Cosmetologist
Virginia
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (under Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
Official website →1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$314
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe 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
Basic Requirements
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
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,000 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
Scope of Practice
VerifiedArranging, dressing, curling, waving, cutting, shaping, singeing, waxing, tweezing, trimming, bleaching, coloring, relaxing, straightening, or similar work upon human hair, or a wig or hairpiece; hair removal treatments; basic cleansing facial treatments (cleanse, tone, and application of mask or moisturizer); manicuring or pedicuring nails. Does NOT include straight razor shaving, body treatments, or machine facials (effective December 1, 2025).
Examination
Written Exam
Virginia Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- Prov (formerly PSI/Professional Credential Services)
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $99
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.
Practical Exam
Virginia Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- Prov (formerly PSI/Professional Credential Services)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $95
Practical demonstration of cosmetology skills. Candidates may reschedule without additional payment if 7 days' notice is given.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for cosmetologist practitioner license | $120 |
Exam Fee Written ($99) + Practical ($95), paid to Prov | $194 |
License Fee License fee is included in the $120 application fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($120) + exam ($194). Exam fees paid separately to Prov. | $314 |
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.
License & Renewal
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)
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedVirginia offers licensure by endorsement to applicants holding a current, valid license from another jurisdiction with equivalent training requirements. Virginia is also among the states that have enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which will establish license reciprocity among compact member states (expected activation in early 2026).
Additional Requirements: Endorsement fee of $120. Must submit certification from the licensing state. Applicants must disclose criminal history.
Related Licenses in Virginia
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
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.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms 1,000 hours minimum for cosmetology (no change to hours, only topics). Effective December 1, 2025.
Accessed 2026-02-24
Reports on Virginia's reduction from 1,500 to 1,000 hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official apprenticeship standards document
Accessed 2026-02-24
References Prov (provexam.com) as the scheduling portal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Virginia administrative code fee schedule
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official endorsement application
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Virginia
Virginia requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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