Cosmetologist
North Dakota
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,800 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
1 year (annual)
Renewal Cycle
$170
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetologists 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.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written Exam + North Dakota Sanitation and Cosmetology Law Test
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $130
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).
Practical Exam
North Dakota State Practical Exam
- Administered by
- North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in exam fees
State-administered practical exam demonstrating competency in cosmetology services.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Exam Fee NIC exam fee ($70) + ND laws/statutes exam ($60) | $130 |
License Fee Annual license fee | $15 |
Total Government Fees Application ($25) + exam ($130) + license ($15) | $170 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by school. NOT a government fee.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
1 year (expires December 31 annually)
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$15
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedOut-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
Related Licenses in North Dakota
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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.).
Sources
Official ND Board of Cosmetology website
Accessed 2026-02-24
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Find Cosmetology Schools in North Dakota
North Dakota requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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