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Vermont cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($275), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Secretary of State — the board is referenced as overseeing Barbers, Cosmetology and Related Fields
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
57% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 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
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$275
Initial license fee that includes examination fees
Exam Fee
$0
Exam fees included in the $275 initial license fee
License Fee
$0
Included in the $275 initial fee
Education / Training Cost
$10,000–$18,000
Average VT cosmetology school cost is ~$14,152. NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$130
Every 2 years (biennial, odd-numbered years by November 30)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, odd-numbered years by November 30)
Renewal Fee
$130
Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school (or 2,000 hours through supervised apprenticeship)
Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
Be approved for testing by the Vermont Board and Prov/PCS
Register with Prov, Inc. for written and practical exams
Pass both the NIC Written Exam and NIC Practical Exam with 75% or better
Submit license application with $275 fee to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state 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 or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Vermont or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Vermont.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in Vermont are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, permanent waving, chemical texturing, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, skin care, and related beauty services.
NIC Theory (Written) Exam — specifically 'Cosmetology Theory (Written) CIB'
Computer-based NIC written exam. Must score 75% or higher to pass.
NIC Practical Exam
Hands-on practical exam demonstrating competency in cosmetology services. Must score 75% or higher.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
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
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license fee that includes examination fees | |
Exam Fee Exam fees included in the $275 initial license fee | |
License Fee Included in the $275 initial fee | |
Total Government Fees All-inclusive initial license fee including exams |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$18,000
Average VT cosmetology school cost is ~$14,152. NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
Up to 2 years (expires November 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, odd-numbered years by November 30)
Renewal Fee
$130
Continuing Education
Not required
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Vermont does not offer automatic reciprocity. Applicants holding a current cosmetology license from another state may apply through endorsement if: (1) their license was earned through substantially equivalent means, (2) they have been actively practicing for at least three years, or (3) they can provide proof of 2,000 documented hours of work completed within one year.
Additional Requirements: Must demonstrate substantially equivalent qualifications or 3+ years of active practice
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
Vermont has one of the highest combined initial licensing costs at $275 (including exams), plus the renewal fee is $130 biennially. Despite higher fees, Vermont has no continuing education requirement and allows a 2,000-hour apprenticeship alternative.
Vermont's initial license fee of $275 is among the highest initial fees nationally, but it includes exam costs.
Vermont's biennial renewal fee of $130 is also relatively high.
Licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years.
Vermont offers an apprenticeship alternative at 2,000 hours (vs. 1,500 school hours).
Cosmetologist Schools in Vermont
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (you) | $275 | 56–93 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $291 | 40–68 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $247 | 56–93 wks | → |
| New York | $70 | 40–68 wks | → |
See how Vermont compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Vermont compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Vermont
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Vermont.
Moving to Vermont? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Vermont →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Vermont to: Massachusetts → | New Hampshire → | New York →