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Ohio cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($90), 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
$40 (Written & Practical combined application fee)
Exam application fee for Written & Practical (or $80 for Written, Practical & Advanced)
Exam Fee
Included in application fee
Exam fees are included in the $40 application
License Fee
$50
Temporary pre-examination work permit ($15 as of January 2, 2025)
Education / Training Cost
$8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Ohio requires 1,500 hours, and program costs vary by school.
Renewal Fee
$65
Every 2 years (expires January 31 of odd-numbered years)
CE Hours Required
8 hours
Per 2 years (expires january 31 of odd-numbered years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires January 31 of odd-numbered years)
CE Details
8 hours total: 1 hour Board Laws & Rules (Board-provided ...
8 hours total: 1 hour Board Laws & Rules (Board-provided only), 2 hours safety/sanitation, 5 hours scope-of-services — consistent with our value
Renewal Fee
$65
Complete 1,500 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school
Be at least 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade
Submit a biometric fingerprint scan for background check
Submit examination application and $40 fee through elicense.ohio.gov
Obtain a temporary work permit ($50) if desired
Receive eligibility email from the Board to schedule exams
Schedule and pass the written examination (70% passing score) through PSI
Schedule and pass the practical examination (70% passing score, ~235 minutes) through PSI
Receive your cosmetology license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply
Background Check
Applicants must submit a biometric fingerprint scan as part of the application process. The Board conducts a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Ohio or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Ohio.
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Cosmetology includes arranging, braiding, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, bleaching, coloring, or similarly treating human hair; giving facials, applying cosmetics, performing manicures and pedicures, and other beauty services.
Ohio Cosmetology Written Examination
Computer-based multiple-choice exam covering cosmetology theory, safety, sanitation, and Ohio regulations.
Ohio Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills including hair cutting, styling, chemical services, and nail services. Approximately 235 minutes in length.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam application fee for Written & Practical (or $80 for Written, Practical & Advanced) | |
Exam Fee Exam fees are included in the $40 application | |
License Fee Temporary pre-examination work permit ($15 as of January 2, 2025) | |
Total Government Fees Exam application ($40) + work permit ($50). Note: fees were restructured effective January 2, 2025. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Ohio requires 1,500 hours, and program costs vary by school.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires January 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires January 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$65
Continuing Education
8 hours — 8 hours total: 1 hour Board Laws & Rules (Board-provided only), 2 hours safety/sanitation, 5 hours scope-of-services — consistent with our value
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Out-of-state licensees must submit an Out of State License Application and request a board certification from the state where they hold a current, active license. License certifications must be mailed directly from the issuing Board.
Additional Requirements: Certifications sent from applicants (rather than directly from the Board) will not be accepted.
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
Ohio requires biometric fingerprint scanning for all cosmetology applicants, which is relatively uncommon. The practical exam is approximately 235 minutes long, making it one of the most extensive in the nation. The Board regulates both cosmetology and barbering under a combined entity, and 1 hour of the 8 CE hours must be provided exclusively by the Board itself.
Ohio requires biometric fingerprint scanning as part of the application process.
Fee structure was significantly restructured effective January 2, 2025.
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board regulates both cosmetology and barbering under one combined board.
The practical exam is approximately 235 minutes (nearly 4 hours), which is one of the longest in the country.
8 hours of CE are required every 2 years, including a mandatory 1 hour of Board-provided laws and rules training.
Renewal fee is $65 (after June 30, 2025, previously $70).
Cosmetologist Schools in Ohio
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Ohio 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 Ohio
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Ohio →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Ohio to: Indiana → | Kentucky → | Michigan → | Pennsylvania → | West Virginia →