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South Carolina cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($162), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
48% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 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
Get your personalized South Carolina Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$30
Two-year license fee
Exam Fee
$132
Written ($66) + Practical ($66) paid to Prov. Contact PSI/Prov for exact current amounts.
License Fee
$30
Initial two-year 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
$52
Every 2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10)
CE Hours Required
12 hours
Per 2 years (biennial, every odd year by march 10) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10)
CE Details
12 contact hours per 2-year cycle; at least 3hr sanitatio...
12 contact hours per 2-year cycle; at least 3hr sanitation/health/safety; max 6hr online
Renewal Fee
$52
Be at least 16 years old with at least 10th grade education
Complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved cosmetology school in South Carolina
Apply to take the NIC exam through the Board of Cosmetology
Pass the NIC Written (Theory) Exam with 75% or higher
Pass the NIC Practical Exam with 75% or higher
Submit your license application with the $30 license fee
Receive your Registered Cosmetologist license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade or equivalent
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 (board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in South Carolina or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in South Carolina.
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Registered cosmetologists in South Carolina are qualified to perform professional cosmetology services including hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, skin care, facials, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and related beauty services.
NIC Written (Theory) Exam
NIC theory exam with 90 minutes allotted. Must pass with 75% or higher. Must be taken within 24 months of completing school hours.
NIC Practical Exam
NIC practical exam lasting 2-3 hours. Must pass with 75% or higher. If applicant fails one or both portions, must complete a new application and pay fees again.
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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 Two-year license fee | |
Exam Fee Written ($66) + Practical ($66) paid to Prov. Contact PSI/Prov for exact current amounts. | |
License Fee Initial two-year license fee | |
Total Government Fees License ($30) + Exam ($132). Exact total depends on current exam provider 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.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires March 10 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10)
Renewal Fee
$52
Continuing Education
12 hours — 12 contact hours per 2-year cycle; at least 3hr sanitation/health/safety; max 6hr online
Late Renewal Fee
$152
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
South Carolina offers endorsement/reciprocity for out-of-state cosmetologists. The endorsement fee is $60 for registered cosmetologists.
Additional Requirements: Active out-of-state license in good standing; equivalent training
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
South Carolina has a uniform expiration date (March 10 of odd-numbered years) for all cosmetology licenses, regardless of when issued. The state also has a 24-month window after completing school hours to take the exam before hours become invalid.
State board exam must be taken within 24 months of completing school hours, or the hours become invalid.
All licenses expire March 10 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when issued.
As of May 5, 2025, the Board issues one wall certificate and one pocket card with initial and renewal licenses.
The 2025-2026 legislative session introduced provisions for portable cosmetology operation permits.
Licensees age 60+ with 15 consecutive years of licensure are exempt from CE requirements.
Cosmetologist Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $162 | 56–93 wks | |
| Georgia | $139 | 56–93 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $138–$148 | 56–93 wks | → |
See how South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to South Carolina →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →