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Virginia cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($314), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (under Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
81% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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 Virginia Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$120
Application fee for cosmetologist practitioner license
Exam Fee
$194.00 ($99 theory + $95 practical)
Written ($99) + Practical ($95), paid to Prov
License Fee
$0
License fee is included in the $120 application fee
Education / Training Cost
$15,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Average Virginia cosmetology school tuition is approximately $15,260-$17,041.
Renewal Fee
$120
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$120
Be at least 16 years old
Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved Virginia cosmetology school, OR complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship
Apply through Prov (provexam.com) to schedule examinations
Pass the written (theory) exam ($99 fee to Prov)
Pass the practical exam ($95 fee to Prov)
Submit completed license application with $120 fee to Virginia DPOR
Disclose any criminal history as required
Receive your Virginia cosmetology license
Steps broadly consistent with official process
exam applications go through Prov at provexam.com
apply online option confirmed on DPOR board page
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
No high school diploma or equivalent explicitly required
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via endorsement
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
3,000 hours required
The cosmetology apprenticeship requires a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience over at least 18 months. Curriculum breakdown: Haircutting and grooming (1,200 hours), Orientation and hygiene (600 hours), Chemical relaxers/perms/coloring/bleaching (800 hours), and Business and Salon Management (400 hours).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified in official sources. Contact the Board for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Virginia or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Virginia.
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Scope revised effective December 1, 2025 to prohibit straight razor shaving, body treatments, and machine facials, as confirmed on curriculum page.
Virginia Cosmetology Written Examination
110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored + 10 unscored pilot items) with 90 minutes allowed. Covers safety and infection control, hair care and chemical services, skin and nail basics, client consultation, and Virginia laws/regulations.
Virginia Cosmetology Practical Examination
Practical demonstration of cosmetology skills. Candidates may reschedule without additional payment if 7 days' notice is given.
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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 Application fee for cosmetologist practitioner license | |
Exam Fee Written ($99) + Practical ($95), paid to Prov | |
License Fee License fee is included in the $120 application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($120) + exam ($194). Exam fees paid separately to Prov. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $15,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Average Virginia cosmetology school tuition is approximately $15,260-$17,041.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires at midnight on the last day of the issuing month)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$120
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$120 (reinstatement fee in addition to the $120 renewal fee, total $240)
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Virginia is among the ten states that have enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Compact; the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission hopes to activate the compact for licensees in early 2026.
Additional Requirements: Endorsement fee of $120. Must submit certification from the licensing state. Applicants must disclose criminal history.
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
Virginia has recently undergone significant regulatory changes. The state reduced cosmetology training hours from 1,500 to 1,000 (one of the lowest in the nation) while simultaneously narrowing the scope of practice to exclude straight razor shaving, body treatments, and machine facials. Virginia is also joining the interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact. No high school diploma or GED is explicitly required for licensure.
Virginia recently reduced cosmetology training hours from 1,500 to 1,000 hours. The new 1,000-hour curriculum is effective, with schools transitioning by December 1, 2025.
Students enrolled prior to September 1, 2024 under the 1,500-hour program must complete training by August 31, 2026.
Effective December 1, 2025, cosmetologists may no longer perform straight razor shaving, body treatments, or machine facials.
Virginia has enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, expected to activate in early 2026.
All fees are nonrefundable and shall not be prorated.
Cosmetologist Schools in Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | $314 | 40–68 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $230 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $100 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Maryland | $104 | 56–93 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $138–$148 | 56–93 wks | → |
See how Virginia compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Virginia compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Virginia
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
Reports on Virginia's reduction from 1,500 to 1,000 hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Virginia →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →