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Oregon cosmetology license — 2,100 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($155), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Oregon Board of Cosmetology, administered through the Oregon Health Authority Health Licensing Office (HLO)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
71% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Oregon Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$30
Application fee per field of practice
Exam Fee
$90
Hair Design exam ($45) + Oregon Laws & Rules exam ($45)
License Fee
$35
Certification fee (valid for 2 years)
Education / Training Cost
$8,000-$20,000
Tuition ranges are estimates and vary by school. Contact individual schools for current pricing.
Renewal Fee
$65
Every 2 years (certification inactive date is last day of the month, two years from date of issuance)
CE Required
Yes
As of July 1, 2025, all practitioners renewing must complete and maintain current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training. BBP training may be completed online or in person and is valid for one year. No other CE hours are required beyond the BBP training.
Renewal Cycle
2 years (certification inactive date is last day of the month, two years from date of issuance)
CE Details
As of July 1, 2025, all practitioners renewing must compl...
As of July 1, 2025, all practitioners renewing must complete and maintain current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training. BBP training may be completed online or in person and is valid for one year. No other CE hours are required beyond the BBP training.
Renewal Fee
$65
Graduate from a Board-approved Oregon cosmetology school (Hair Design: 1,110 hours + 455 practical operations)
Complete 150 hours of Safety/Infection Control and 100 hours of Career Development (required for all fields)
Submit application with $30 application fee
Pass the Hair Design Written Examination ($45)
Pass the Oregon Laws and Rules Written Examination ($45)
Pay the $35 certification fee
Receive your Hair Design Practitioner Certificate (valid for 2 years)
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Must graduate from a Board-approved Oregon school
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
2,100 hours
Board-approved Oregon cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; must graduate from a Board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Oregon or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Oregon.
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Confirmed: Oregon does not offer an umbrella cosmetology certification (stated explicitly on the page). Hair design curriculum covers hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, and related services. Natural hair care authorization is consistent with Oregon law.
Hair Design field of practice written examination + Oregon Laws and Rules written examination
Two written exams required: (1) Hair Design field exam ($45) and (2) Oregon Laws and Rules exam ($45). Both must be passed within 2 years of application date.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 49/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
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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 Application fee per field of practice | |
Exam Fee Hair Design exam ($45) + Oregon Laws & Rules exam ($45) | |
License Fee Certification fee (valid for 2 years) | |
Total Government Fees Application ($30) + Hair Design exam ($45) + Laws & Rules exam ($45) + Certification ($35). Excludes education costs. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000-$20,000
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.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (certification inactive date is last day of the month, two years from date of issuance)
Renewal Fee
$65
Continuing Education
Required — As of July 1, 2025, all practitioners renewing must complete and maintain current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training. BBP training may be completed online or in person and is valid for one year. No other CE hours are required beyond the BBP training.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Oregon offers certification by reciprocity for out-of-state practitioners. Applicants must provide proof of licensure in another state and pass all relevant Oregon written examinations (field-specific + Laws & Rules). Reciprocity certification costs $65 (valid for 2 years).
Additional Requirements: Proof of out-of-state licensure; must pass Oregon written exams
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
Oregon is one of the few states without an umbrella 'cosmetology' license. Instead, practitioners must obtain separate certifications for each field (Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, Nail Technology). Oregon also calls these 'certifications' rather than 'licenses' and the Hair Design program is only 1,110 hours (lower than the typical 1,500 in most states). The state also has one of the lowest esthetics hour requirements in the country at 250 hours.
Oregon does NOT have an umbrella 'cosmetology' license. Instead, it offers separate certifications for Hair Design (1,110 hrs), Barbering (1,100 hrs), Esthetics (250 hrs), and Nail Technology (350 hrs).
Oregon calls these 'certifications' rather than 'licenses'.
The Board is under the Oregon Health Authority's Health Licensing Office, not a standalone board.
All students must complete 150 hours of Safety/Infection Control and 100 hours of Career Development regardless of field.
As of July 1, 2025, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training is required for all renewals.
Oregon's esthetics program is only 250 hours, the lowest in the nation.
Written exams must be passed within 2 years of application date.
Certifications are transferable between work locations.
Cosmetologist Schools in Oregon
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (you) | $155 | 43–74 wks | |
| California | $125 | 40–68 wks | → |
| Idaho | $308 | 73–118 wks | → |
| Nevada | $195 | 60–98 wks | → |
| Washington | $329 | 60–98 wks | → |
See how Oregon compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Other professional licenses in Oregon
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oregon.
Moving to Oregon? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Oregon →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Oregon to: California → | Idaho → | Nevada → | Washington →