Cosmetologist
South Carolina
Registered Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation)
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10)
Renewal Cycle
$162
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
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
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedRegistered 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.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written (Theory) Exam
- Administered by
- Prov (formerly PCS/PSI)
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $66
NIC theory exam with 90 minutes allotted. Must pass with 75% or higher. Must be taken within 24 months of completing school hours.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Prov (formerly PCS/PSI)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $66
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.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Two-year license fee | $30 |
Exam Fee Written ($66) + Practical ($66) paid to Prov. Contact PSI/Prov for exact current amounts. | $132 |
License Fee Initial two-year license fee | $30 |
Total Government Fees License ($30) + Exam ($132). Exact total depends on current exam provider fees. | $162 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. South Carolina cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
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
4 hours — 4 hours of board-approved continuing education required biennially, covering board laws and regulations, client safety, and infection control (sanitation and disinfection). Not required for first-time renewals. Licensees age 60+ with 15+ consecutive years are exempt from CE requirements.
Late Renewal Fee
$152
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedSouth 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
Related Licenses in South Carolina
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
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.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Contact Prov at (801) 733-4455
Accessed 2026-02-24
Two-year license fee of $30 from search results
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in South Carolina
South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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