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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
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 Oklahoma Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$35
Exam registration fee (payable by cashier's check or money order)
Exam Fee
$35.00
Registration fee covers exam registration with the board; additional PSI testing fees may apply separately
License Fee
$80
Individual cosmetology license fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$80
Every 2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Fee
$80
Complete 1,000 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school OR 2,250 hours of apprenticeship
Submit exam registration form with $35 fee (cashier's check or money order) within 10 days of course completion
Pass the NIC Theory Exam (110 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing) through PSI
Pass the NIC Practical Exam (75% passing) through PSI
Pay the $80 individual license fee
Receive your Oklahoma Cosmetology Operator License
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED (or 10th grade completion for some pathways)
Residency
No residency requirement
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
Effective July 1, 2025, Oklahoma offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,250 hours (reduced from 3,000 hours under HB 2141). Apprenticeship must be completed under a licensed instructor in an approved establishment.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a board-approved school or through apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Oklahoma.
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Cosmetologists in Oklahoma are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, skin care, facials, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and related beauty services.
NIC Theory Exam
NIC theory exam with 110 multiple-choice questions and 90-minute time limit. Registration fee of $35 must be submitted within 10 days of course completion. Minimum 75% passing score.
NIC Practical Exam
NIC practical exam. Both theory and practical must be passed with 75% or higher.
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: 36/100
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.
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NIC Theory Exam
Questions
110 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
75%
Administered By
PSI
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $35Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NIC Theory Exam.
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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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam registration fee (payable by cashier's check or money order) | |
Exam Fee Registration fee covers exam registration with the board; additional PSI testing fees may apply separately | |
License Fee Individual cosmetology license fee | |
Total Government Fees Exam registration ($35) + License ($80). Excludes education costs and any additional PSI testing fees. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
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
2 years (transitioning to biennial as of November 1, 2025)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$10.00
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Oklahoma accepts out-of-state licenses through endorsement. Applicants must provide proof of current licensure from another state.
Additional Requirements: Proof of current out-of-state license in good standing
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Oklahoma 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
Oklahoma underwent major cosmetology law changes in 2025 under HB 2141, reducing school hours to just 1,000 (one of the lowest in the nation) and apprenticeship hours from 3,000 to 2,250. The state also transitioned from annual to biennial license renewal effective November 2025. The exam registration fee must be paid by cashier's check or money order specifically.
Major changes effective July 1, 2025 under HB 2141: school hours reduced to 1,000 (from previous higher requirement) and apprenticeship hours reduced to 2,250 (from 3,000).
Beginning November 1, 2025, all licenses transition from annual to biennial (every 2 years) renewal.
Exam registration fee must be submitted within 10 days of course completion.
The $35 exam registration fee must be paid by cashier's check or money order (no personal checks).
Late fee of $10 applies if license has been expired for more than 2 months.
Cosmetologist Schools in Oklahoma
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Oklahoma compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oklahoma.
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Oklahoma verified against Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, April 2026.
Moving to Oklahoma? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Oklahoma →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Oklahoma to: Arkansas → | Colorado → | Kansas → | Missouri → | New Mexico → | Texas →