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West Virginia cosmetology license — 1,800 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($278), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
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
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$25
Application and exam fee
Exam Fee
$228
Exam fee included in the $25 application fee per one source; another source cites a $99 testing fee. Exact current exam fee not confirmed.
License Fee
$25
Initial license fee
Education / Training Cost
$8,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee.
Renewal Fee
$25
Every Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January)
CE Hours Required
4 hours
Per annual (expires december 31, renewal begins in january) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January)
CE Details
4 hours of continuing education each year (annual require...
4 hours of continuing education each year (annual requirement). CE completion is required for renewal approval.
Renewal Fee
$25
Complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school (must reach 300 hours before working with the public)
Submit application with $25 application/exam fee to the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Schedule and pass the NIC written exam and state law exam with 70% or higher
Schedule and pass the NIC practical exam with 70% or higher (approximately 4-5 hours long)
Pay $25 license fee
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Applicants must be judged of 'good moral character'. Background check appears to be required.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Licensed cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person. Students must reach 300 hours before working with the public.
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in West Virginia or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in West Virginia.
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Cosmetologists in West Virginia may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments (perming, relaxing, straightening), nail care (manicuring, pedicuring), skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and waxing. Services are regulated under WV Code Article 30-27.
NIC Written Exam + State Law Exam
NIC written examination plus West Virginia state law exam. A scaled score of 70.00 is required.
NIC Practical Exam
NIC Cosmetologist Practical Examination lasting approximately 4-5 hours. Tests hands-on cosmetology skills.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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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: 44/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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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 and exam fee | |
Exam Fee Exam fee included in the $25 application fee per one source; another source cites a $99 testing fee. Exact current exam fee not confirmed. | |
License Fee Initial license fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($25) + license ($25) + exam fees (varies). Range reflects uncertainty about exam fees. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
1 year (annual, expires December 31)
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
4 hours — 4 hours of continuing education each year (annual requirement). CE completion is required for renewal approval.
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
West Virginia allows license reciprocity for applicants who hold a valid professional license from another U.S. state or country. The state acknowledges actual licensed practice experience in place of mandatory training: a month of professional work = 25 hours, a year = 300 hours. Total practice experience credit may not exceed 50% of the mandatory hours and must be obtained within the past five years.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity fee is $50; practice experience credit capped at 50% of required hours; experience must be within past 5 years
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
West Virginia requires students to complete at least 300 hours of training before they can work with the general public in school settings, which is a specific protective measure. The NIC practical exam in WV is notably long at 4-5 hours. The state's reciprocity formula converts work experience to training hours (1 month = 25 hours) but caps the credit at 50% of the mandatory hours.
Students must complete at least 300 hours before working with the general public in a school setting
License renewal is annual (not biennial), expiring December 31
West Virginia's practical exam is approximately 4-5 hours long, longer than most states
Work experience credit for reciprocity: 1 month = 25 hours, capped at 50% of required hours
The WV Board has considered raising licensing fees
Cosmetologist Schools in West Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how West Virginia compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in West Virginia
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
Accessed 2026-04-03
Accessed 2026-04-03
Moving to West Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to West Virginia →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from West Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | Ohio → | Pennsylvania → | Virginia →