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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Governing Authority
New York State Department of State - Division of Licensing Services
Official website →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 New York Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$40
Or $50 with temporary license
Exam Fee
$30
Written exam ($15) + practical exam ($15)
License Fee
Included in application fee
The $40 application fee covers the initial license issuance
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New York cosmetology programs require 1,000 hours and vary significantly in cost, particularly between NYC and upstate schools.
Renewal Fee
$40/4yr
Every 4 years
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$40/4yr
Complete 1,000 hours of approved cosmetology coursework at a licensed school (or qualify via out-of-state education or 5+ years experience)
Complete the mandatory 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness training
Obtain a health certification from a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner (must submit application within 30 days of certification)
Submit application and $40 fee (or $50 with temporary license) to the Department of State
Schedule and pass the written examination ($15)
Schedule and pass the practical examination ($15)
Receive your cosmetology license valid for 4 years
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Not specified beyond completing a 1,000-hour approved course of study; health certification from a physician required
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state education and experience may qualify
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person at a licensed school
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in New York.
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Providing service to the hair, head, face, neck, or scalp of a human being, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, straightening, shampooing, facials, and nail care.
New York Cosmetology Written Examination
Multiple-choice exam covering cosmetology theory, safety, sanitation, technical skills, and state regulations. Available in 13 languages. Passing scores are valid for 5 years.
New York Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on skills demonstration including hair cutting, styling, chemical services, and skincare on mannequins or live models under examiner supervision.
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: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
New York Cosmetology Written Examination
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
150 minutes
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
New York Department of State
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $15Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the New York Cosmetology Written Examination.
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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Compare approved cosmetologist courses available in New York. Prices and availability verified 2026.
Paul Mitchell Schools
1,000-hour cosmetology program with Paul Mitchell's three-level curriculum meeting New York licensing requirements.
1000 hours · Full-time ~7-9 months, part-time ~12-15 months
Best for: Students wanting strong brand recognition
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Or $50 with temporary license | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($15) + practical exam ($15) | |
License Fee The $40 application fee covers the initial license issuance | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($40) + written exam ($15) + practical exam ($15) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New York cosmetology programs require 1,000 hours and vary significantly in cost, particularly between NYC and upstate schools.
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
4 years
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$40/4yr
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$10
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
The Department may waive NYS schooling requirements for applicants with equivalent out-of-state education, documented via certificate, transcript, and current licensure certification. Applicants with 5+ years of equivalent cosmetology experience outside NYS may also qualify. Military spouse waivers are available.
Additional Requirements: Must still pass both written and practical exams. Must submit health certification from a physician. NY has specific reciprocity states: AK, LA, ME, MS, NV, NC, OK, SD, VA
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New York 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
New York stands out with its 4-year license term and no continuing education requirement, making it one of the most hassle-free states for license maintenance. The state also offers the written exam in 13 languages, and its total government fees ($70) are among the lowest in the nation. A health certification from a physician is an unusual requirement not found in most other states.
New York has one of the longest license terms at 4 years, and no continuing education is required for renewal.
A mandatory 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness training is required.
Health certification from a physician is required and must be dated within 30 days of application.
Temporary licenses are available for 6 months ($10) to allow graduates to work while preparing for exams.
Written exam is available in 13 languages.
Passing exam scores are valid for 5 years.
Cosmetologist Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $70 | 40–68 wks | |
| Connecticut | $165 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $291 | 40–68 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $232 | 46–78 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $212 | 48–81 wks | → |
See how New York compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Transferring Your License?
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 New York 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 New York
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in New York verified against New York State Department of State - Division of Licensing Services, April 2026.
Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to New York →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →