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North Carolina cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($138–$148), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
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52% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 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
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$49
In-state cosmetologist initial license fee; $64 for out-of-state applicants
Exam Fee
$89–$99
Written exam ($10–$20) + practical exam ($79). Varies based on electronic vs. paper registration.
License Fee
Included in $49 application fee (no separate license issuance fee listed)
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. NC requires 1,500 hours and program costs vary widely.
Renewal Fee
$60
Every 3 years
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Per 3 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
3 years
CE Details
8 hours of continuing education per year for 3 years (24 ...
8 hours of continuing education per year for 3 years (24 hours total per renewal cycle). Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE requirements.
Renewal Fee
$60
Complete 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetic art school cosmetologist curriculum (or 1,200 hours for apprentice cosmetologist)
Submit exam application through DL Roope Administrations (online at dlroope.com or by mail)
Schedule and pass the NIC written examination (75% passing score for cosmetologist, 70% for apprentice)
Schedule and pass the NIC practical examination (75% passing score for cosmetologist, 70% for apprentice)
Submit license application and $49 fee to NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Receive a temporary permit ($5) valid for 6 months from date of graduation if desired
Receive your cosmetologist license
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Not explicitly required by statute; most approved schools require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants can apply via reciprocity
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 or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
North Carolina offers an apprentice cosmetologist license requiring 1,200 hours in an approved cosmetic art school apprentice curriculum. The apprentice exam requires a passing score of 70% (vs. 75% for full cosmetologist).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in North Carolina or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in North Carolina.
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Cosmetology includes the act of arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work upon the hair of a person by any means, including the use of hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus, or appliances or by use of cosmetic or chemical preparations or antiseptics. Also includes systematic manipulation of the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet. North Carolina has one of the more progressive scope-of-practice definitions, explicitly permitting dermaplaning and microneedling up to 1mm since a 2022 Board ruling.
NIC Cosmetology Written Examination
Written theory exam based on NIC (National-Interstate Council) standards. Can be taken at approved testing locations including some community colleges. Electronic registration is $10; paper application is $20.
NIC Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on practical examination demonstrating cosmetology skills.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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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 In-state cosmetologist initial license fee; $64 for out-of-state applicants | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($10–$20) + practical exam ($79). Varies based on electronic vs. paper registration. | |
License Fee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license fee ($49) + written exam ($10–$20) + practical exam ($79) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. NC requires 1,500 hours and program costs vary widely.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
3 years; renewal deadline October 1 of the expiration year
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
24 hours — 8 hours of continuing education per year for 3 years (24 hours total per renewal cycle). Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE requirements.
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
North Carolina has cosmetology licensure reciprocity agreements with most states. If approved for reciprocity, applicants do not have to take the state exams. Out-of-state applicants pay a $64 fee (vs. $49 for in-state).
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of current, active license in good standing from the originating state.
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
North Carolina stands out with its 3-year license renewal cycle (most states use 2 years), which also means a higher total CE requirement of 24 hours (8 hours/year x 3 years) over the cycle. The state uses NIC exams administered by DL Roope Administrations rather than PSI or Prometric. NC also has an exemption for experienced cosmetologists (10+ years, age 60+) from continuing education.
North Carolina is one of the few states with a 3-year license renewal cycle (vs. the standard 2 years).
NC uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by DL Roope Administrations.
A temporary permit ($5) is available for 6 months after graduation.
North Carolina also offers a 'Natural Hair Care Specialist' license requiring 300 hours.
NC has a progressive scope of practice allowing dermaplaning and microneedling (up to 1mm) since 2022.
Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60+ are exempt from CE requirements.
The Board has no explicit minimum age requirement in statute.
300 hours; Natural Hair Care licensure is still required — no bills have passed to change this (updated September 2025)
Cosmetologist Schools in North Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Carolina.
Moving to North Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to North Carolina →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from North Carolina to: Georgia → | South Carolina → | Tennessee → | Virginia →