Cosmetologist
Pennsylvania
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology - Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
Official website →1,250 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$212
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,250 hours of training at a PA-licensed cosmetology school (minimum 8 consecutive months) or 2,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship
Obtain Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) from all states lived/worked/trained in during past 5 years
Submit application and $26 fee to the State Board of Cosmetology
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE
Schedule and pass written exam (110 questions, 75% passing score) through Pearson VUE ($186 exam fee)
Schedule and pass practical exam (75% passing score) through Pearson VUE
Receive your cosmetology license (processing typically 2-4 weeks)
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; reciprocity available with most states
Background Check
Applicants must provide a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from the state police or other agency for every state in which they have lived, worked, or completed professional training in the past 5 years. Reports must be dated within 180 days of application submission.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,250 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
Applicants can complete 2,000 hours of training in a Board-approved cosmetology apprentice program as an alternative to school-based training. Apprentice permits are issued for a 21-month period.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedThe practice of cosmetology includes the embellishment, cleanliness, and beautification of the human hair, such as arranging, braiding, dressing, curling, waving, permanent waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, pressing, or similar work thereon and thereabout.
Examination
Written Exam
Pennsylvania Cosmetology Theory/Procedural Examination
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 110
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $186 exam fee
110 multiple-choice questions covering cosmetology theory, safety, and Pennsylvania state law. Scheduled through Pearson VUE after receiving Authorization to Test (ATT).
Practical Exam
Pennsylvania Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $186 exam fee
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills. Must score at least 75% on both written and practical exams.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial cosmetologist application fee | $26 |
Exam Fee Combined written and practical exam fee paid to Pearson VUE | $186 |
License Fee The $26 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($26) + exam fee ($186) | $212 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Pennsylvania requires 1,250 hours, and program costs vary widely. Apprenticeship may be a lower-cost alternative.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (expires January 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$97
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedPennsylvania has reciprocal agreements with most states. Applicants must hold a current, active license and have at least 2 years of licensed work experience.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity is NOT available with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah. Applicants from those states must apply through the standard examination pathway.
Related Licenses in Pennsylvania
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Pennsylvania requires Criminal History Records Checks from every state where the applicant has lived, worked, or trained in the past 5 years, which is more extensive than most states. The state also has specific reciprocity exclusions for 8 states. The combined exam fee of $186 (via Pearson VUE) is one of the highest in the nation.
Pennsylvania requires 1,250 hours of training, which is above the national average.
School training must be completed in not less than 8 consecutive months as a day-time student.
A 2,000-hour apprenticeship alternative is available (21-month permit).
Criminal History Records Checks are required from all states of residence, work, or training in the past 5 years.
Biennial renewal fees were increased beginning with the February 1, 2025 - January 31, 2027 renewal period.
Reciprocity is not available with 8 specific states (CT, CO, FL, HI, NJ, NM, RI, UT).
Sources
Official PA State Board of Cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,250-hour requirement
Accessed 2026-02-24
2,000-hour apprenticeship alternative
Accessed 2026-02-24
Exam scheduling portal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official fee schedule effective July 1, 2024
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Reciprocity application and excluded states
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires 1,250 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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