applicants must provide evidence of at least three years of practical experience in a licensed shop.
Additional Requirements: $100 filing/application fee for endorsement plus license fee; 3 years practical experience if training does not meet NJ equivalency
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
New Jersey's 1,200-hour requirement is one of the lower hour requirements in the nation. The state also combines its cosmetology and hairstyling licenses under a single board. License renewal occurs uniformly during even-numbered years regardless of when the license was initially issued.
NJ requires only 1,200 hours of training, which is below the national average of 1,500 hours.
Licenses expire during even-numbered years; initial license fees are prorated depending on the year in the renewal cycle.
No apprenticeship pathway is available in New Jersey.
Fees are non-refundable, including failed exam retakes.
Cosmetologist Schools in New Jersey
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (you) | $232 | 46–78 wks | |
| Connecticut | $165 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Delaware | $353 | 56–93 wks | → |
| New York | $70 | 40–68 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $212 | 48–81 wks | → |
See how New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
Moving to New Jersey? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to New Jersey →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from New Jersey to: Delaware → | New York → | Pennsylvania →