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North Dakota cosmetology license — 1,800 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($170), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
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
$25
Exam Fee
$130
NIC exam fee ($70) + ND laws/statutes exam ($60)
License Fee
$15
Annual license fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$15
Every 1 year (annual)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$15
Complete 1,800 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school
Have a high school diploma or GED
Submit application with $25 fee and $15 license fee to ND Board of Cosmetology
Register for and pass the NIC Written Exam with 75% or better ($70)
Register for and pass the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law test with 75% or better ($60)
Pass the North Dakota State Practical Exam with 75% or better
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,600 hours required
North Dakota does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology. Applicants must complete the full curriculum hours at a licensed school.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in North Dakota or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in North Dakota.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in North Dakota are licensed to perform hair shaping, hair styling, nail services, facials, chemical services (coloring, permanent waving, chemical straightening), and related beauty services.
NIC Written Exam + North Dakota Sanitation and Cosmetology Law Test
Must pass three separate exams: the NIC written exam, the North Dakota State Practical exam, and the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law test. Passing score of 75% required on all exams. Written exams include NIC theory ($70) and ND laws/statutes ($60).
North Dakota State Practical Exam
State-administered practical exam demonstrating competency in cosmetology services.
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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Overall licensing difficulty: 44/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | |
Exam Fee NIC exam fee ($70) + ND laws/statutes exam ($60) | |
License Fee Annual license fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($25) + exam ($130) + license ($15) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
1 year (expires December 31)
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$15
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Out-of-state applicants may apply without examination if their state's licensure requirements at time of licensing were substantially equal to North Dakota's. Must demonstrate the other jurisdiction's requirements were equivalent. 3,000+ hours of work experience may be considered substantially equal to 300 hours of school training. Must have worked in the profession for at least 3 of the past 5 years.
Additional Requirements: Must pass ND Laws, Rules & Regulations test ($60) and pay reciprocity fee ($105) plus license fee
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 Dakota requires 1,800 training hours (higher than most states), has annual renewal at just $15/year (one of the lowest), and requires three separate exams including a dedicated ND sanitation and law test. Apprenticeships are not allowed.
North Dakota requires 1,800 hours of training, which is higher than the typical 1,500 hours in most states.
North Dakota does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology.
Must pass three separate exams: NIC written, ND practical, and ND law/sanitation.
Annual license renewal at $15 per year is among the lowest renewal fees nationally.
The curriculum is broken down into specific subject-hour requirements (e.g., 250 hours hair shaping, 250 hours hair styling, etc.).
Cosmetologist Schools in North Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how North Dakota compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
Official licensing information
Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to North Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to North Dakota →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from North Dakota to: Minnesota → | Montana → | South Dakota →