Cosmetologist
Utah
Cosmetologist/Barber License Requirements
1,600 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$254
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,600 hours of training at an accredited cosmetology school OR 2,500 hours in an approved apprenticeship program
Register for and pass the NIC Theory Examination through Prov ($96, 70% passing score)
Register for and pass the NIC Practical Examination through Prov ($98, 70% passing score)
Both exams must be passed within one year prior to the date of application
Submit your application to DOPL with the $60 application fee
Receive your Utah Cosmetologist/Barber license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED (or be currently enrolled in high school)
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,600 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,500 hours required
Utah offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,500 hours of training under the direct, one-on-one supervision of a licensed cosmetologist who holds the same license. Supervisor cannot oversee more than two apprentices simultaneously. SB 330 (effective January 1, 2026) modifies and creates new apprenticeship pathways.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at an accredited school or through approved apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedLicensed cosmetologists/barbers in Utah can perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, services for hands, feet, and nails using hands, mechanical or electrical preparations, antiseptics, lotions, and creams, as well as using blades for smoothing, shaving, or removing dead skin. The scope has been broadened to include eyelash and eyebrow technology services.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Theory Examination
- Administered by
- Prov
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $96
NIC Theory Examination administered by Prov. Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Must be passed with a score of 70% or greater within one year prior to the date of application.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Examination
- Administered by
- Prov
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $98
NIC Practical Examination administered by Prov. Available only in English. Must be passed with a score of 70% or greater within one year prior to the date of application.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee DOPL cosmetology application fee | $60 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($96) + Practical exam ($98) paid to Prov | $194 |
License Fee Application fee serves as the initial license fee | $60 |
Total Government Fees Application ($60) + Theory exam ($96) + Practical exam ($98). Excludes education costs. | $254 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Utah cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$52
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedUtah offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists. Applicants must provide proof of current licensure from another state and meet Utah's requirements.
Additional Requirements: Proof of current out-of-state license; may need to pass NIC exams if not previously passed
Related Licenses in Utah
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Utah is unusual in combining the Cosmetologist and Barber license into a single category. The state uses Prov as its exam administrator rather than PSI or Prometric. NIC exam scores must be passed within one year of application (a shorter window than most states). Utah also underwent significant legislative changes with SB 330 (effective Jan 2026) that modifies training requirements and creates new apprenticeship pathways.
Utah combines the Cosmetologist and Barber license into one category (Cosmetologist/Barber).
NIC exams are administered by Prov (not PSI or Prometric).
Theory exam available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Practical exam only in English.
Exam scores must be passed within ONE YEAR prior to application date (shorter window than many states).
Utah also offers separate Master Esthetician license ($68 renewal) which is distinct from basic Esthetician.
SB 330 (effective January 1, 2026) creates new apprenticeship pathways and modifies education requirements.
Under SB 330, apprenticeship supervisors must hold the same license type and can supervise no more than 2 apprentices.
Scope of practice expanded to include eyelash and eyebrow technology services.
Sources
Official state licensing website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Apprenticeship details confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-24
Prov exam scheduling portal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Utah
Utah requires 1,600 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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